Wegovy Side Effects and How to Treat Them 

Like any medication, Wegovy can cause side effects. For most people, they’re mild and tend to settle on their own. Everyone’s experience is different, however, and knowing what to expect can help you start treatment with confidence.  

Most people find that any side effects ease over time as their body adjusts, but there are still plenty of simple tips and tricks that can make things easier along the way. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how common certain Wegovy side effects are, how long they usually last, ways to manage them, and when it might be a good idea to reach out for extra help. 

Three key takeaways

• The most common side effects of Wegovy are typically mild and go away as your body becomes used to the medication. These can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, heartburn, or stomach pain.
• Most side effects can be improved and managed at home with over the counter treatments or diet and lifestyle changes.
• If Wegovy (semaglutide) side effects are affecting your daily life, or if you’re worried you may have a serious side effect, speak to a doctor straight away.

7 most common Wegovy side effects

The most common side effects, affecting around more than one in 10 people, are:

• nausea
• diarrhoea
• vomiting
• constipation
• headache
• stomach pain
• feeling weak or tired

“It’s normal to have concerns around side effects whenever you start a new medication. In my experience, most of these side effects tend to be rare and short-lived.

“The good news is you can usually treat a lot of them with home remedies, lifestyle changes and over the counter medicines you’re already familiar with. You can always talk to your prescriber about how you’re feeling if you need extra support while your body adjusts to the treatment.”

Jason Murphy, Head of Pharmacy at Chemist4U

When do Wegovy side effects start?

Wegovy side effects usually start as soon as you begin taking the medication.

This is normal, because your body is going through changes as you adjust to treatment.

As you increase your dosage over time, side effects can return as your body adjusts to the new levels of the medication.

For some people, side effects come and go, even on the same dose, but you can manage them with over-the-counter  medicines, and changes to your diet and habits to help you stay comfortable as you adjust to your current dose.

How long do side effects last?

The side effects of Wegovy typically last between two to four weeks for most people.

Most common symptoms will go away on their own as your body adjusts to the medication, but side effects can come back as dosage increases over time.

For some people, side effects may not go away entirely but become easier to manage with changes to your lifestyle and routine. You may also find that seeing positive results gives you a mental boost, so you can feel good about the beneficial changes you’re making for your overall health.

If your current dose is causing side effects that are difficult to manage, you may need to drop down to a lower dose. You can always talk to your prescriber to help make sure your weight loss journey is as comfortable as possible. Give yourself time to get used to the dose you’re on, and remember, it’s a walk, not a sprint!

Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about any side effects you’re feeling, or if you’ve been having them longer than expected.

How to manage the most common Wegovy side effects

While these Wegovy side effects are common, there are a number of steps you can take to manage your symptoms.

And once you’ve found solutions that work for you, you can reuse them if your side effects return when you increase your dose of Wegovy.

Nausea and vomiting

To manage nausea and vomiting on Wegovy:

• avoid fatty and oily foods that can make your symptoms worse
• try bland foods that won’t upset your stomach, like toast, bananas and rice
• try smaller, more frequent meals to avoid feeling over full
• do not lie down after eating
• pop outside for some fresh air

If you’re still feeling sick, our prescribing pharmacists can advise you on anti-sickness medications like promethazine.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea can cause dehydration, as you’re losing fluids when you go to the toilet, so drink plenty of water. You can also use rehydration sachets if you need to.

If your Wegovy diarrhoea persists, our expert pharmacists can recommend anit-diarrhoea medications.

