Today the problem of excess weight and obesity is particularly acute. According to data, mortality from obesity worldwide is steadily increasing every year. Up to 4.7 million people die of obesity yearly, so this condition is now considered a disease, and many drugs are used for treatment. One of the new drugs for the treatment of obesity is Wegovy. What are the side effects of Wegovy, and what are the features of its usage? We will discuss this below.
The TGA approved Wegovy for weight control in people with BMI above 27 (overweight) and above 30 (obesity). Side effects of Wegovy injections are possible during treatment. To avoid or minimize them, it is essential to follow the instructions and recommendations of the specialist strictly. An expert can revise the dosage of Wegovy for weight loss if side effects are there.
Remember that Wegovy drug side effects can be pretty serious, especially in the case of genetic predisposition to thyroid tumours or individual intolerance of any of the ingredients of the drug. In these cases, it is better not to use it.
Other possible Wegovy medication side effects include:
- nausea;
- stomach pain;
- indigestion;
- headache;
- constipation;
- heartburn etc.
Consider all Wegovy risks, and do not take the drug without consulting your doctor. It can be dangerous!
Wegovy: 6 long-term side effects
In some cases, taking the drug can provoke serious side effects. Usually, they are due to individual characteristics. These include the following:
- Tumours of the thyroid gland.
- Pancreatitis.
- Inflammation of the gallbladder.
- Kidney failure.
- Visual impairment in type 2 diabetes patients.
- Depression.
If you had problems with the thyroid, kidneys, gallbladder, or pancreas before taking the drug, be sure to report it.
Side effects and dosage of the drug
Wegowy is available in dosages of 0.25 mg, 0.5mg, 1 mg, 1.7mg, and 2.4 mg. The dosage choice depends on the degree of obesity and your individual features.
Is there a difference between the side effects of Wegovy 0.5 and the side effects of Wegovy 1.0? And will the side effects of Wegovy 2.4 be more pronounced than the side effects of Wegovy 1.7?
As practice shows, the severity of side effects is almost independent of the dosage. If you take wegovy 0. 25, the side effects will be the same as Wegovy 1mg side effects.
Can side effects be minimized or avoided altogether? Yes, if you follow the expert advice clearly, and do not use the drug in conjunction with other semaglutide-containing drugs or GLP-1 receptor agonists. If you have individual intolerance, the side effects can be quite pronounced. Then, most likely, you will have to give up Wegovy treatment.
How long do side effects of Wegovy last, and what it depends on
The most common side effects of Wegovy occur as the body adapts to the drug. They do not require medical intervention, and some can be minimized. But if the side effects bother you for too long, or increase, then be sure to tell the doctor about it.
Do the side effects of Wegovy go away, and when
Most often, the side effects of the drug take place independently and do not require any treatment. It is due to the adaptation of the body to the drug. Minor side effects may disappear after a few weeks of treatment. But you must carefully monitor your condition to avoid missing the deterioration and report it in time.
How long does nausea last with Wegovy usually
One of the most common side effects of taking Wegovy is nausea. It is usually moderate and passes as the body adapts to the drug. But there are cases when the only Wegovy nausea relief was refusing the drug. This happens when vomiting on Wegovy is too strong and does not pass over time. Average nausea should come to nothing after eight days.
Why does Wegovy cause nausea? The cause of the unpleasant side effect is the active substance of the drug semaglutide, which has a particular impact on the intestine. It mimics the hormone GLP-1, which is produced in the small intestine after eating and is responsible for the sense of satiety. But if the natural hormone acts quickly enough, semaglutide provides a feeling of satiety for a long time. But sometimes, it triggers reactions from the digestive system.
If Wegovy’s severe nausea does not pass, it may indicate an individual intolerance of the drug or that you are violating the recommendations. In the first case, it is likely to be necessary to refuse treatment, and in the second – to change the approach.
Wegovy nausea treatment: valuable tips
Nausea is the most common side effect from taking the drug. Not surprisingly, many of the beginners of the treatment dream of Wegovy nausea go away as soon as possible.
To get rid of nausea faster, try the following:
- eliminate fatty foods from the diet;
- do not take a horizontal position immediately after meals;
- be outdoors more often;
- eat more often, but in small portions;
- do not rush when eating, and thoroughly chew food.
