Semaglutide, the active ingredient inOzempic and Wegovy, has proven to be an effectivetreatment for type 2 diabetes in the UK, and is now recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a treatment for weight loss.1,2 But as with all medications, some people may experience side effects. Here is all you need to know about the side effects of Wegovy: what the mechanisms behind them are, how long they last, and what you can do to relieve them.
How does Wegovy work?
Wegovy contains semaglutide, a medicine that works like the natural GLP-1 hormone in your body. GLP-1 slows how quickly your stomach empties, helping you feel fuller for longer, and also acts on the brain to reduce appetite and hunger.3,4 Together, these effects lower food intake and support weight loss. Because it slows digestion, some people may also experience stomach-related side effects
What are the most common side effects of Wegovy?
If you’re taking any medication for the first time, make a habit of always reading the patient information leaflet that comes with the medication. It lists any potential side effects and warnings so that you can be well-informed before you start taking it.
It's important to note that not everyone will experience Wegovy side effects. Most of the common side effects of Wegovy cause discomfort in the gastrointestinal system, including:5
Nausea
Stomach pain
Dizziness
Gas
Diarrhoea
Headache
Feeling bloated
Stomach flu
Vomiting
Tiredness
Belching
Heartburn
Constipation
Upset stomach
Low blood sugar
Runny nose or sore throat
Some of these side effects may actually be a consequence of the gastrointestinal side effects. For example, headaches can be caused by dehydration which can occur as a result of severe vomiting and diarrhoea.
Rare side effects of Wegovy
Serious side effects with Wegovy are very rare, but it’s good to know what to look out for. A few things to keep in mind:5
Sometimes Wegovy can affect the thyroid (you might notice a lump in your neck or trouble swallowing).
In rare cases, Wegovy may trigger pancreatitis (severe stomach pain with sickness or fever).
People with type 2 diabetes may notice changes in their vision.
If you ever develop sudden swelling in your face or throat, difficulty breathing, bad stomach pain, or changes in your eyesight, get medical help straight away. And remember, if you’re ever unsure or worried, it’s always better to check in with your doctor or call 111 for advice.
How long do the side effects of Wegovy last?
The length of time that people experience side effects varies from person to person. Some people won’t have any side effects and will be able to tolerate the medication straight away. Others might experience side effects from the beginning that go away after a while.
Most of the common side effects of Wegovy are mild and will only last for a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medicine. The side effects are most common during the period when the dose is increased. To ease this period, the first dose of Wegovy will be low, and will then be gradually increased to the optimal dose.
Are there are side effects of mixing Wegovy and alcohol?
There are no strict rules that say you have to avoid alcohol completely, and studies haven’t shown any dangerous interaction between it and semaglutide. But it’s worth knowing that alcohol can sometimes make side effects like nausea, bloating, or indigestion worse, especially in the first few weeks of treatment. Because Wegovy slows down digestion, even small amounts of alcohol may feel stronger than they used to, which can catch people off guard.
Alcohol can also make weight loss harder. Not only do drinks add “empty” calories, but they can lower your willpower and increase cravings, making it trickier to stick to your usual eating habits.
If you have diabetes or take other medicines that affect blood sugar, alcohol may also raise the risk of low blood sugar, especially if you drink on an empty stomach. The safest approach is to drink mindfully, keep it moderate, and listen to your body. If you notice worsening side effects or feel unsure, it’s always a good idea to check in with your clinician for advice tailored to you.
What should I do if I experience side effects from Wegovy?
If you do experience side effects of Wegovy, there are a few things you can do:
Don’t eat too much food: try to only eat as much food as you need to feel full. Over-eating while taking semaglutide increases the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
Ask about changing your dose: if the side effect is affecting the gastrointestinal system, for example, nausea, the increase of your dose can be delayed. This gives the body some extra time to adjust to the medication. Another option is to lower your dose until the symptoms improve.
Drink plenty of water: in case you have diarrhoea or constipation, you should drink plenty of water to avoid getting dehydrated.
Use over-the-counter medication: there are a number of medications that can relieve symptoms of nausea, heartburn, and headache that are available over-the-counter. Ask at your local pharmacy if you’re unsure about which is best for you.
Ask about switching medication: in case you experience side effects that are too bothersome to tolerate, there is the option of asking to switch to a different medication.
If you’re concerned about any side effects, make sure to contact your health practitioner for advice. They'll help guide you on which of the options listed above are the most appropriate for you and your symptoms.
The numan take
If you do experience side effects while on treatment with Wegovy, don’t despair. Follow our advice to guide you on your journey to a better, healthier life.
References
Shi F-H, Li H, Cui M, Zhang Z-L, Gu Z-C, Liu X-Y. Efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Pharmacol [Internet]. 2018;9:576. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.00576
van Bloemendaal L, ten Kulve JS, la Fleur SE, Ijzerman RG, Diamant M. Effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 on appetite and body weight: focus on the CNS. J Endocrinol [Internet]. 2014;221(1):T1–16. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1530/joe-13-0414
Clinical Pharmacist and Copywriter, Master of Pharmacy (MPharm)
Hassan is a specialist clinical pharmacist with a background in digital marketing and business development. He works as a Clinical Copywriter at Numan, leveraging his research and writing abilities to shine a light on the health complications affecting men and women.
