Wegovy (semaglutide) has been making waves in the UK as a potential solution for weight loss and weight management. Its effectiveness in helping individuals achieve significant weight loss has garnered considerable attention. However, as with any medication, safety concerns are always a priority. Let’s delve into the safety profile of Wegovy and address some common questions.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It mimics the action of a naturally occurring hormone that regulates appetite, blood sugar levels, and digestion. By slowing down the emptying of the stomach and reducing appetite, Wegovy can help individuals feel fuller for longer, leading to reduced calorie intake and weight loss.
Wegovy Safety Data
Like all medications, Wegovy has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its safety and effectiveness. It has been approved by UK regulatory authorities following extensive clinical trials.
Discontinuation Rates:
- Overall: 6.8% of Wegovy patients and 3.2% of placebo patients discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions.
- Gastrointestinal: 4.3% of Wegovy patients and 0.7% of placebo patients discontinued due to gastrointestinal issues.
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea were the most common reasons for discontinuation. However, most instances of nausea were mild and transient.
In STEP 4 Trial around 90% of patients in the STEP 4 trial reached the target dose of 2.4 mg by week 20. Adverse reactions were the most common reason for not continuing in the trial.
Wegovy has been shown to be a safe and effective weight-loss medication in the STEP 4 trials. Although some side effects may be experienced, they typically subside with continued use. To optimise your experience, seek guidance from a healthcare professional before starting Wegovy.
Side effects of Wegovy
While Wegovy has generally been well-tolerated, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects:
- Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation are common side effects, especially during the initial stages of treatment. These symptoms often improve over time.
- Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Wegovy has been associated with pancreatitis. If you experience severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever, seek immediate medical attention.
- Thyroid tumours: While extremely rare, thyroid tumours have been reported in animal studies with high doses of semaglutide. However, there is no evidence of an increased risk of thyroid tumours in humans taking Wegovy at recommended doses.
- Hypoglycemia: If you have diabetes and are taking insulin or other diabetes medications, Wegovy may increase your risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It’s essential to monitor your blood sugar levels closely and adjust your diabetes medications as needed.
Don’t let side effects hold you back!
Learn how to manage them and achieve your weight loss goals.
Who Should Avoid Wegovy?
- Individuals with a history of pancreatitis: If you have had pancreatitis in the past, you should avoid Wegovy.
- Individuals with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2): This genetic condition can increase the risk of thyroid tumours, and Wegovy should be avoided in individuals with MEN 2.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Wegovy is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Medication interactions: Wegovy may interact with other medications. Inform your clinician about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs you’re taking.
Factors Affecting Safety
Several factors can influence how safe Wegovy is for you:
- Your individual health: If you have underlying health conditions, your clinician will assess whether Wegovy is suitable.
- How you take it: Following your clinician’s instructions and not exceeding the recommended dosage is crucial.
- Your response to the medication: Some people may experience more side effects than others.
Conclusion
The decision to start Wegovy is a personal one. It’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare professional. They can assess your individual situation and determine if Wegovy is right for you.
Remember, Wegovy is one tool to help you lose weight, it’s still essential to have a combined approach by maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regularly for long-term success.
If you’re considering Wegovy, be sure to do your research and consult with a qualified healthcare professional. By understanding the potential risks and benefits, you can make an informed decision about your weight management journey.
References
Package leaflet: Information for the patient wegovy FlexTouch (2024) Org.uk. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.13799.pdf
Patel, F. et al. (2023) “Acute pancreatitis in a patient taking semaglutide,” Cureus, 15(8). doi: 10.7759/cureus.43773.
Nordisk, N. (2023) Wegovy® efficacy and safety: Impact on weight loss and management.
Smits, M. M. and Van Raalte, D. H. (2021) “Safety of Semaglutide,” Frontiers in endocrinology, 12. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2021.645563.
