Side effects of semaglutide: what to expect?

Semaglutide, the active substance in Ozempic and Wegovy, helps many people lose weight significantly. However, like any drug, semaglutide also has side effects. In this article you can read which side effects occur most frequently, when they disappear, what signs are serious and what you can do to lessen the genes. Then you know exactly what to pay attention to.

What are the most common side effects of semaglutide?

The most common side effects of semaglutide are gastrointestinal disorders. Nausea occurs in approximately 44 percent of Wegovy users, followed by diarrhea (30 percent), vomiting (25 percent), and constipation (24 percent). These genes are directly related to how semaglutide works: the agent delays gastric emptying, which means food stays longer in the stomach. It suppresses appetite, but can also cause discomfort. Other commonly reported side effects are headache, fatigue and a slightly elevated heart rate. A small proportion of users also experience temporary hair loss, which is presumably related to the rapid weight loss and not to the drug itself.

When do the side effects of semaglutide disappear?

In most users, the side effects subside noticeably after four to eight weeks. The body gradually gets used to the altered gastric emptying and to the higher GLP-1 activity. The escalation plan used at Wegovy, in which the dose is increased step by step from 0.25 to ultimately 2.4 mg per week, has been designed precisely for that reason. Those who go through the titration phase as prescribed experience far fewer inconveniences in most cases than with an abrupt start to a higher dose. Studies show, that only 4.5 percent of semaglutide users in the STEP 1 study stopped due to gastrointestinal genes, versus 0.8 percent in the placebo group.

Are there serious side effects with semaglutide?

Yeah, but they're rare. The main serious side effect is pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms are severe, persistent abdominal pain, which sometimes radiates into the back, combined with nausea or vomiting. If one experiences this, one should immediately stop taking semaglutide and consult a doctor. In addition, there is an increased risk of gallstones, especially with rapid weight loss. A safety assessment of semaglutide thus concludesthat gallstones are the most relevant serious side effect with prolonged use. Another rare side effect is an eye disease called NAION, which can affect vision; this occurs in about 1 in 10,000 patients per year. In addition, severe dehydration due to persistent vomiting or diarrhea can lead to kidney problems.

What are the long-term side effects?

In the long term, side effects of semaglutide are relatively rare. The most commonly reported are gallstones, which occur more often in people with rapid and significant weight loss, as well as fatigue in the first months of treatment. A meta-analysis of four clinical studies showsthat semaglutide users without diabetes had a 1.59 times greater risk of gastrointestinal genes than people given placebo, but that serious long-term side effects remained limited. Goodweigh actively follows patients through regular check-ups so that any signs are detected early.

How to reduce the side effects of semaglutide?

There are a number of practical measures that can significantly reduce the genes. Eating slowly, eating small portions and avoiding greasy or highly spicy meals will help reduce the load on the stomach. It is important to drink plenty, especially with diarrhea or vomiting. Intensive exercise immediately after the injection can amplify the nausea; a leisurely walk right after the meal is a better alternative. If you still have genes, you can temporarily lower the titration by staying on a lower dose for a longer period of time. IN Goodweight Program you get tailored guidance on these types of genes, so you don't have to make decisions about your dose on your own.

When should you stop using semaglutide due to side effects?

It is necessary to stop for severe, persistent abdominal pain, severe dehydration that does not improve with fluid intake, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or an allergic reaction such as skin rash or swollen lips. Also, with jaundice or greatly reduced urine output, you should immediately consult a doctor. In less acute cases, such as persistent nausea that hinders daily functioning, Goodweigh decides with you whether to make a temporary dose reduction or a break in treatment.

Does semaglutide differ from other GLP-1 drugs in terms of side effects?

The side effect profile of semaglutide is very similar to that of weight loss medicine Saxendacontaining the active substance liraglutide. However, there is a relevant difference: semaglutide is given weekly, while liraglutide must be injected daily. The higher peak values of a daily agent can lead to more acute nuisances, while the weekly dose of semaglutide provides a more stable blood level. A large-scale meta-analysis in the British Medical Journal thus showsthat gastrointestinal genes are the primary side effect for the entire GLP-1 class, but that the profile varies from mean to agent and from dose to dose. Wegovy for weight loss and Ozempic for type 2 diabetes contains the same active substance, semaglutide, but is intended for different indications and dosages.

Side effects don't have to be a reason to stop

Most side effects of semaglutide are mild, temporary, and easily manageable. They are most pronounced in the first weeks of treatment, when the body needs to get used to the drug. With the right guidance, you will get through this phase and achieve lasting results. Want to know more about how semaglutide works or what they specific side effects of Ozempic is? Goodweigh helps you in every step of your treatment.

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