Wegovy Side Effects: What to Watch for During Treatment

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Wegovy, a brand name for semaglutide, is a prescription medication developed by Novo Nordisk and approved by the FDA in 2021. It helps individuals with obesity or overweight conditions achieve and maintain weight loss.

In 2023, obesity affected over 20% of adults in every US state and territory. The Midwest and South had the highest obesity rates, followed by the West and Northeast. Moreover, over 40% of adults were obese in three states—Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia. For those struggling with obesity or being overweight, Wegovy offers a promising solution for significant weight loss.

However, there are various Wegovy side effects to be aware of. This article will discuss the common, serious, and rare side effects of Wegovy injections, helping patients understand the risks involved.

How Does Wegovy Work?

Semaglutide, Wegovy’s active ingredient, mimics the action of the GLP-1 hormone. This hormone helps control blood sugar levels and is vital in regulating appetite. By increasing feelings of fullness and reducing hunger signals, Wegovy assists patients in lowering their caloric intake, leading to weight loss.

Common Side Effects of Wegovy

Most people who take Wegovy will experience mild to moderate side effects, especially during the initial weeks of treatment, as their bodies adjust to the medication. The following are some of the most frequently reported wegovy side effects.

  1. Gastrointestinal Issues: The most commonly reported side effects were GI issues, such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In one clinical trial, these events affected a higher percentage of Wegovy-treated participants than those on placebo (74.2% vs. 47.9%).
  2. Headaches: This Wegovy side effect is relatively common and may be linked to changes in hydration levels, blood sugar, or overall metabolism as the body adjusts to the medication. This affected 17% of pediatric subjects treated with Wegovy and 14% of the adult patients.
  3. Fatigue: This is often reported during the initial phase of treatment. This may be related to changes in metabolism, reduced caloric intake, or the body’s adaptation to the drug.
  4. Dizziness: Some individuals may experience dizziness, particularly when standing up quickly. This can be linked to dehydration, low blood pressure, or changes in blood sugar.
  5. Dyspepsia (Indigestion): This can occur due to the drug’s impact on the stomach and digestion. Symptoms may include a burning sensation or discomfort in the upper abdomen after eating.
  6. Abdominal Distension (Bloating): This is another common gastrointestinal side effect that many Wegovy users report. This sensation of fullness in the stomach may be due to slowed digestion or changes in the gut.
  7. Burping and Flatulence: Wegovy alters how the body digests fats and carbohydrates, which can increase gas production and cause flatulence due to slower or incomplete food breakdown. Changes in meal timing or diet can also impact digestion. Additionally, increased fiber intake while on Wegovy may produce more gas as fiber ferments in the intestines.
  8. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Some patients may develop or experience worsening gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms while taking Wegovy. GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and discomfort.
  9. Nasopharyngitis (Common Cold) refers to the inflammation of the nasal passages and throat (commonly called a cold). While this condition is generally mild, it can cause discomfort and irritation.

Managing Common Side Effects of Wegovy

Here are some tips for managing these common Wegovy side effects to improve comfort and adherence to the treatment:

  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid heavy or spicy foods.
  • Stay hydrated and eat fiber-rich foods to manage constipation, and for diarrhea, stick to a BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast).
  • If vomiting occurs, focus on bland foods like crackers and sip water or electrolyte solutions to stay hydrated.
  • Avoid foods that can cause gas, such as beans, carbonated drinks, and certain vegetables.
  • Eat slowly and chew thoroughly.
  • Avoid foods that trigger GERD, such as citrus, caffeine, and spicy meals.
  • Ensure adequate sleep and a balanced diet.
  • Elevating the head of the bed can help prevent nighttime reflux.
  • Light physical activity or antacids may help relieve abdominal discomfort.

If any side effects become severe or do not improve over time, consult your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dosage or provide additional guidance to ensure you stay on track with your treatment while minimizing discomfort.

Serious Side Effects of Wegovy

While Wegovy is generally well-tolerated, there are more severe Wegovy side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include complications that may lead to severe health problems.

Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors

In animal studies, semaglutide was found to increase the occurrence of thyroid C-cell tumors, such as adenomas and carcinomas, in a dose and duration-dependent manner. However, it is not clear whether Wegovy causes thyroid C-cell tumors in humans, as the findings in rodents may not apply to humans.

Symptoms of thyroid tumors include:

  • Lumps in the neck
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Persistent hoarseness

Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis, both fatal and non-fatal, has been associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide. Clinical trials have shown that patients treated with Wegovy are at risk for this condition, which can manifest as severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, sometimes accompanied by vomiting.

If pancreatitis is suspected, Wegovy should be discontinued immediately, and treatment should be started promptly. Patients with a confirmed history of pancreatitis should avoid Wegovy, as the risk of recurrence is unknown.

Acute Gallbladder Disease

Wegovy has been linked to a higher incidence of gallbladder-related issues, such as gallstones (cholelithiasis) and gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis). This risk is more pronounced in pediatric patients compared to adults.

