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Semaglutide was the first drug of its kind to receive approval for weight loss. As such it is generally regarded as safe. However, as with any prescription drug or medication, it has some potential side effects.
The risk of severe side effects is generally low. Not everyone will experience semaglutide side effects. Some individuals may be more sensitive to the effects of certain medications, leading to a heightened response.Some side effects such as low blood sugar only occur in people with type 2 diabetes.
For those who meet the prescribing criteria, the benefits of this medication generally outweigh the risk of side effects.
The most common side effects of semaglutide are those related to the stomach and the gastrointestinal tract, such as:
Nausea, vomiting, and all of the above stomach and digestive side effects are well-known and quite common among the semaglutide class of drugs because these drugs – GLP-1 agonists – impact how long undigested food stays in the stomach. Gastrointestinal symptoms usually resolve on their own after a few weeks, or there are many ways to help relieve these kinds of side effects, which you can read more about in the How to Manage Semaglutide Side Effects section.
Dizziness – Because this drug causes you to eat less, caloric reduction could lead to a feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness.
Gas and Feeling Bloated – Because of the way the medication affects undigested food in the stomach, it can cause gas and a feeling of bloating. These and other gastrointestinal side effects were the most common side effects reported in clinical trials.
Heartburn – Because of the way that this drug affects digestion, it can cause heartburn or indigestion.
Fatigue – Since you eat less than you normally would on semaglutide, taking in fewer calories can make you feel tired. As with dizziness, fatigue could be the result of low blood sugar.
Hair Loss – Temporary hair loss, or elogen effluvium, has been reported with this medication and related drugs such as Ozempic. Why this is true is not really known, but the effects are usually temporary and could have to do with limited vital nutrients that could occur when taking these injections.
Injection Site Reactions – As with any injectable drug injection site reactions can be a side effect of semaglutide injections. Injection site reactions can occur when you are not practicing proper style procedures when giving your injections, not rotating your injection sites often enough, or in patients that may have an allergy to this drug or any of its ingredients.
The less common or rare side effects include:
Increased Risk for Thyroid Cancer –Animal studies showed that drugs like semaglutide could cause certain types of thyroid tumors. However, a meta-analysis of these results showed no evidence of such an increased risk in humans.
Inflammation of the Pancreas (pancreatitis) – Though rare, there were a very small number of participants in the semaglutide clinical trials who developed acute pancreatitis. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has a history of pancreatitis.
Gallstones – Gallbladder disease and gallbladder problems such as gallstones have been reported with this drug but is quite uncommon. It was reported in less than 2% of people taking it in clinical trials.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) – Low blood sugar levels is an uncommon side effect when taking these injections on their own. However, it has occurred in patients who are taking it in addition to insulin or other drugs used to manage diabetes or blood glucose levels..
When you are taking semaglutide injections, like any drug, it is not uncommon to experience some side effects. Most side effects are mild and easily mitigated. The most important thing when dealing with semaglutide side effects is to inform your healthcare provider, right away of any side effects you are experiencing. This way, proper interventions and monitoring can be done to reduce or eliminate those complications. It is also important to tell your doctor about your medical history. Tell you healthcare professional if you have ever had: a stomach or intestinal disorder; pancreatitis; kidney disease; or eye problems caused by diabetes (retinopathy).
The risk of severe side effects is generally low. Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting are the most commonly reported side effects. These kinds of side effects are relatively minor and are usually easily managed. Furthermore, your prescription for this medication will be provided in a dose that is least likely to cause you any discomfort or issues.
*The information provided on these pages is not meant to be everything you need to know about this medication’s use and its potential side effects, nor does it take the place of your doctor’s directions. It is your responsibility to review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