These tips will help in case of mild or moderate nausea. In more severe cases, you should consult a specialist.
Does Wegovy cause diarrhea, and what to do?
In some cases, Wegovy diarrhea after eating is common. This is the second most common side effect of the drug. To cope with it, it is recommended to use more soluble fibre, which will increase the amount of calcium. It is found in bananas, potatoes, beans, peas and other products. But you should follow a measure to avoid the opposite effect.
Does Wegovy cause constipation: what is the reason?
In addition to nausea and diarrhea when taking Wegovy, you can face another disorder – constipation. However, it is less common than diarrhea. Constipation is caused by semaglutide slowing digestion. Food stays longer in the intestine, absorbs fluid, and the fecal masses become hard and move poorly through the intestine. The main means for Wegovy constipation relief is a large volume of liquid.
Drinking more water and consuming a lot of insoluble fibre are recommended to soften the stool. It is found in most vegetables and fruits. Does Wegovy make you constipated against the backdrop of these recommendations? Then consult a doctor who can prescribe you a remedy for constipation or special procedures.
Does Wegovy cause acid reflux, and how to deal with it?
Another side effect of taking the drug is acid reflux, which can cause great inconvenience. It is caused by ingesting gastric juice in the esophagus, so it often occurs in the lying position. To prevent this, it is recommended to sleep half-seated so the esophagus is above the level of the stomach. During the day, eat small portions of food to eliminate the discharge of large amounts of gastric juice.
Does Wegovy cause sulfur burps, and why
The active ingredient Wegovy, semaglutide, can cause increased gas production, so side effects such as burping and flatulence are often noted. This burp has a smell of sulfur, which is very unpleasant. Keep taking Wegovy, and burping will gradually disappear. Usually, the condition improves after a few weeks of taking the drug.
Does Wegovy cause heartburn, and how to get rid of it
Heartburn is another common side effect of the drug. If it bothers you a lot, you can reduce the amount of one portion to minimize the amount of gastric juice that you secrete to digest. You can also ask your doctor for antacid drugs to eliminate unpleasant sensations. Heartburn, like other side effects, should disappear when the body adapts to Wegovy.
Should you take Wegovy on an empty stomach or not
Given that Wegovy is an injectable drug, it is not dependent on eating. You can inject on both an empty and full stomach. It must happen once a week on the same day. At the beginning of the treatment, you can feel Wegovy stomach pain. Do not be alarmed; with time, it passes. To prevent side effects, follow the instructions and recommendations clearly.
Can you take Wegovy after gastric bypass for weight control?
For many obese people, bariatric surgery is the only way to regain a healthy weight. But their main problem is regaining weight after the procedure. Some studies have shown that taking drugs for obesity after surgery helps to maintain and improve the result. You can take Wegovy after bariatric surgery, but before that, be sure to consult your doctor.
Can you take Wegovy after the gastric sleeve?
The drug can be taken after operations on the stomach to maintain the effect and further control the weight. One study showed the efficacy of semaglutide for further weight loss in patients suffering from a minimally invasive endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. The drug was taken once a week for 30 days after surgery. The effectiveness of this approach was comparable to a bariatric operation.
Does Wegovy cause gastroparesis: when is it possible
Gastroparesis is characterized by reduced muscle activity in the stomach. Usually, taking the drug does not provoke the development of this condition but can aggravate it if it is already there. Often, diabetic gastroparesis is detected against the background of semaglutide treatment, as the drug exacerbates its symptoms. If you have diabetes, you should be examined before taking Wegovy to rule out gastroparesis.
The link between Wegovy and pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis was found in some Wegovy patients during clinical trials. Fatal and non-fatal haemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis are also pathologies associated with GLP-1 agonist drugs. Be careful out there! If you notice symptoms of pancreatitis during treatment (severe cutting pain, vomiting), stop taking Wegovy immediately and see a doctor.
Effect of Wegovy on liver enzymes
According to studies, the active ingredient Wegovy, semaglutide, can affect liver enzymes. In particular, one study noted a decrease in ALT in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity due to semaglutide. The decrease was significant, suggesting that drugs containing semaglutide help combat fat hepatosis.
