Experiencing side effects with Wegovy: Understanding them and effective management strategies
Wegovy, a brand-name subcutaneous injection (shot), is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for specified uses. These uses include:
- Decreasing the risk of severe cardiovascular problems in adults dealing with cardiovascular disease who are overweight or have obesity.
- Aiding in long-term weight loss and management, focusing on:
- Adults and children 12 years and older with obesity
- Adults who are overweight with a weight-related condition
This medication is to be used in combination with a low-calorie diet and exercise to manage weight effectively.
Wegovy carries a "boxed warning," the most severe warning from the FDA. For further details, refer to the "Side effect specifics" section below.
Common side effects of Wegovy
As with other medications, Wegovy might trigger some side effects, both common and less common. These side effects might be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. If they persist, get in touch with your doctor or pharmacist.
Following are few instances of common side effects seen during clinical trials:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Nausea*
- Diarrhea*
- Vomiting
- Constipation*
For more information regarding this side effect, see “Side effect specifics.”
Mild side effects of Wegovy
Mild side effects are possible with Wegovy. This list does not include all the possible mild side effects. Refer to Wegovy’s prescribing information for further details.
Mild side effects that have been reported include:
- Vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Bloating
- Flatulence (gas)
- Burping
- Heartburn
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Stomach flu
- Nausea*
- Diarrhea*
- Constipation*
- Headache*
- Mild allergic reaction*
These side effects might be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if they persist longer, trouble you, or become severe, get in touch with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: After the FDA approves a drug, it keeps tracking and reviewing side effects of the medication. If you encounter a side effect while taking Wegovy and wish to report it to the FDA, visit MedWatch.
For more information regarding this side effect, see “Side effect specifics.”
Serious side effects of Wegovy
Wegovy might cause serious side effects, although they were not common in clinical trials. The following list may not include all the possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, refer to Wegovy’s prescribing information.
If you experience any serious side effects while taking Wegovy, contact your doctor immediately. If the side effects seem life-threatening or you think you’re having a health emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Serious side effects and their symptoms include:
- Low blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Symptoms can include:
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Confusion
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Symptoms can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Gallbladder problems. Symptoms can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Kidney problems. Symptoms can include:
- Frequent urination
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Diabetic eye problems. Symptoms can include:
- Blurry vision
- Vision loss
- Depression or suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Symptoms can include:
- Feeling lonely or hopeless
- Changes in mood
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Increased heart rate
- Risk of thyroid cancer.*
- Severe allergic reaction.**
Wegovy has a "boxed warning" for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most severe warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section. An allergic reaction is possible after taking Wegovy. However, it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section.
Wegovy long-term side effects
Although uncommon, it’s possible to experience long-term side effects from taking Wegovy. Examples include:
- Gallbladder problems
- Kidney problems
- Diabetic eye problems
- Depression or suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
If you’re concerned about long-term side effects while using Wegovy, consult your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage these side effects effectively.
Some side effects of using Wegovy may persist for a while after starting treatment, or even toughen up when your dosage is increased. However, these side effects tend to disappear as your body gets accustomed to the drug. For instance, gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation might diminish or reduce as you continue using Wegovy.
In certain instances, side effects might prolong, necessitating prolonged treatment.
If you're worried about what to expect regarding Wegovy's side effects, it's advisable to consult with your doctor.
The cost of Wegovy can differ based on various factors, including your treatment plan, the pharmacy you use, and any insurance coverage you have. To lower your Wegovy expenses, examine the savings options available on this page.
Wegovy's side effects in children and adults are similar, but children participating in clinical trials were more likely to experience gallbladder problems. However, this side effect was uncommon in children.
For more details about how side effects in children compare to those seen in adults, consult your doctor or pharmacist. You can also review Wegovy's prescribing information to see a comprehensive list of side effects reported by children and adults in clinical studies.
Learn more about some of Wegovy's potential side effects below. To discover the frequency of these side effects in clinical trials, please refer to Wegovy's prescribing information.
Thyroid Cancer Risk
Wegovy may increase your risk of thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. In fact, Wegovy carries a "boxed warning" for this risk, which is the FDA's most serious warning. Thyroid cancer symptoms might include:
- A nodule or swelling in your neck
- A hoarse voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Trouble breathing
What you can do
In some situations, your doctor might recommend avoiding Wegovy. For example, if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or a personal history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, let your doctor know before starting Wegovy. You might be at a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer from Wegovy in such cases, so your doctor typically won't recommend it.
