Quick overview of what we’ll cover in this blog post:
- A brief Introduction to Wegovy™
- Most common side effects of Wegovy™
- Tips on how to mitigate common Wegovy™ side effects
- More serious side effects
Whether Wegovy™ has only just piqued your interest, or you’ve already started your first few doses, knowing the potential side effects is likely at the front of your mind. And if you’re already a Wegovy™ pro, you could probably use a tip or two on how to make them less of a pain.
That’s why we’re here to give a rundown on some of the most common side effects of Wegovy™ and how to deal with them, so you can get the most out of each dose.
What Is Wegovy™? A Quick Refresher
Wegovy™ is a semaglutide injection for adults with BMI of 27 or higher that prompts weight loss and encourages healthy weight management over time.
Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor antagonist, works by imitating the glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) hormone, which regulates hunger and insulin secretion. This causes your stomach to intake food and empty slower, which helps you eat less and feel fuller.
For its effects on insulin secretion, semaglutide has historically been prescribed as an antidiabetic medication. But semaglutide has shown positive results for non-diabetic patients as well, and since 2021, it’s been FDA-approved for weight loss in obese or overweight adults and sold under the brand name Wegovy™.
Common Side Effects
Most of the side effects of Wegovy™ are mild, manageable, and frequently go away on their own as your body adjusts to Wegovy™ over time. These symptoms are typical of semaglutide use and usually don’t require medical attention. These may include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Stomach Pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
- Dyspepsia (indigestion)
- Dizziness
- Belching
- Flatulence
- Gastroesophageal reflux (acid reflux disease)
These generally occur within the first few months of use (especially as you escalate your dose) and frequently diminish between two days and two weeks of the initial occurrence.
Keep in mind that minor swelling, rash, and itchiness around the injection site is completely normal and should not be cause for alarm. Like other common side effects, this should subside as you use Wegovy™ more often.
Should you ever experience some of the above symptoms after taking Wegovy™, know that relief is just as common. In fact, you probably have everything you need to combat Wegovy™ side effects already stocked in your pantry.
Mitigating Common Side Effects
For vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea, try eating a low-fat diet of rice, soup, and crackers until you’re feeling better. If you feel nauseous or dizzy, try to eat slower and avoid lying down after eating.
Most gastrointestinal side effects can be abated by taking antacids as needed. For those who can’t take antacids, fiber pills and bicarbonate of soda are the go-to remedies. Drinking chamomile tea and exercising can also help.
For some, green tea and coffee is the perfect way to combat fatigue. If this sounds like you, just be sure not to drink either in excess or on an empty stomach, as this can make you nauseous or even exacerbate other side effects.
If you notice irritation or inflammation around the injection site, don’t worry! This is a natural reaction and nothing a cold compress can’t fix. It shouldn’t be confused for an allergic reaction. To avoid this, try experimenting with different injection sites: your body will let you know which works best.
Should any of these persist or get worse after a few days, even if it’s still relatively mild, seek medical attention.
Other Rare Side Effects and How to Avoid Them
While it’s unlikely, Wegovy™ may also cause some more serious and rare side effects, including:
- Pancreatitis
- Gallstones and other gallbladder problems
- Kidney failure
- Allergic reactions
- Increased heart rate
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
- Hypoglycemia or vision change (in patients with type 2 diabetes)
- Reaction with diabetes medication
The good news is that you are usually most at risk of the above only if you’ve experienced these conditions before. You or your doctor will almost certainly be aware if you have a history with these conditions before you start taking Wegovy™ so you’ll be able to adequately assess the risks and explore other solutions if necessary.
Even so, these side effects are potentially life threatening. If you ever experience any of these serious side effects, even if you’ve never experienced them before, you should stop taking Wegovy™ and seek immediate medical attention.
Symptoms to be concerned with are severe or persistent stomach and back pain, jaundice, fever, or a pounding heart rate that lasts for a few minutes. For those with type 2 diabetes, be aware of any changes in vision: this could indicate low blood sugar or a reaction with your diabetes medication. Should you have a sudden or uncontrollable shift in your mood, let your healthcare provider know, but seek assistance from mental health services in the short term.
Learn more about Wegovy™ and find out if it’s right for you.
Note: The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Unless otherwise noted, all information as presented here is sourced from Wegovy™.com.