Wegovy Side Effects: What You Need to Know

What Is Wegovy & How Is it Used?

Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight management or obesity. It targets the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor. This targeting leads to increased insulin levels in the body, lower blood sugar levels, and decreased appetite. It is used to treat long-term body weight control, and it is self-injected into the skin.

Currently, Wegovy only comes in brand name and is not available as a generic.

Wegovy currently has no off-label uses. An off-label use of a medication is a use that is not FDA-approved. Prescribers can decide to use a medication off-label because, in their professional judgment, they believe it may offer a benefit to someone.³

Common Side Effects of Wegovy

Common side effects of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, are centered around digestive tract discomfort. These side effects include stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, and constipation. Wegovy may also cause headaches, dizziness, and tiredness. These common side effects are relatively mild and limited and may decrease or disappear as the body gets used to Wegovy. If you get serious discomfort with these side effects, you should talk to your prescriber or pharmacist to consider alternative options.³

Common side effects of Wegovy include:*³

• Diarrhea
• Stomach upset
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Decreased appetite
• Heartburn
• Tiredness
• Dizziness
• Headache

*All medications, including Wegovy, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor or pharmacist about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Mild Side Effects of Wegovy

Wegovy may cause additional mild side effects, including injection reactions, rash, redness, itchiness, bumpy skin, hair loss, and mood changes (e.g.) anxiety. Skin reactions may lessen or disappear as your body gets used to Wegovy. Rotating the injection sites to different areas may also prevent some of the skin reactions. Generally, mild side effects don’t need medical intervention, but if these side effects start to become bothersome, it is important to discuss this with your prescriber and pharmacist.³

Mild side effects of Wegovy include:*³

• Anxiety
• Hair loss
• Rash
• Hives or itchy welts on the skin
• Skin rashes (red, inflamed, bumpy as well as dry, itchy or painful)

*All medications, including Wegovy, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Serious Side Effects of Wegovy

Wegovy has rare severe side effects, including low blood sugar, thyroid tumors, and injury to the kidneys, eyes, gallbladder, or pancreas. If you experience any of these severe side effects, you should discontinue Wegovy and contact your prescriber as soon as possible. The FDA has labeled Wegovy with a black box warning that Wegovy should not be used in patients with a personal or family history of thyroid C-cell tumors.³

Serious side effects of Wegovy include:*³

• Extremely low blood sugar
• Thyroid tumors
• Organ injury (kidneys, eyes, gallbladder, or pancreas)

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a common side effect of Wegovy. When the sugar level in your body gets too low, it can cause dizziness, tiredness, irregular heart rhythm, and falling. Frequent hypoglycemia can lead to brain damage. Patients should be cautious of hypoglycemia if taking Wegovy with other medicines, like insulin and metformin. For low blood sugar prevention, the patient should routinely check blood sugar during Wegovy treatment.³

Severe Allergic Reaction

An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to a substance that it perceives as harmful, though it may not be a harmful substance. If you are allergic to Wegovy or any of the inactive ingredients in Wegovy, you may develop symptoms including skin rash, blisters, edema, and shortness of breath.³

Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an emergency, though typically reversible. The symptoms include decreased urination, acute poisoning, rapid decline of mental status, coma, and pulmonary edema (lungs fill up with fluid). The exact mechanism of this side effect remains unclear. AKI can also develop as a result of dehydration and reduced fluid volume due to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.³

Pancreatitis

Though rare, Wegovy can cause pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is the swelling or inflammation of your pancreas. A clear cause-and-effect relationship has not been proven. Researchers believe Wegovy may excessively activate cell growth in the pancreas, increasing pancreas weight, duct blockages, and increasing pressure in the pancreas leading to this swelling. Symptoms of pancreatitis include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms, hospitalization is necessary. High cholesterol and alcohol use may increase your risk of pancreatitis.³

Thyroid C-cell Tumors

Though rare, Wegovy can cause thyroid tumors. Thyroid C-cell tumors are abnormal growths that can develop in a small group of cells called “C-cells” within the thyroid gland. These tumors are relatively rare, accounting for approximately 1-2% of all thyroid cancers. The mechanism of what causes this in patients who take Wegovy is unclear.^3,4

Diabetic Retinopathy

Wegovy may cause diabetic retinopathy in some patients. Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition caused by diabetes. It happens when high levels of sugar in the blood damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina (an important part of the eye that helps you see). Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include eye bleeding and blindness.³

*All medications, including Wegovy, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor and pharmacist about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Side Effects in Children

Wegovy is FDA-approved for children 12 and older for weight management. The dosage for children is the same as for adults. Generally, children and adults share the same side effects when taking Wegovy. Common side effects include gastrointestinal side effects like vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, stomach upset, constipation, fatigue, and headache. Severe side effects for children include C-cell thyroid tumors, low blood sugar, irregular heart rhythm, eye problems, and kidney problems.³

Children may experience side effects of Wegovy such as:*³

• Diarrhea
• Stomach upset
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Hair loss
• Skin reaction
• Anxiety

*All medications, including Wegovy, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor and pharmacist about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Wegovy Side Effects

Common and mild side effects of Wegovy can be managed with over-the-counter medications. Many of these side effects will lessen or disappear within several weeks of taking the medication when your body gets used to Wegovy. The long-term side effects of Wegovy can vary from person to person and may not be fully understood until more extensive research has been conducted. Individuals should communicate with the medical and pharmacy team so they can help maximize effectiveness while minimizing the side effects.

Can Wegovy Cause Long-Term Side Effects?