It's essential to be aware of any thyroid cancer symptoms you develop during your treatment. Your doctor can help determine the cause of your symptoms, and in some cases, they might suggest stopping Wegovy treatment and trying an alternative weight management option.
If you have added concerns about Wegovy's cancer side effects, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Nausea
You might experience nausea from taking Wegovy. Nausea was one of the most common side effects reported in clinical trials. You might be more prone to nausea at the start of treatment or when your doctor increases your dose.
What you can do about Wegovy nausea
If you suffer from nausea due to Wegovy, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In rare instances, nausea may be a symptom of another side effect, such as kidney problems, gallbladder problems, or pancreatitis.
If you have nausea during your Wegovy treatment, your doctor can help identify the cause. They might also recommend Wegovy nausea treatments.
Constipation
You might experience constipation during your Wegovy treatment. Constipation was one of the most common side effects reported in clinical trials. You might be more likely to experience constipation when you first start using Wegovy or when your doctor increases your dose.
What you can do
If you have constipation during your Wegovy treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They might be able to recommend Wegovy constipation relief, such as an over-the-counter treatment like MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol).
Diarrhea
You might develop diarrhea from taking Wegovy. Diarrhea was one of the most common side effects reported in clinical trials. You might be more likely to experience diarrhea at the start of treatment or when your doctor increases your dose.
What you can do
If you notice diarrhea during your Wegovy treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They might be able to recommend ways to reduce this side effect. For example, your doctor or pharmacist might suggest taking an over-the-counter treatment like Imodium (loperamide) to treat your diarrhea.
Headache
It's possible to develop headaches from taking Wegovy. Headaches were one of the most common side effects reported in clinical trials of Wegovy.
What you can do
If you develop headaches during your treatment with Wegovy, let your doctor know. In rare cases, headaches can occur due to a low blood sugar level. Your doctor can help determine what might be causing your headaches.
In addition, they might also be able to recommend ways to treat your headaches. For example, they might suggest taking an over-the-counter treatment, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen).
Wegovy, similar to many drugs, might trigger an allergic reaction in some individuals. This reaction's frequency wasn't documented in the course of clinical trials.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:
- A skin rash
- Itching
- Flushing
- Swelling under the skin, typically in areas such as the eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- Swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can hinder breathing
For mild symptoms of a reaction, contact your physician immediately. They might suggest ways to alleviate your symptoms and assess whether you should continue using Wegovy. However, if your symptoms are severe and you believe you're experiencing a medical emergency, promptly contact 911 or your local emergency number.
Support is available
If you, or someone you're aware of, is grappling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, seek help:
- Reach out to the 988 Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to connect with caring counselors for free and confidential 24/7 support.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to link up with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential 24/7 support.
- If you're not in the USA, find a helpline in your country using Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your emergency services number if it seems safe to do so.
If calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. If you're not in the same house, remain on the phone with them until help arrives.
FAQs about Wegovy's side effects
Wegovy can potentially yield various side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers regarding the drug's side effects:
Does Wegovy make you tired?
Yes, feeling tired or experiencing fatigue is a potential side effect of Wegovy. The drug can also generate a general sense of weakness or low energy, often referred to as asthenia.
If Wegovy treatment leaves you feeling tired or weak, discuss this issue with your doctor. They may suggest solutions to help you.
Are there reviews about Wegovy side effects from people who've used the injections?
If you're interested in learning more about what to expect while using Wegovy, the best approach is to consult your doctor. You might also be able to find testimonials online from individuals who experienced side effects while taking Wegovy.
Remember that each person's response to the drug may differ since everyone responds to medication differently. Thus, online reviews of Wegovy written by other individuals may not be reliable sources for how your body will respond to the drug.
If you have concerns about side effects you might encounter with Wegovy, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions for Wegovy
Before initiating Wegovy, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you may have.
Boxed warning: Risk of thyroid cancer
Wegovy comes with a boxed warning concerning the potential risk of thyroid cancer. A boxed warning is the most serious warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more details, see the “Side effect specifics” section.