Hypoglycemia

Wegovy can lower blood glucose levels, leading to hypoglycemia. In one clinical trial involving overweight adults with type 2 diabetes, 6.2% of patients treated with Wegovy experienced hypoglycemia, compared to 2.5% in the placebo group. Severe hypoglycemia, requiring the assistance of another person, was also reported in one Wegovy-treated patient.

Patients with type 2 diabetes who take Wegovy alongside insulin or sulfonylureas may face a higher risk of hypoglycemia. Here are the common symptoms of hypoglycemia:

  • Shakiness or trembling
  • Sweating
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Blurred vision
  • Difficulty concentrating or confusion
  • Headache
  • Pale skin
  • Seizures (in severe cases)
  • Loss of consciousness (in severe cases)

Blood glucose levels should be closely monitored before starting Wegovy and throughout treatment. Reducing insulin or sulfonylurea doses may sometimes be necessary to prevent low blood sugar.

Acute Kidney Injury

There have been postmarketing reports of acute kidney injury and worsening of chronic kidney disease in patients taking semaglutide, sometimes requiring dialysis. This has been observed in patients with pre-existing and without known kidney problems.

Many of these cases occurred in patients who experienced nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. For patients with renal impairment or those experiencing significant gastrointestinal symptoms, kidney function should be monitored when starting or adjusting Wegovy doses.

Hypersensitivity

Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported in patients treated with Wegovy. If such reactions occur, the drug should be discontinued immediately, and appropriate medical care should be administered.

Diabetic Retinopathy Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Patients with type 2 diabetes treated with Wegovy have shown a higher incidence of diabetic retinopathy compared to those on placebo. In a two-year clinical trial, 4% of Wegovy-treated patients reported diabetic retinopathy, compared to 2.7% in the placebo group.

The risk was higher in those with pre-existing diabetic retinopathy. Rapid improvements in blood sugar control can temporarily worsen diabetic retinopathy, though the long-term effects of Wegovy on this condition have not been studied. Patients with a history of retinopathy should be monitored closely.

Increased Heart Rate

Clinical trials have shown that Wegovy may increase resting heart rate. Some patients experienced increases of 10-19 beats per minute, while others saw increases of 20 beats per minute or more.

Pediatric patients were more likely to experience these significant increases compared to adults. It is important to monitor heart rate regularly, and patients should report any unusual heart palpitations or rapid heartbeats while at rest.

Suicidal Behavior and Ideation

While suicidal behavior has not been directly linked to Wegovy, it has been observed with other weight-loss medications. Patients should be monitored for signs of depression, suicidal thoughts, or changes in behavior.

If any of these occur, Wegovy should be discontinued. Wegovy should also be avoided in individuals with a history of suicide attempts or active suicidal thoughts.

Additional Considerations

Other rare side effects include hypotension (low blood pressure) and appendicitis. Cases of low blood pressure were seen more frequently in patients also taking antihypertensive medications. Appendicitis, including cases of perforated appendicitis, was also reported in Wegovy clinical trials.

Who Should Avoid Wegovy?

Wegovy is not suitable for everyone. Individuals with certain health conditions or risk factors should avoid this medication or consult their healthcare provider to weigh the risks. People with a history of the following conditions should exercise caution:

  • Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC): Individuals with a family history of MTC or genetic conditions predisposing them to thyroid cancer should avoid Wegovy due to the potential link between semaglutide and thyroid tumors.
  • Pancreatitis: Those who have experienced pancreatitis should avoid using Wegovy as it could exacerbate the condition.
  • Severe Kidney Disease: Since dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea could impair kidney function, people with kidney disease should consult their doctor before starting Wegovy.

Final Words

Wegovy has proven to be an effective weight-loss treatment for many people, especially when paired with a healthy diet and exercise. However, as with all medications, it comes with potential side effects ranging from mild to severe.

By being aware of Wegovy’s side effects and working closely with a healthcare provider, patients can manage these risks while benefiting from Wegovy’s weight-loss potential. Regular monitoring, reporting any unusual symptoms, and adhering to medical advice will help ensure the treatment is safe and effective.

FAQs About Wegovy Side Effects

How long do Wegovy side effects last?

Most side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal discomfort, tend to subside within a few weeks as the body adjusts to the medication. However, more severe side effects, such as gallbladder issues or pancreatitis, require medical intervention.

Is Wegovy safe for long-term use?

The FDA has approved Wegovy for long-term use in weight management, provided it is used under medical supervision. However, monitoring for side effects is essential, especially for severe conditions like pancreatitis or thyroid tumors.

What should I do if I experience severe side effects from Wegovy?

If you experience severe side effects, such as signs of pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, or kidney problems, you should stop taking Wegovy and seek medical help immediately.

Can Wegovy cause heart problems?

Wegovy may increase heart rate in some individuals. While this side effect is usually mild, those with pre-existing heart conditions should consult their healthcare provider for proper monitoring.

Can Wegovy interact with other medications?

Wegovy can interact with other medications, particularly those used to treat diabetes. If you are taking insulin or other glucose-lowering medications, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage to prevent hypoglycemia.

Does Wegovy affect mental health?

While Wegovy’s side effects are predominantly physical, some users have reported mood changes. If you notice mood swings or depressive symptoms, it’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider.

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