Does Wegovy cause dry mouth: when is it possible
Being an agonist of GLP-1, the main effect of Wegovy is on the gastrointestinal tract, causing all sorts of characteristic symptoms. One is diarrhoea, which in acute cases, often leads to dehydration. Unusual dryness in the mouth is a symptom of dehydration, which, along with dizziness or thirst, should be the reason for urgent treatment.
What are weight loss shot Wegovy side effects?
Wegovy is an injection drug, so it is crucial to inject it correctly to avoid swelling, bruising and seals on the skin. It is injected subcutaneously into the lower abdomen, hip or shoulder. In this case, the pen with the drug should be placed perpendicular, with the other hand’s fingers gripping the skin into the fold. The fact that the injection was made can be seen from the distinctive click and movement of the yellow strip in pen.
Reasons Wegovy leaked out of the injection site
Sometimes there are reports that Wegovy injection leaked. The reason is a violation of the technique of administration of the drug. Here are some tips to avoid this:
- Keep the pen strictly perpendicular;
- Preferably inject the drug into the abdomen;
- Do not remove the needle within 3 seconds after the administration.
These tips fit all injectable drugs and help minimize the likelihood of leakage.
Do Wegovy injections hurt or not
Most reviews on Wegovy report no pain during injection. This is natural because the drug is injected with a specially designed pen that provides maximum administration comfort. With the correct technique, the pain is reduced to zero. Ask someone else to inject you if you find it difficult to follow the technique when administering Wegovy.
Can Wegovy cause depression?
In some cases, there is one more of the Wegovy side effects – depression. These are suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts. If you have such thoughts, immediately stop taking the drug and consult a doctor. If you haven’t started using it yet, but you’ve had similar problems before, be sure to tell me about it not to aggravate the situation. Probably, the medication isn’t suitable for you.
Does Wegovy make you tired: trials data
Studies have shown that Wegovy and tiredness are connected. Fatigue was reported by 11% of participants in the study. This is one of the most common side effects of the drug. Fatigue should disappear as your body adapts. But consult your doctor if the fatigue does not pass for long or increases.
Cause of Wegovy fatigue
Wegovy extreme fatigue can be explained. The fact is that any weight loss is accompanied by fatigue and asthenia caused by processes in the body. With semaglutide, weight loss is very rapid, which causes increased fatigue. Fatigue may increase when dosage increases.
Rare Wegovy side effects: hair loss and taste change
Does Wegovy cause hair loss? In rare cases, there is such a side effect along with a change in taste. Each person’s reaction to the drug is individual, so the most unusual side effects are possible. If they are small and pass over time – do not worry. Otherwise, consult a doctor.
The connection between Wegovy and headaches
Headaches can occur during Wegovy treatment. According to the data, up to 14% of drug users experience them. Like other side effects, headache usually occurs at the beginning of the treatment and passes after a few weeks. Severe and persistent headaches should be a reason to reconsider dosage or withdrawal.
Wegovy and insomnia
Some people experience sleep disorders when they begin Wegovy treatment. However, there are no reports of severe insomnia. At the same time, individual reactions to the drug are possible, which does not exclude the possibility of such messages in the future. Any pronounced side effects require expert consultation to avoid developing severe pathologies.
Wegovy side effects: rash and skin itching
Also, allergic skin reactions in the form of rashes and itching are not excluded during Wegovy intake. Reactions are also possible at the point of administration. These side effects are less common than nausea or diarrhea but do not neglect them. They may indicate an individual intolerance, and your doctor should be informed.
Injection of Wegovy and bubble under the skin
Sometimes after injecting Wegovy, you may find a bubble under the skin that looks frightening. In fact, it’s a thickening of the skin caused by regular injections into the same place. This tumour is called lipo hypertrophy. It is not dangerous but can prevent the absorption of drugs. To avoid its appearance, it is recommended to change the place of injection regularly.
Taking Wegovy with skin sensitivity
If you have increased skin sensitivity, you need to be especially careful while administering the drug not to provoke unwanted reactions. Follow the instructions and watch for any skin changes. Consult a doctor if rashes, itching and other skin manifestations occur. They can be the result of an allergic reaction to the drug.
Wegovy and thyroid cancer
There is a link between Wegovy and thyroid cancer in patients with a history of the disease. The groups at risk are those diagnosed with elevated calcitonin levels in the blood serum or have found nodes in the thyroid gland. If you find it difficult to swallow or there is swelling in the thyroid – be sure to inform your doctor.
