Side Effects of Wegovy​ and How to Manage Them

Wegovy (semaglutide) is an FDA-approved, injectable weight-loss medication for people who are obese or overweight with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or heart disease. It is proven to be most effective when taken alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. If you’re considering getting a Wegovy prescription for weight management, you should first learn about all possible side effects of Wegovy, common to serious, that might occur along the way.

Read till the end for our management strategies to keep such issues at bay.  

Understanding Side Effects of Wegovy

To know why these side effects occur, you must first understand its GLP-1 mechanism. Wegovy mimics naturally occurring proteins produced in the intestines, lowering your appetite and cravings. It makes you feel full for longer by slowing down the speed at which your intestines move and empty the food. Many clinical trials have proven its efficacy in causing significant weight loss. For more information you can refer to this Wegovy drug info sheet.

Some people, however, are sensitive to these changes, which can cause them to experience side effects. Most Wegovy side effects are mild and temporary and subside as the body gradually adapts to the medication. To know more about 

What are the Common Side Effects of Wegovy?

Here are some common side effects that might occur with Wegovy medication.  

Gastrointestinal Side Effects 

You may experience gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting as GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Wegovy slow down the speed at which food moves through the digestive tract. This delayed gastric emptying can make some people feel nauseous and bloated.

You can easily manage the discomfort associated with these side effects by:

• Eating small, regular meals – These can be easily digested and reduce the chances of having indigestion, constipation and heartburn. 
• Not lying down right after meals – Walking for a while post meals will keep your digestive system active.
• Taking Anti-nausea medication – If the symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend an anti-nausea medicine to relieve them.

Diarrhea and/or Constipation

Slowing down food in the digestive tract can also cause diarrhea or constipation. To relieve these side effects:

• Add fiber to your diet – Eat high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. 
• Stay hydrated –  Drinking enough water will lubricate your colon and promote regular bowel movements. 
• Avoid caffeinated drinks – If you have diarrhea, avoid caffeinated drinks such as tea or coffee, which dehydrate and overstimulate your digestive system. 

Abdominal Pain & Discomfort

You may also experience abdominal pain when you start Wegovy. It is usually due to delayed emptying of the stomach. Having smaller, more frequent, balanced meals helps soothe the discomfort.

Injection Site Reactions

Wegovy injections are to be administered subcutaneously once weekly into one of the following sites: your upper legs (front of the thighs), lower stomach (2 inches away from your belly button), or upper arm. 

If you develop pain, redness, itching or swelling at the injection site, apply a cold compress. Rotating the injection sites regularly will reduce the risk of hard lumps and reactions such as redness, swelling and bruising.

Other Common Side Effects of Wegovy

Can Wegovy cause headaches?

Headache is a common side effect of many medications. It can also develop with Wegovy use. However, as your body grows used to the medication, it subsides. If your headache persists longer, consult your doctor before using over-the-counter pain relievers.

Is fatigue a side effect of Wegovy?

You may feel fatigued when adjusting to it. Sleep well, consume a balanced diet and stay active and hydrated to manage Wegovy-related fatigue. 

Does Wegovy make you feel dizzy? 

Dehydration and low blood sugar can cause dizziness while taking Wegovy. To manage this, eat regularly and stay hydrated. If the dizziness persists, visit your doctor.

How Long Do Wegovy Side Effects Last? 

Most side effects improve within a few weeks. However, you should consult a doctor if the side effects worsen or persist after several weeks.

Serious Side Effects of Wegovy

Although these rarely happen, a few people may experience these side effects of Wegovy:

• Kidney issues – kidney damage, including acute kidney injury or kidney failure. 
• Gallbladder problems – acute gallbladder disease and gallstones, pain in your upper abdomen, fever, yellow skin or eyes and more. 
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) – persistent pain in your upper abdomen. 
• Severe allergic reactions – swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, rapid heart rate, severe rash, itching, fainting and more. 
• Possible Thyroid tumors– a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.

Thus, before starting or increasing its dosage, have your medical history reviewed by a healthcare professional to avoid serious side effects.

Can Wegovy Cause Depression? 

Many wonder, ‘Is depression a side effect of Wegovy?’. Well, it is a very uncommon symptom of Wegovy. However, if you already have depression or mood problems, the medication can worsen the condition. 

Consult your doctor if you experience elevated levels of low mood or loss of interest in activities you enjoyed earlier. 

Wegovy Side Effects with Alcohol

It is not recommended to drink alcohol while on Wegovy. Its consumption can worsen specific side effects such as nausea, dizziness and low blood sugar and impact the drug’s efficacy. 

If you are consuming alcohol while being on Wegovy, ensure not to take it on an empty stomach or immediately after exercise to reduce side effect risk.

Managing Side Effects of Wegovy 

For those pondering how to reduce the side effects of Wegovy, here are some practical strategies for managing them.

• Make Dietary Adjustments – Consume a balanced diet. Avoid fatty, fried, or spicy food to keep symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion, and gas at bay. 
• Exercise regularly –  Aim for 150-300 minutes of vigorous movement a week to reduce your chances of constipation and indigestion.
• Get enough sleep – Sleep for 7 to 8 hours a day and stick to a routine sleep schedule.
• Hydrate well – Have at least 8 to 10 cups of water daily.

Final Words From Pandameds.Com

The best way to start on Wegovy for weight management is to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it (as prescribed by your physician). This will help decrease the intensity of the side effects initially and help your body adjust to the medication better.