Semaglutide, available under the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, and the oral tablet Rybelsus, is effective for diabetes and weight management, but like any medication, it may have some side effects. Some of the
- Gastrointestinal effects: The most common side effects of semaglutide affect your gastrointestinal system and include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and indigestion. These effects are usually mild to moderate and decrease with time.
- Pancreatitis: In rare cases, semaglutide may cause acute inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis. This might cause severe abdominal pain radiating to the back, nausea, fever, and abdominal swelling.
- Hypoglycemia: Semaglutide can lower your blood sugar levels, causing hypoglycemia. This risk increases with higher doses of the medication.
- Kidney injury: There is a slight risk of damage to your kidneys, particularly if you have experienced gastrointestinal side effects with the medication.
- Gallbladder disorders: Semaglutide use may lead to gallbladder issues, including gallstones or gallbladder inflammation.
- Thyroid C-cell tumors: Semaglutide has a boxed warning for the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. The risk in humans is unclear, but doctors recommend careful monitoring while using the medication if you already have a high risk of this condition. The risk potentially increases with dose and treatment duration.
In many cases, discontinuing the medication is sufficient to stop the side effects of semaglutide. Doctors might recommend sticking to the lower dose if you notice side effects cropping up after increasing your dose. You might also try another GLP-1 medication.
To manage the gastrointestinal side effects, you may consider trying the following steps:
- Eat slowly.
- Avoid lying down after meals.
- Choose easy-to-digest foods and bland, low fat diets.
- Increase fluid intake, taking small sips.
- Get plenty of fresh air.
Despite the possibility of side effects, experts generally consider semaglutide safe and effective. If you have concerns about long-term side effects, speak with your doctor.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.