Wegovy - Semaglutide - Side Effects

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a medication used for weight management, and understanding the potential Wegovy side effects is important when discussing treatment options with your doctors.

Ranging from mild to more serious reactions, Wegovy side effects can vary. Learn some important information about Wegovy (semaglutide), including its side effects, from our medical review team below.

At Chemist2U, we make managing medications easier by offering reliable home delivery services. Our team is here to assist with your needs, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience while helping you stay informed and confident in managing your health.

How does Wegovy (semaglutide) work?

What is Wegovy (semaglutide)?

The medication is usually prescribed as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan, which typically also includes a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It supports weight loss and maintenance by working with the body’s biological systems over time.¹

The active ingredient semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that closely resembles a hormone naturally produced by the body, sharing 94% structural similarity with human GLP-1.²

Wegovy for weight loss works by activating GLP-1 receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas and brain, which has several effects.³ It stimulates insulin secretion in response to elevated blood glucose levels after eating while slowing gastric emptying and reducing glucagon release, all of which can help lower appetite.

It also has an effect on GLP-1 receptors in the brain’s hypothalamus, which can cause appetite suppression and contribute to feelings of fullness.

How do you take Wegovy (semaglutide)?

Wegovy (semaglutide) is administered as a once-weekly injection. The medication is available in five different dosage strengths: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg. The solution should be clear and colourless; if it appears cloudy or discoloured, it should not be used.⁴

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage based on your specific needs and medical condition. Refer to the Wegovy dosage guide for more info.

The medication can be taken at any time of day. It does not have to be taken with food, but consistency in timing each week is important. If you need to adjust the day of your weekly dose, make sure that there is at least a 48-hour gap from the previous dose.

If you miss a Wegovy injection and your next scheduled dose is more than two days away, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it’s less than two days away, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Should you miss more than two weeks of doses, consult your doctor on how to restart your treatment plan to avoid Wegovy side effects.

Who can take Wegovy (semaglutide)?

Wegovy (semaglutide) may be prescribed to adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, which is categorised as obesity or those with a BMI between 27 and 30 if they have at least one weight-related health issue.⁵ The latter might include conditions such as hypertension, Type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea, which are exacerbated by excess weight.

For adolescents, teens aged 12 and older may also be prescribed Wegovy for obesity if they meet the criteria of weighing over 60 kg, coupled with the commitment to dietary adjustments and physical activity.

Should the drug not be appropriate for managing your weight, your doctor could suggest other weight loss medication options and alternatives to Wegovy (semaglutide) that may be more effective for you.

Side effects of Wegovy (semaglutide)

Wegovy (semaglutide) may cause a variety of side effects, ranging from mild to severe.⁶

Common Wegovy side effects that many experience include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, heartburn and burping.

These symptoms are often mild and may decrease over time as your body adjusts to the medication. You can talk to your doctor about how to reduce Wegovy nausea and find out the answer to, ‘How does Wegovy cause nausea?’

These mild symptoms can still be disruptive, though, which is why it’s important to be mindful of how your body responds to Wegovy and nausea when first starting treatment.

In addition to these common Wegovy side effects, some individuals may encounter more serious reactions.

Prolonged or severe abdominal pain, especially if it extends to the back, could signal complications like pancreatitis, which needs prompt evaluation. Additionally, swelling of the face, mouth and throat or difficulty breathing must be treated as emergencies, as they may indicate an allergic reaction.

Should you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately.

Other potential serious Wegovy side effects include changes that may imply more systemic issues.

Decreased urination or swelling of the legs or feet might suggest kidney issues, while changes in vision may reflect eye damage and yellowing of the skin or eyes could signal liver problems. Although these are less common, being aware of them helps ensure you can act quickly if they occur. Discuss any sudden or unusual changes in your health with your doctor.

Not all possible semaglutide side effects are listed here, and individual experiences may vary.

Wegovy (semaglutide) and other medications

Make sure to provide a comprehensive list of all medications you currently take to your doctor, including any over-the-counter drugs, vitamins or supplements, as Wegovy (semaglutide) can interact with other medications. It can alter the effectiveness of your existing medications or increase the likelihood of experiencing their side effects.⁷

Special consideration is necessary for if you are on medications with a narrow therapeutic window such as anti-seizure medications or blood-thinners such as warfarin. Starting Wegovy while on warfarin may necessitate more frequent blood tests to monitor how well your blood clots. Adjustments in dosages might be required based on these test results.

Medicines you should not use with Wegovy (semaglutide)

Wegovy (semaglutide) should not be combined with certain injectable medications.

Specifically, it should not be used with injectable insulin products.⁸ The overlapping mechanisms of action could potentially lead to unwanted side effects or diminished therapeutic effects of insulin. Combining these medications might alter the intended effects of both treatments, posing risks to your health.

Medications like liraglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide or lixisenatide fall into this category. GLP-1 receptor agonists share similar action mechanisms, which could lead to compounded effects when used together, increasing the risk of Wegovy side effects or potentially harmful interactions.

How to order home delivery of Wegovy (semaglutide) through Chemist2U

Chemist2U is simplifying how people get their medication so it is always there when they need it. Start by downloading our app or using this website. Here’s how it works:

Quickly upload your eScript from anywhere. We will store your prescriptions in My Scripts, Chemist2U’s script wallet. That way your scripts will always be safe and easy to find, plus you will get handy reminders when it’s time to reorder!
Add over-the-counter medicine. Select from a broad range of over-the-counter medications and general pharmacy products, just like what’s available at a physical pharmacy.
Qualified pharmacists. Your medication will be carefully filled by a trusted pharmacist from a partner pharmacy.
Convenient delivery service. We offer a variety of ways to get your medication, including same day delivery, Express Post and Click & Collect, subject to your location. To learn more about our delivery options, click here.

Our customer service team is always ready to address your order-related questions.

We’re committed to providing you with a convenient way to get your medications. Choose Chemist2U and make your medication easy.