Wegovy Side Effects: Everything you need to know and worry about
Remote Pharmacy Research Team
May 15, 2025
Wegovy is a prescription medication used to support weight loss in people with obesity or overweight and related health conditions. It contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient found in Ozempic, but at a higher dose. While many people see positive results, Wegovy can also cause side effects — some mild, others more serious.
Knowing what to expect helps you stay safe and make informed decisions during treatment. In this guide, we explain the most common side effects, rare but serious risks, and how to reduce discomfort. Whether you’re just starting or already using Wegovy, understanding these effects is key to managing your health with confidence.
Wegovy is a weekly injectable medication used to help adults lose weight and keep it off. It is approved for people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with weight-related health issues such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide, which belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It works by reducing hunger, slowing digestion, and helping the body use insulin more efficiently. These actions lead to lower calorie intake and steady weight loss over time.
Wegovy is not a replacement for healthy habits. It works best when combined with a balanced diet and regular physical activity. The goal is long-term weight management and better overall health.
Most people who use Wegovy experience some side effects, especially during the first weeks of treatment. These effects are usually mild and related to how the medication changes appetite and digestion. In most cases, they improve over time as the body adjusts.
The most common side effects include:
These symptoms often appear when the dose increases. Eating smaller meals, avoiding heavy foods, and staying hydrated can help reduce discomfort. If side effects last too long or become hard to manage, a healthcare provider may adjust the treatment plan.
Understanding what’s normal and what’s not helps you stay on track and avoid unnecessary worry.
While most people tolerate Wegovy well, some may experience serious side effects that require medical attention. These reactions are less common but can pose health risks if ignored. Recognizing early warning signs is important for safe and effective treatment.
One of the most serious risks linked to Wegovy is pancreatitis. This condition causes strong and lasting stomach pain, often with nausea or vomiting. If the pain spreads to the back or gets worse after eating, medical care is needed right away.
Wegovy may also increase the risk of gallbladder problems, such as gallstones or inflammation. Signs include pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, fever, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
There are concerns about thyroid tumors, based on studies in animals. While rare in humans, symptoms like a lump in the neck, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing should be reported to a doctor.
Other serious effects may include low blood sugar (especially if used with other diabetes drugs), kidney problems due to dehydration, or allergic reactions such as swelling or breathing difficulty.
These risks are uncommon but important to understand. Regular check-ups and honest communication with your doctor help reduce the chance of serious complications.
Wegovy may cause side effects that are not common but still possible. These reactions happen in a small number of users and may appear after weeks or even months of treatment. Knowing what to watch for helps prevent problems and supports safer long-term use.
Some patients may experience changes in mood, such as depression, anxiety, or irritability. While the link between GLP-1 drugs and mood changes is still being studied, it’s important to speak with a doctor if mental health shifts occur.
Hair thinning or hair loss has been reported by some users, usually after rapid weight loss. This is often temporary and may improve with time, especially if overall nutrition is balanced.
In rare cases, vision changes can occur, particularly in people with diabetes. Any signs of blurred vision or eye pain should be checked by a healthcare provider.
There is also a small risk of delayed allergic reactions, which may cause rashes, itching, or swelling hours after the injection. While uncommon, these reactions should not be ignored.
Even if these effects are rare, reporting them early helps adjust the treatment safely and maintain your overall health.
Wegovy can affect how other medications work, and some drugs may change how your body responds to semaglutide. These interactions are important to consider before starting treatment and during follow-up visits with your healthcare provider.
Because Wegovy slows digestion, it may delay how fast your body absorbs oral medications. This can lower the effectiveness of pills that require quick action, such as painkillers or some diabetes medications. Timing adjustments may be needed to avoid delays in absorption.
People using insulin or sulfonylureas should be especially careful. When combined with Wegovy, these drugs can increase the risk of low blood sugar, which can cause dizziness, confusion, or fainting. Monitoring blood sugar levels more often may be necessary during the first weeks.
Other medications that affect the stomach, liver, or kidneys may also interact with Wegovy. Herbal supplements and over-the-counter drugs should be reviewed by a doctor before use.
Wegovy is effective, but side effects like nausea, fatigue, and stomach issues can make the first few weeks difficult. The good news is that small changes in daily habits can help reduce discomfort and make the treatment easier to tolerate.
Eating slowly and stopping at the first sign of fullness can ease pressure on the stomach. Because Wegovy slows digestion, large or heavy meals can lead to bloating or nausea. Smaller portions and lighter foods are often better tolerated.
Staying hydrated is also essential. Drinking water throughout the day supports digestion and helps prevent constipation, a common side effect. It's best to sip water between meals rather than during meals to avoid making symptoms worse.
Avoiding greasy, spicy, or fried foods can make a big difference, especially during dose increases. These foods tend to stay longer in the stomach and are harder to process, leading to more discomfort for people using semaglutide.
Movement helps too. Light physical activity like walking after meals can support digestion and reduce fatigue. While intense exercise may not be ideal during the adjustment period, staying active in small ways is helpful.
Finally, patience is key. Most side effects improve as the body adapts to the medication. If symptoms become too strong, speak with your healthcare provider. They can suggest adjustments or ways to ease the transition.
Most side effects from Wegovy are mild and temporary, but some signs may point to a serious reaction that requires immediate care. Knowing when to act can prevent complications and keep your treatment on track.
Seek medical attention right away if you experience severe or lasting stomach pain, especially if it spreads to your back or comes with vomiting. This could be a sign of pancreatitis. Sudden changes in vision, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face and throat may indicate a serious allergic reaction.
Other warning signs include yellowing of the skin or eyes, which may signal liver or gallbladder issues, and extreme fatigue or confusion, which could point to low blood sugar or dehydration.
If you’re unsure whether a symptom is normal, it’s safer to contact a doctor. Quick action helps avoid serious problems and ensures your treatment remains safe and effective.