Wegovy, also known as semaglutide, has been making waves as a weight loss medication, offering a promising solution for those struggling with obesity. While it’s shown impressive results, it’s important to be aware of its potential side effects. This blog post will delve into the common side effects of Wegovy and provide tips on how to manage them effectively.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy (Semaglutide) is a weight loss injection used to help manage type 2 diabetes. It’s also approved to help adults with obesity or overweight who have at least one weight-related condition, such as heart disease, stroke, or type 2 diabetes, lose weight.
How Does Wegovy Work?
Wegovy mimics a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone is produced in the intestines and plays a role in regulating appetite, blood sugar, and insulin levels. Here’s a breakdown of how Wegovy works in different parts of your body:
Brain:
- Appetite Suppression: Wegovy helps you feel full for longer by slowing down the emptying of your stomach. This can lead to reduced calorie intake.
- Reward Centers: It may also influence the brain’s reward centres, making you less likely to crave unhealthy foods.
Stomach:
- Delayed Emptying: Wegovy slows down the rate at which food leaves your stomach. This can help you feel full for a longer period.
Heart:
- Reduced Cardiovascular Risk: Studies have shown that Wegovy can help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Pancreas:
- Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Wegovy can help your body’s cells respond better to insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
While these mechanisms are effective for weight loss, it can also lead to certain side effects.
What are the most common side effects of Wegovy?
Important note: Before starting any new medication, it’s crucial to carefully read the patient information leaflet. This document provides essential details about potential side effects and important warnings.
Many of the most common side effects associated with Wegovy affect the gastrointestinal system. These include:
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Bloating
- Gas
- Upset stomach
- Heartburn
Some other common side effects you may experience include:
- Headache
- Fatigue (a feeling of tiredness and lack of energy)
- Dizziness
Some side effects of Wegovy can be indirect consequences of gastrointestinal problems. For example, severe vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, which may in turn cause headaches.
How long do Wegovy side effects last?
The duration of Wegovy side effects varies individually. Some people may not experience any side effects, while others might have temporary discomfort.
Many of them are mild and typically resolve within a few weeks as your body adapts to the medication. These side effects are more likely to occur during dose increases. To minimise discomfort, the initial Wegovy dose is low and gradually adjusted to the optimal level.
What are the worst side effects of Wegovy?
Wegovy is a prescription medication, and like any medication, it has its risks and benefits. It has been shown to be effective in the long term. However, like any medication, it can have potential long-term side effects. It may not be suitable for everyone.
Long-term side effects associated with Wegovy are uncommon and although not everybody gets them:
- Acute Pancreatitis: A rare but serious condition that can cause inflammation of the pancreas. While the risk is low, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms, which include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
- Thyroid Tumours: Studies have shown a slightly increased risk of thyroid tumours in people taking GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy. However, the risk is still considered low.
- Gallbladder Problems
- Kidney Problems
- Severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic reactions, angioedema)
- Hypoglycaemia
- Hair loss
If you experience any of the listed side effects for more than a week, please contact your healthcare professional immediately. During your initial consultation, be sure to discuss your medical history and any concerns you have. This will help your doctor determine the most appropriate weight loss treatment for you.
Who should not take Wegovy?
Wegovy, a medication used for weight loss and type 2 diabetes, is not suitable for everyone. Here are some groups of people who should generally avoid taking Wegovy:
- People with Certain Medical Conditions:
- People with pancreatitis
- People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- People with severe gastrointestinal problems
- People with severe kidney or liver disease
- Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Children: Wegovy is not approved for use in children.
- People with Allergies: If you have a known allergy to semaglutide or any of the other ingredients in Wegovy, you should avoid taking it.
Wegovy side effects with Alcohol
Wegovy, a prescription medication, can interact with alcohol, potentially leading to unpleasant side effects or even serious health issues.
- Increased Risk of Dehydration: Both Wegovy and alcohol can contribute to dehydration. When combined, the risk of dehydration increases significantly, which can lead to symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and headaches.
- Gastrointestinal Distress: Alcohol can exacerbate the gastrointestinal side effects associated with Wegovy, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
- Liver Strain: Both Wegovy and alcohol can put a strain on your liver. Consuming both together can increase the risk of liver damage.
- Reduced Effectiveness of Wegovy: Alcohol can interfere with the way Wegovy works in your body, potentially reducing its effectiveness for weight loss and diabetes management.
If you have any concerns about drinking alcohol while on Wegovy, it’s best to consult with your healthcare professional. They can provide personalised advice based on your individual health situation.
TIP: Remember, the safest approach is to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Wegovy, especially if you’re new to the medication or have a history of alcohol-related problems.
How to Manage Wegovy Side Effects?
- Adjusting Dosage: If you’re experiencing significant side effects, your clinician may recommend adjusting your Wegovy dosage.
- Dietary Changes: Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help alleviate nausea and digestive discomfort.
- Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is important for managing side effects and preventing constipation.
- Over-the-Counter Remedies: For mild nausea or constipation, over-the-counter medications can provide relief.
- Consult Your Healthcare professional: If side effects are severe or persistent, it’s crucial to consult your clinician.
Seek Quick Medical Attention
- Severe Nausea or Vomiting: If you’re unable to keep down food or fluids due to severe nausea or vomiting.
- Pancreatitis Symptoms: Symptoms of pancreatitis include severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice.
- Allergic Reactions: If you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Key Takeaway
While Wegovy can be an effective tool for weight loss, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the potential risks. Discuss your concerns with your healthcare professional to determine if Wegovy is the right choice for you.
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.
Smits, M. M. and Van Raalte, D. H. (2021) “Safety of Semaglutide,” Frontiers in endocrinology, 12. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2021.645563.
Tin, A. (2024) Possible Ozempic side effects, including hair loss, probed by FDA; no link found to suicidal thoughts, CBS News. Available at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ozempic-possible-side-effects-hair-loss-suicidal-thoughts-fda/
Wegovy 0.25 mg, FlexTouch solution for injection in pre-filled pen (no date) Org.uk. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/13799/smpc/print
