Common Side Effects of Wegovy: What To Expect

Wegovy is a medication that helps people lose weight, but like all medications, it can have side effects. Knowing what to expect can help you be prepared and understand how to manage any mild discomfort. Here’s an overview of common side effects of Wegovy and when to seek help.

Key Takeaways

Common Side Effects of Wegovy

When starting Wegovy, mild side effects like nausea, diarrhoea or constipation, and stomach pain may occur as your body adjusts. Reduced appetite is also common since Wegovy is designed to help avoid hunger.

Managing Mild Discomfort

Simple changes, such as eating smaller meals, avoiding rich foods and staying hydrated can help ease common side effects. Most symptoms lessen over time as your body gets used to Wegovy.

When to Seek Medical Help

While rare, serious side effects like severe stomach pain, ongoing vomiting, or allergic reactions require prompt medical attention. Always consult your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about any symptoms.

What are the common side effects of Wegovy?

Many people experience mild side effects when they start taking Wegovy [1]. These can include:

• Nausea: Feeling queasy is common at the beginning as your body adjusts to Wegovy.

• Diarrhoea or constipation: Changes in digestion, like loose or hard stools, can happen.

• Stomach pain: Some people may feel mild pain or discomfort in the stomach area.

• Reduced appetite: Wegovy is meant to reduce hunger, so feeling less interested in food is expected.

Most of these side effects are mild and often lessen over time as your body gets used to the medication.

How long do the side effects of Wegovy last?

Common side effects usually happen when you first start taking Wegovy or after the dose is increased. These symptoms often go away after a few days or weeks. If they persist, your healthcare provider can advise on managing them or adjusting the dose.

When should you talk to a doctor about side effects?

While most common side effects are mild, some require medical attention. You should contact a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Severe stomach pain that doesn’t go away or gets worse.

• Vomiting that lasts a long time and doesn’t stop.

• Allergic reactions, such as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

These are uncommon, but it’s important to check in with a healthcare provider if you’re worried about any symptoms or feel you are experiencing something more serious.

How to manage common side effects

There are simple ways to manage some of Wegovy’s side effects:

• For nausea: Eating smaller meals and avoiding rich, fatty foods can help reduce nausea.

• For stomach pain: Staying hydrated and avoiding large meals can ease discomfort.

• For diarrhoea or constipation: Eating fibre-rich foods and drinking water can help keep digestion regular.

Most side effects can be managed with small changes to diet or habits, making the experience of taking Wegovy easier.

Are there rare but serious side effects of Wegovy?

Wegovy is generally safe when prescribed by a healthcare provider, but rare side effects can happen. These include but aren’t limited to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), thyroid cancer and gallbladder problems. These are uncommon but require immediate medical attention. It also has the potential to interact with other medications.

Understanding the Benefits and Risks of Wegovy for Weight Loss

Considering Wegovy for weight loss? Our guide explains the main benefits and risks to help you make an informed choice. Learn how Wegovy can support weight management, the common side effects to expect, serious warnings to keep in mind, and how it compares to lifestyle changes alone. Whether you’re curious about medication interactions or simply want to know if Wegovy is right for you, this guide covers all the basics.

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
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References

[1] Wegovy® Side Effects | Wegovy® (semaglutide) Injection 2.4 mg