Constipation

Constipation on Wegovy can be managing by:

• eating foods with plenty of fibre, like fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, and whole grains (think brown rice and wholewheat pasta and bread)
• drinking lots of water
• getting some exercise

If you’re still struggling to stay regular, talk to a pharmacist about medicines for constipation relief

Headaches

If you’re dealing with headaches after taking Wegovy, you should:

• stay well-hydrated by drinking lots of water
• use rehydration sachets if headaches are still bothering you
• take over-the-counter pain relief, like paracetamol, if you need to

Stomach pain (gas and bloating)

To relieve gas and bloating on Wegovy:

• limit foods like sprouts, cabbage, and other gas-producing vegetables
• limit fizzy drinks
• try herbal teas like fennel or peppermint
• take wind and bloating medications

Feeling weak or tired

There are a number of reasons you may feel weak or tired on Wegovy:

• your calorie intake has reduced
• your digestion can slow, meaning your body absorbs nutrients more slowly
• your blood sugar levels may fall
• other side effects, like diarrhoea, can cause dehydration
• your sleep may become disrupted

Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and keeping your energy levels up by:

• eating a balanced, healthy diet
• staying hydrated
• beginning to do some gentle exercise
• sticking to a sleep schedule
• keeping the room cool, as this lowers your body temperature and slows your metabolism to maintain your circadian rhythm — the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle
• blocking disturbances like noise and bright light

If you’re still struggling to catch some Z’s, you can also try medications for short-term insomnia.

Common Wegovy side effects

Common Wegovy side effects are those that affect up to one in 10 of people are:

• dizziness
• indigestion
• burping
• passing wind
• stomach bloating
• acid reflux (heartburn)
• gallstones
• hair loss
• allergic reactions around the area where you inject the medication
• changes in how food and drink taste
• skin feeling different
• low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) in patients with diabetes
• complications diabetic eye disease (in people with diabetes)

Dealing with Wegovy dizziness

If you’re feeling a bit dizzy while taking Wegovy, low blood sugar could be the culprit. To help keep your blood sugar stable, try these:

• have regular, small meals
• eat high-fibre foods, like vegetables, first
• eat foods high in carbohydrates last — this helps slow your digestion and stabilise blood sugar

Your doctor can help you assess your blood sugar levels to make sure they stay stable.

Wegovy and heartburn

To deal with heartburn on Wegovy, try to:

• limit or avoid caffeine
• avoid spicy or fatty foods

if you’re still experiencing indigestion, try an antacid like Rennies or Gaviscon

Treating injection site rashes

Around 5% of people on Wegovy will experience a reaction at their chosen injection site. To manage this:

• make sure you rotate your injection site every week, in order to give the site a chance to heal
• clean your injection site before use to avoid infection
• try using a numbing cream, like EMLA, before your injection
• use antihistamines to combat any rashes or skin irritation post-injection

You can find out more about how to take Wegovy safely with our expert guide.

Managing Wegovy hair loss

A small number of Wegovy users may experience temporary hair loss, also known as telogen effluvium. This is a type of hair loss related to stress, and not the medication itself.

This bodily stress can be caused by rapid weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. Your hair will usually come back within 3-6 months of you starting your weight loss journey.

How common are side effects on Wegovy?

The following are the most common Wegovy side effects experienced by patients during the STEP 1 clinician trial.

Side effect	Frequency
Nausea	44.2%
Diarrhoea	31.5%
Vomiting	24.8%
Constipation	23.4%
Headache	15.2%
Indigestion	10.3%
Stomach pain	10%
Allergic reactions	7.4%
Injection site reactions	5%
Hepatobiliary (liver, gallbladder, and bile duct) disorders	2.5%
Liver disorders	2.4%
Gallstones	1.8%
Cancer tumours	1.1%
Hypoglycaemia (very low blood sugar)	0.6%
Acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)	0.2%
Acute kidney failure	0.2%

Uncommon side effects of Wegovy

Uncommon side effects of Wegovy, experienced by less than one in 100 people, include:

• raised heartrate
• elevated levels of enzymes in the pancreas
• delayed gastric emptying (emptying of the stomach)
• low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) in patients without diabetes
• increased levels of bilirubin —a pigment produced during red blood cell breakdown that indicates liver health (signs include yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin)

Do Wegovy side effects get worse with higher doses?

“Wegovy side effects can worsen with higher doses in some people. This is why we increase dosage gradually over time, a process called ‘titration’, to give your body time to adjust to the effects of the medication.

