Semaglutide is a popular medication used to treat Type 2 Diabetes and aid in weight loss. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects. In this article, we will discuss 12 side effects of semaglutide and what you need to know before starting this medication.
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You may know semaglutide as Ozempic, an injectable medication used in people with Type 2 diabetes. Ozempic can help manage blood sugar, and it can also lower the risk of heart attack and stroke if you also have heart disease. You can also find it as an oral pill, called Rybelsus. And Wegovy, a higher-strength version, is approved to help people lose weight.
Semaglutide works by mimicking a gut hormone that causes your pancreas to release insulin, blocks your liver from releasing sugar, and slows down how fast food leaves your stomach. While these actions can be beneficial for Type 2 diabetes and weight loss, they can also cause some side effects.
However, as with any medication, semaglutide can come with side effects. Here are 12 potential side effects to be aware of:
Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes and Weight Loss: 12 Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Fatigue
- Changes to your face
- Rebound weight gain
- Low blood sugar
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder disease
- Kidney damage
- Allergic reactions
- Thyroid cancer
1. Nausea
Nausea is the most common semaglutide side effect. Up to 20% of people taking it for Type 2 diabetes reported nausea in clinical trials. Nausea is even more common if you’re taking the higher-dose version for weight loss. Vomiting tends to be less common than nausea.
You’re more likely to experience these side effects with higher doses of semaglutide. That’s why your healthcare provider will raise your dose slowly over a few weeks to minimize these effects. For most people, these side effects should improve over time as your body gets used to the medication.
Eating smaller meals, avoiding high-fat foods, and remaining upright after you eat can also help manage potential nausea and vomiting from semaglutide. But if these side effects are accompanied by severe stomach pain that may or may not spread to your back, get medical attention right away. This could be a sign of pancreatitis, a rare but serious side effect. More on that later.
2. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is another common semaglutide side effect. Around 9% of people taking it for Type 2 diabetes and 30% of people taking it for weight loss reported diarrhea during clinical trials.
Similar to nausea and vomiting, you’re more likely to experience diarrhea with higher doses of semaglutide. As mentioned above, your healthcare provider will slowly raise your dose over time to minimize this side effect. Constipation can also happen, but it tends to be less common than diarrhea.
3. Stomach pain
Mild stomach pain is another common stomach-related side effect of semaglutide. Similar to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, this should subside over time. Using the tips listed above can also help minimize this side effect.
Severe stomach pain can be a sign of other side effects, like pancreatitis or gallbladder problems (like gallstones). Contact your healthcare provider right away if this develops.
4. Fatigue
Fatigue is a common side effect of Wegovy, affecting 11% of people taking it in clinical trials. Fatigue was also reported in less than 5% of people taking Ozempic, and it wasn’t reported at all with Rybelsus.
Semaglutide works for weight loss by making you feel less hungry. And eating fewer calories may cause you to feel more tired. Feelings of fatigue should subside as your body adjusts to potential changes in your diet.
5. Changes to your face
Some people taking semaglutide may notice less fullness in their face. In fact, this phenomenon has been referred to as “Ozempic face.” While Ozempic isn’t approved for weight loss, some people taking it lose weight. And facial fat loss is one potential effect of fast and significant weight loss. This can also result in looser skin and wrinkles that are more noticeable.
Keep in mind the benefits of semaglutide on your health outweigh these effects. But if you’re concerned about possible changes to your appearance, talk to your healthcare provider. They can suggest treatments for lessening the appearance of wrinkles or increasing fullness in your face.
6. Rebound weight gain
Semaglutide is a medication that’s intended to be taken long term. Wegovy, specifically, is approved for chronic weight management. As long as you’re taking the medication, weight loss is typically sustained. But if you stop taking it, it’s possible to gain some (or all) of the weight back.
Semaglutide should be paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Establishing habits that you can maintain long term is important if you decide to stop semaglutide.
If you’re concerned about regaining weight after stopping semaglutide, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you weigh the pros and cons of stopping or continuing treatment.
7. Low blood sugar
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) isn’t very common if you’re taking semaglutide on its own. That’s because it works by telling your body to release insulin in response to a meal specifically.
But taking semaglutide with other blood sugar-lowering medications, like insulin and sulfonylureas, raises the risk of hypoglycemia. So, your healthcare provider may need to change the dose of these medications when starting semaglutide.
If you have Type 2 diabetes, it’s important to regularly check your blood sugar levels to help avoid hypoglycemia. You may be advised to have an emergency glucagon or glucagon-like product to raise your blood sugar quickly if severe hypoglycemia happens.
8. Pancreatitis
Although rare, pancreatitis has been reported with semaglutide. If it happens, it can be life-threatening. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and/or jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes).
Let your healthcare provider know before starting semaglutide if you have a history of acute pancreatitis. They may recommend a different medication for you.
9. Gallbladder disease
Gallbladder disease, including gallstones, is possible with semaglutide, but it isn’t common. It was reported in less than 2% of people taking it in clinical trials.
Symptoms of gallbladder problems include upper stomach pain, fever, and jaundice. You may also notice clay-colored stools. Let your healthcare provider know right away if these develop.
Talk to your healthcare provider about ways you can avoid gallbladder problems while taking semaglutide. This may include dietary changes and routine physical activity.
10. Kidney damage
Studies have suggested that semaglutide may have some kidney benefits if you have Type 2 diabetes. But in rare cases, kidney damage has also been reported. This is more likely if you have severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea leading to dehydration.
Kidney damage is also more common if you already have kidney problems. Taking medications that cause you to get rid of excess water, like diuretics (water pills), also puts you at risk.
Your healthcare provider may monitor your kidneys if you’re experiencing a lot of stomach-related side effects. Let them know right away if you’re not urinating very much or at all, or notice swelling in your arms or legs.
11. Allergic reactions
Severe allergic reactions to semaglutide are rare, but possible. Call 911 or get immediate medical attention if you have swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, or shortness of breath after your dose.
Mild allergic reactions can include itching, rash, or redness at the injection site. Stopping semaglutide isn’t always necessary with mild reactions. But make sure to still tell your healthcare provider about your reaction.
Don’t use oral or injectable semaglutide if you’re allergic to any of their ingredients. And there’s a chance you could have an allergic reaction to semaglutide if you’ve had a reaction to a medication in the same class.
12. Thyroid tumors
Semaglutide has a boxed warning (the strictest warning) from the FDA about a risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. This is because animal studies found that rodents developed thyroid tumors when exposed to GLP-1 agonists. However, human studies have yet to confirm this risk.
Still, you shouldn’t take semaglutide if you or your family have a history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice signs or symptoms of thyroid cancer. These include a lump in your neck, and neck or jaw pain.
It is important to note that not everyone who takes semaglutide will experience these side effects, and some people may experience other side effects not listed here. Before starting semaglutide, talk to your doctor about your medical history and any medications you are currently taking.
While semaglutide can be an effective treatment option for Type 2 Diabetes and weight loss, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects. If you experience any of these side effects or have concerns about taking semaglutide, talk to your doctor.
When should I contact my healthcare provider about side effects from semaglutide?
Many of the side effects listed above may improve on their own as you continue to use semaglutide. If mild stomach-related side effects don’t subside over the course of a few weeks, contact your healthcare provider. If they’re severe at any point, get medical attention right away. This may be a sign of something more serious.
Hypoglycemia can become a serious issue, possibly leading to hospitalizations, coma, or death if left untreated. It’s important to know the indicators of low blood sugar and how to treat it. Contact your healthcare provider if you’re finding that your blood sugar levels are dropping too low. They may need to adjust the dosage of other blood sugar-lowering medications you’re taking.