Other precautions
Before proceeding with Wegovy, discuss your medical history with your doctor. The drug might not be the ideal treatment for you if you have specific medical conditions or other factors that could impact your health. These are considered medication-condition or medication-factor interactions. The conditions and factors to consider include:
Pancreas problems: Let your doctor know if you have any pancreas conditions, such as pancreatitis, before beginning Wegovy. Although unlikely, Wegovy can potentially contribute to pancreas problems. Moreover, if you already have a pancreas condition, taking this medication may worsen your condition. In this case, your doctor can help determine whether Wegovy might be safe for you.
Kidney problems: If you have any kidney problems, inform your doctor before using Wegovy. This drug can cause kidney problems and may worsen existing kidney problems. Your doctor can help determine whether Wegovy might be safe for you.
Allergic reaction: If you've experienced an allergic reaction to Wegovy or any of its components, your doctor may not prescribe Wegovy. Instead, they can recommend alternative medications for you.
Diabetes: Inform your doctor if you have diabetes before starting Wegovy. There's a possibility that Wegovy might trigger a low blood sugar level, and this risk might be higher if you have diabetes. Your doctor may advise more frequent blood sugar monitoring if you have diabetes and are using Wegovy.
Diabetic eye problems: Using Wegovy may exacerbate diabetic retinopathy or a diabetic eye condition. Therefore, if you have this condition, Wegovy might potentially worsen your symptoms. Due to this risk, your doctor may advise more frequent eye monitoring while you're using Wegovy.
Mental health conditions: Although rare, Wegovy might cause depression or enhance your risk of suicidal thoughts. If you already have a mental health condition, using Wegovy may worsen your condition. In this situation, your doctor may recommend more frequent mental health monitoring while you're using Wegovy.
There aren't any reported interactions between Wegovy and alcohol, but consuming alcohol while on Wegovy might enhance the likelihood of drug side effects. Similar effects, such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness, can be triggered by both alcohol and Wegovy. If you consume alcohol, it's advisable to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if it's safe to do so while taking Wegovy, and they can provide you with the recommended safe dosage.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Wegovy
Wegovy may not be suitable for use during pregnancy. Its safety during breastfeeding is also not established. When there's no discernible advantage to weight loss during pregnancy, your doctor is unlikely to recommend taking this medication during pregnancy. They may advise you to discontinue Wegovy at least 2 months prior to becoming pregnant.
Animal studies have suggested potential hazards to a fetus if it is exposed to Wegovy. For instance, animal studies indicated an increased risk of congenital abnormalities (birth defects) and pregnancy loss. However, animal studies often do not predict human outcomes accurately.
A pregnancy registry is available for those who take Wegovy during pregnancy. This registry collects data on how the drug affects pregnancy. To learn more or join the registry, visit the registry's website, call 877-390-2760, or consult with your healthcare provider.
Uncertainty also surrounds whether Wegovy passes into breast milk and its effects on a nursing infant. The drug was detected in animal milk studies, although these studies do not always reflect human outcomes accurately.
If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult with your healthcare provider. Likewise, discuss with them if you're breastfeeding or considering it. Your doctor can help determine whether taking Wegovy is safe for you. You can also reference this article for information about Wegovy and reproductive health.
When to consult your doctor
Side effects of taking Wegovy can occur. While most side effects are mild, serious side effects are also possible.
If you want more information about Wegovy, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about the drug's side effects.
Besides speaking with your doctor, you can conduct your own research. These articles may be helpful:
- More information about Wegovy: This article provides additional details about Wegovy.
- Cost: Read this article for information on Wegovy's cost.
- Dosage: This article offers information about Wegovy's dosage.
- Drug comparisons: To learn how Wegovy compares to Saxenda, Mounjaro, and Ozempic, read this article.
- Interactions: For information on things that can interact with Wegovy, refer to this article.
- A look at your condition: To learn about obesity and weight management, see our obesity and weight management hub. For information about Wegovy for weight loss, read this article.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to ensure that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for a healthcare professional's knowledge and expertise. You should always consult your doctor or another licensed healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also authorized Wegovy for potential use in preventing thyroid cancer, a serious side effect that requires close monitoring.
- Some people may experience a mild allergic reaction to Wegovy, which can manifest as symptoms such as skin rash, itching, flushing, or swelling.
- Obesity and a history of thyroid cancer could make individuals more susceptible to the side effects of Wegovy, including the risk of thyroid tumors and thyroid cancer, and it might be advisable for such individuals to explore alternative weight management options.
