Potential side effects of Wegovy and how to manage them
Wegovy is a weight loss medication that can be prescribed to NHS patients who are eligible for referral to a weight management programme, like Oviva. Wegovy injections are generally safe and can be highly effective when combined with broader lifestyle changes relating to diet and exercise. However, there are some potential side effects to be aware of, along with some strategies that can potentially reduce the prevalence and impact of these side effects.
Key Takeaways
- The most common Wegovy side effects are usually relatively mild and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and stomach pain.
- Less common but more serious side effects include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, thyroid cancer and kidney issues, including kidney failure.
- Most side effects naturally ease over time, as your body gets used to the medication.
- If Wegovy side effects are causing significant disruption to your life or if you’re worried about having one of the serious side effects, speak to a doctor as soon as possible.
The most common side effects of Wegovy
Some of the most common Wegovy side effects are gastrointestinal issues, including:
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
Other common side effects that are not gastrointestinal include headaches, fatigue, and low blood glucose if taken with other diabetic medications in people with type 2 diabetes.
Diarrhoea, headaches, constipation, stomach pain, nausea and fatigue affect more than 1 in 10 people taking Wegovy, though they’re usually mild symptoms and typically ease over time.
Gastrointestinal symptoms are most common during the early stages of treatment or after you increase the dose in the early stages of your treatment, whereas some of the other Wegovy side effects, like fatigue and headaches, are slightly less predictable.
Your Wegovy dosage will gradually increase over several weeks until you reach the maintenance dose. This allows your body to get used to the medication and can reduce the chances of experiencing side effects.
Once you reach the maintenance dose, side effects are likely to decrease in severity over time.
What can I do if I’m experiencing these side effects?
For most people, the side effects are mild and will not disrupt your life too much.
If you experience side effects while taking Wegovy, it’s a good idea to write them down. This makes it much easier to track changes over time and identify patterns.
You may be able to treat Wegovy side effects like headaches and diarrhoea using over-the-counter medications, like paracetamol and loperamide (sold under the brand name Imodium). These should be taken occasionally rather than persistently. You should also stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Ease constipation symptoms by eating high-fibre foods like fruit, beans, lentils, nuts, wholewheat breakfast cereals (like Weetabix) and wholewheat pasta.
Nausea and vomiting can sometimes be exacerbated by eating high-fat foods; some people find that eating small meals with bland foods can reduce nausea. You may want to replace sugary soft drinks with water and avoid eating just before bed. Make sure to eat slowly and chewing thoroughly.
If these side effects begin causing disruption to your life, speak to a doctor or call 111 if symptoms become more severe.
How Oviva can help you manage Wegovy side effects
If you’re accepted into the Oviva weight management programme, you can use the free Oviva app to track side effects and symptoms, making it easier to identify patterns and trends.
Oviva’s specialists provide frequent remote support and may be able to offer some practical advice for reducing the severity of side effects or managing some of the symptoms.
We’ll also be able to guide you through gradually increasing your Wegovy dose, starting with a low dose and working up to the maintenance dose over several weeks. This allows your body to adjust to the medication and can reduce side effects.
The less common side effects of Wegovy
Some of the slightly less common Wegovy side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Gallstones and other gallbladder problems
- Hair loss
- Skin reactions around the injection site
- Acid reflux or heartburn
- Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
These symptoms affect fewer than 1 in 10 people but more than 1 in 100 people. For example, hair loss was reported by 3% of people during clinical trials.
Rare side effects
Rare side effects include an increased heart rate and elevated pancreatic enzymes, which may become relevant if you have to do a blood test for any reason while taking Wegovy.
There are some severe side effects, which are very rare, but which require immediate medical attention. These are thyroid tumours, including thyroid cancer, allergic reactions, kidney failure, and pancreatitis. If you have type 2 diabetes, you also need to be aware of the potential to develop diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy).
Seek immediate medical help if you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, like difficulty breathing or swelling of the face. If you have type 2 diabetes, you should also seek help if you experience changes in your vision after taking Wegovy.
Some of the main indicators of pancreatitis are severe abdominal pain, vomiting and fever. If you develop a fever or your abdominal pain or vomiting become severe, seek urgent help.
For Wegovy side effects like cancer and thyroid tumours, you should look out for either swelling or a lump in your neck, as well as a shortage of breath or difficulty swallowing. If you notice any of these or are otherwise worried, speak to a doctor or call 111 and ask for advice.
Are there any side effects of mixing Wegovy and alcohol?
More research is required to understand the relationship between Wegovy and alcohol. Although patients are able to drink alcohol while taking Wegovy, it’s recommended to keep alcohol consumption to a minimum and you should consider avoiding alcohol entirely.
Does Wegovy impact mental health?
The link between Wegovy and mental health conditions is still under investigation. It’s important to be monitored by a healthcare professional when taking this medication.
The leaflet included with Wegovy lists depression and suicidal thoughts as possible side effects. Speak to your doctor if you experience changes in mood or suicidal ideation before taking and while taking Wegovy.
Anxiety, irritability and mood changes are possible symptoms of low blood glucose, which is a risk factor if you take Wegovy and have type 2 diabetes.
A study by researchers at the University of Oxford found that semaglutide (Wegovy) does not negatively impact brain health and is not associated with an increased risk of psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety and dementia.
If you join the Oviva programme, you’ll have access to specialist psychologist support and can log your mood using the smartphone app. This makes it easier to notice changes and patterns in mood or behaviour.
Are there any long-term side effects of taking Wegovy?
Most established Wegovy side effects are short-term and will ease over time. These side effects will also usually cease if you stop using the medication for any reason.
There are a small number of side effects that can become long-term problems. These include thyroid cancer, pancreatitis and inflammation of the gallbladder.
All of these side effects can be regarded as medical emergencies, and you should seek help as soon as possible if you suspect you have any of them. If you develop these issues as a result of taking Wegovy, you’ll be advised to stop taking the medication permanently.
How long can you stay on Wegovy?
Weight loss treatment with Wegovy is currently restricted to a maximum of two years. This timeframe is based on the latest National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance.
How Oviva can help you
Most Wegovy side effects are mild and naturally disappear over time. However, this is one of the reasons why it’s so important to have the support of healthcare specialists while you’re taking a weight loss medication like Wegovy.
Some of the most common side effects include gastrointestinal issues, headaches and fatigue. If you’re taking Wegovy, you should pay attention to your mood and look out for significant, sudden or persistent symptoms that may warrant medical attention. Oviva’s specialists can provide support, and you can also track Wegovy side effects using our free app.
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