Wegovy is a relatively new medicine, so the long-term effects of Wegovy are still being studied, and the full extent of its potential side effects may not be fully known. Wegovy’s black box warning alerts the providers and patients of the risk of C-cell thyroid tumors. Monitor for Wegovy’s side effects and keep in close communication with your provider and pharmacists to ensure immediate action is taken for any severe side effects.^3,4

How Long Does It Take for Side Effects of Wegovy to Go Away?

The gastrointestinal side effects (e.g. nausea, diarrhea) of Wegovy tend to improve or resolve within a few weeks after discontinuation. It is essential to note that the timeline can vary. Some people may experience relief from side effects sooner, while others may take longer. For other side effects like pancreatitis and diabetic retinopathy, patients may need hospitalization or surgery to recover fully (e.g. could take months).³

How to Manage Side Effects of Wegovy

Not everyone will experience the same side effects from Wegovy. Most Wegovy side effects are manageable without hospitalization and other treatment. Individuals can manage these side effects by lifestyle and additional monitoring. For example, keeping a balanced diet and fluid intake is a wonderful way to relieve stomach upset, constipation, and low blood sugar.

Adjusting your mealtime is also another way to alleviate stomach upset. Everyone’s response to Wegovy is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It is necessary to work closely with your prescriber and pharmacist to find the best strategies for managing side effects and optimizing treatment plans.³

Fatigue

Several factors can lead to fatigue (e.g. inadequate sleep, no exercise, anxiety). Individuals could relieve fatigue with a healthy lifestyle. Focus on consuming a balanced diet low in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats. Regular exercise and weight management can also have a positive impact on managing body weight.

As a bonus, there are many mental health benefits associated with exercise. Low blood sugar may also contribute to fatigue. Although Wegovy encourages body weight control, it is important to eat enough baseline calories to avoid fatigue. Long-term malnutrition may harm the brain and future metabolism of food in the body.³

Constipation

One way to relieve constipation is with a healthy diet. Individuals should focus on increasing whole foods, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Getting enough fluid intake will also help with constipation. The recommended amount of fiber an individual should get is 20 to 35 grams per day. Fiber supplements like Metamucil or fiber chews are another option to increase fiber to improve bowel movements. If you continue to have constipation issues, please ask your pharmacist for additional over-the-counter options.^1,2,3

Diarrhea

Individuals should avoid certain foods and beverages that can exacerbate diarrhea, such as spicy foods, greasy foods, caffeine, and alcohol. If patients have severe diarrhea, they need to have sufficient fluid intake. Diarrhea increases the risk of dehydration, which may cause acute kidney injury. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist about using over-the-counter medications like loperamide (Imodium) to help control diarrhea.^1,2,3

Stomach Upset

Wegovy can affect the digestive system. To manage it, patients may consider eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than large meals. This can help reduce the strain on the digestive system. A healthy and consistently scheduled diet also helps relieve the discomfort. Relaxation can also help alleviate stomach discomfort if stress and anxiety are contributing to these symptoms. If you continue to have stomach issues, please ask your pharmacist for additional over-the-counter options.^1,2,3

Hypoglycemia

Try to inject your Wegovy at the same time each week to prevent hypoglycemia. There are several ways to manage hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Maintaining a regular eating schedule and including balanced meals and snacks throughout the day is essential. Avoid skipping meals, as this can increase the risk of hypoglycemia. It may be helpful to test blood sugar regularly and record it in a notebook. Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia include fast heartbeat, shaking, sweating, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, confusion, dizziness, and hunger.³

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is one of Wegovy’s severe side effects. Patients should talk with their prescriber and pharmacist before treatment about their current conditions, medical history, and family history of pancreatic function. Factors that increase the risk of pancreatitis include having co-morbid conditions like high cholesterol, alcohol consumption, and obesity.^3,5,6

Headache

Wegovy can trigger headaches in some patients. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen might provide temporary relief from the headaches. Be sure to check with your pharmacist to see if any of the other medications you are taking may contribute to headaches.³

7 Ways to Avoid Wegovy Side Effects

Here are 7 ways to avoid Wegovy side effects:³

1. Rotate injection sites: Rotating injection sites on the body is a good way to avoid injection site reactions.
2. Drink plenty of water: Drinking water can also prevent dehydration caused by vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea side effects.
3. Check blood sugar routinely: Monitoring blood sugar regularly can significantly decrease the risk of low blood sugar
4. Periodic physical examination: Medical checks can monitor and check potential organ injury and thyroid tumors while taking Wegovy.
5. Titration: Titration (slowly increasing your Wegovy dose) helps patients reach the maximum effect of the drug with fewer side effects. It will also give the body time to adjust to Wegovy.
6. Keep open communication with your prescriber and pharmacist: Tell your healthcare providers about your medical and family history before taking Wegovy to avoid possible interactions. Report any discomfort to your prescriber and pharmacist.
7. Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol while taking Wegovy can lead to an increased risk of pancreatitis.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Wegovy Side Effects

Wegovy is an FDA-approved injection to promote weight loss. Don’t hesitate to ask your prescriber and pharmacist any questions you may have regarding the medication. It is also very important to share your entire medical and family history with your providers so they can evaluate the possible contraindications to starting Wegovy.

Questions to ask your care team about Wegovy side effects:

• What should I do to avoid side effects?
• How long will it take for me to adjust to taking Wegovy?
• Am I at risk for more serious side effects if I am already taking other medications?
• What is the best dosage to ensure fewer side effects?
• When should I discontinue Wegovy if I feel uncomfortable?
• What should I eat before the injection to avoid hypoglycemia?
• If I miss one injection, what should I do?
• After discontinuing Wegovy, when will my side effects disappear?
• Can I take both insulin and Wegovy together?