Semaglutide Side Effects

These figures come from the labeled 2.4 mg injection studies. They should not be applied automatically to Ozempic, tablets, or the 7.2 mg injection. Participants can report several effects, so the percentages cannot be added to calculate an overall risk.

Symptoms commonly appear during dose adjustment. Smaller meals, slower eating, and avoiding very fatty meals may help mild nausea or uncomfortable fullness. Drink regularly and ask about treatment for persistent constipation. Contact the team before increasing the dose if symptoms are affecting meals, fluids, or normal activity.

The current Wegovy label describes dysesthesia: altered sensations such as burning, tingling, skin pain, or unusual sensitivity. In trials evaluating the 7.2 mg injection, these events were reported in 22% of that group, 6% of the 2.4 mg group, and 0.3% of the placebo group. They were also reported with tablets.

Tell the prescriber where the sensation occurs, whether there is a rash, and when it began relative to a dose change. The clinician may assess other causes and consider a dose reduction, interruption, or alternative. Do not increase a dose while an unexplained significant symptom is being assessed.

Stop semaglutide and seek immediate medical assessment for severe or persistent abdominal pain, especially if it reaches the back. Pancreatitis can occur with or without vomiting. Upper abdominal pain with fever or jaundice can suggest gallbladder disease and also needs prompt care.

Repeated vomiting or diarrhea can cause dehydration and kidney injury. Seek urgent care if you cannot keep fluids down, pass very little urine, feel faint, or become markedly unwell. Severe abdominal swelling with vomiting or inability to pass stool or gas also requires urgent assessment.

Trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or collapse can signal a serious allergic reaction. Call emergency services. These symptoms should not wait for a routine prescribing appointment.

Semaglutide can increase low-blood-sugar risk when used with insulin or a sulfonylurea. The clinician may adjust those medicines and specify glucose checks. Follow the hypoglycemia plan you have been given, and report repeated low readings or episodes.

Rapid improvement in glucose can temporarily worsen diabetic retinopathy. People with existing eye disease need appropriate monitoring, and new vision changes need prompt assessment. Tell the clinician about eye treatment before starting or increasing semaglutide.

Useful details include the brand and formulation, current dose, date of the last increase, missed doses, other medicines, and how symptoms affect food and fluid intake. A recent change in concentration or device is especially relevant if an incorrect dose may have been taken.

Tell the anesthesia team before any procedure involving general anesthesia or deep sedation. Semaglutide delays stomach emptying, which can affect aspiration risk despite routine fasting. The team should give individualized instructions. Pregnancy plans also need review because semaglutide should be stopped at least two months before a planned pregnancy.