The parallel use of Wegovy and thyroid medication is possible only after consultation with the doctor and should be under his control. Any changes in the thyroid should be the reason for the withdrawal of Wegovy.
Wegovy and hypothyroidism: can it be taken
If you have hypothyroidism and you should take appropriate drugs, Wegovy is not contraindicated. It can also be used in parallel with hyperthyroidism drugs. But you can only get detailed advice on drug compatibility from the attending physician. If you have these diseases before taking Wegovy, be sure to tell about them.
Wegovy and Hashimoto
Hashimoto disease, or autoimmune thyroiditis, is a hereditary disease. What is its primary sense? The body produces antibodies that destroy the thyroid gland. If you have this disease, then only a doctor can decide whether to prescribe you Wegovy for weight loss.
Does Wegovy cause high blood pressure or not
Given that Wegovy is prescribed for treating obesity, which is often accompanied by elevated blood pressure, the drug contributes to reducing AD. In one study, for example, 1.3 per cent of the participants showed a decrease in pressure. Thus, taking medication with increased AD is not contraindicated but must be agreed upon with the doctor.
Are Wegovy and heart palpitations linked
The side effects of Wegovy include increased heart rate at rest. Therefore, people suffering from various heart arrhythmias should take the drug cautiously. Another danger of Wegovy for people with heart problems is slower absorption caused by gastric inhibition. If you have heart disease, do not take Wegovy without consulting your doctor.
Wegovy and body aches
During Wegovy treatment, you may experience pain in various localizations. It is most often associated with the digestive system, as the drug directly affects the gastrointestinal tract. Most often, the pain is mild and temporary. Usually, the pain disappears after several weeks of treatment. If this does not happen or the pain is aggravated, it makes sense to consult a doctor.
Wegovy and back pain
Back pain when taking Wegovy most often accompanies pancreatic or kidney problems. Severe pain, supplemented by vomiting or other unpleasant symptoms, is the reason for the immediate cessation of the drug and treatment.
Using Wegovy for diabetes
Although Wegovy is designed to control weight, it can benefit people with type 2 diabetes as this disease often develops due to obesity. Weight loss in diabetes significantly improves the condition of patients. Semaglutide stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin, reducing blood sugar.
Wegovy and low blood sugar: what is the danger
If you have type 2 diabetes, then when taking Wegovy, you need to be very careful. Taking this drug simultaneously with insulin and drugs that stimulate insulin secretion can provoke a sharp decrease in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). You may need to lower your insulin dose during Wegovy treatment, but only a doctor can give exact recommendations.
Allergic reaction to Wegovy: What to consider
Wegovy can provoke a strong allergic reaction. This is due to individual features. There can be symptoms such as:
- facial swelling;
- language edema;
- lip swelling;
- throat swelling;
- increased heart rate;
- rash or itching.
In this case, you must seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
The Dangers of Wegovy overdose
If you exceed the dosage of Wegovy, the side effects of the drug will increase. It can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and a drastic reduction in blood sugar. The recommended initial dosage is 0.25 mg once a week for four weeks, after which the dosage is raised to 0.5 mg, etc. In case of an overdose, the doctor may prescribe treatment focused on the symptoms and your well-being.
Wegovy makes me feel sick: what to do
How does Wegovy make you feel depends on many factors. At the beginning of the treatment, many complain of malaise associated with the body’s adaptation to the drug. After a few weeks, side effects usually pass. Then, with weight loss, you become more energetic and active. If you do not develop serious side effects, then over time, you will feel much better.
Does Wegovy make you pee, and what is this about
In some cases, Wegovy may cause kidney problems, resulting in increased or decreased urination. Any unusual changes must be considered to avoid a serious pathology. Before starting treatment, inform the doctor about the kidney diseases that you suffer from. Better yet, take an examination to rule out future problems.
Conclusion
Wegovy is a modern anti-overweight and obesity drug that shows excellent results. It allows not only to control the excess weight but also improves the condition of patients with type 2 diabetes.
Adverse effects may occur during treatment, some of which may be harmful to health. Therefore, you should take Wegovy only by appointment and under the supervision of a doctor, having previously informed him about all existing health problems. In this case, the treatment is guaranteed to be effective, and you will get rid of the extra pounds and become much healthier.