“As you increase the dosage over time, the risk of some side effects like kidney and gallbladder issues, diabetic eye disease, and GERD (gastro-oesophagal reflux disease) may increase.”

Jason Murphy, Head of Pharmacy at Chemist4U

Wegovy 7.2mg side effects

When taking the maximum dose of Wegovy 7.2mg, there is a higher risk of dysaesthesia. This is a skin sensation that can feel like burning, tingling or electric shocks.

Even with the higher risk, most cases are mild to moderate and go away without stopping treatment. In a small number of cases, this can be long-term or permanent. If you are concerned about any side effects, please contact one of our clinicians or your GP.

Serious side effects of Wegovy

The most serious side effects of Wegovy are severe allergic reactions and pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis

The main symptom of acute (sudden) pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) is severe, prolonged stomach pain that may move to the back.

If you’re experiencing this pain, contact your doctor immediately or go to A & E.

“It's completely natural and understandable that some people might get spooked by discomfort on a new medication. But in my experience, it doesn't usually mean there's anything seriously wrong. It's most likely a mild side effect as your body gets used to things.

“If you get strong stomach pain that doesn’t go away with rest or moving around - especially if it moves to the back or comes with fever and vomiting - seek urgent care. But if the pain comes and goes, it’s probably not cause for alarm.”

“Serious side effects are unmistakable and very rare. If it was pancreatitis pain, you’d definitely know it. So if it's mild-to-moderate and it's not affecting your daily life, it's more than likely nothing to worry about.”

Jason Murphy, Head of Pharmacy at Chemist4U

Severe allergic reactions

In very rare cases, some people may experience severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and angioedema (swelling beneath the skin, typically around the face, hands, feet, or genitals).

You should seek urgent medical care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

• breathing problems
• dizziness
• wheezing
• swelling of the face, throat, lips, or tongue, with difficulty swallowing
• rapid heartbeat
• skin becoming pale and cold
• feeling weak

“You should definitely go to A&E straight away if you have any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. Wegovy is safe for the vast majority of people, and severe allergic reactions are extremely rare, but it's important to check the packaging to make sure you're not allergic to any ingredients”

Jason Murphy, Head of Pharmacy at Chemist4U

Other Serious Side Effects

Other serious side effects that you should seek medical care for include:

• kidney and bladder stones (symptoms include difficulty urinating or changes to the colour of your urine)
• hip fractures
• diabetic eye disease getting worse (in people with diabetes)
• bowel obstruction
• thyroid tumours (cancer)

Can Wegovy cause cancer?

Although there is no evidence to suggest Wegovy will cause cancer in humans, the treatment still carries a warning regarding thyroid tumours, including cancer.

This is because studies using rodents showed that treatments like Wegovy can cause thyroid tumours.

Due to this, it’s recommended that you don’t use Wegovy if you or your family have, or have ever had:

• medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

Are there long-term side effects of taking Wegovy?

In rare cases, some people may experience long-term side effects from Wegovy as they increase the dose over time. These may include:

• gastrointestinal (digestive) side effects, like stomach pain, indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting
• low blood sugar
• kidney damage
• gallbladder issues, like inflammation or gallstones
• inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• thyroid cancer (very rarely, in people with a family history of this condition)

It’s important to note that these side effects are rare and while some, like digestion issues and gallstones, can be helped and prevented with improved diet, others, like thyroid cancer, are usually more related to genetics and a family history of the condition.

So, although people have reported these side effects at the same time as taking Wegovy, it is not clear that Wegovy influenced or was the cause of these conditions.

In the long-term, treating obesity does a lot more good for your health, including lowering the risk of developing cancer, so the benefits of taking Wegovy considerably outweigh the small risks of serious side effects.

Wegovy side effects with alcohol

Alcohol does not directly interact with Wegovy, so the good news is it’s not off the table completely. The key is to drink in moderation because, for some people, it can cause or worsen side effects.

Some experts do not recommend drinking alcohol while taking Wegovy, as both can lower your blood sugar, but you can talk to your doctor about your current blood sugar levels and whether they think this may be something for you to keep an eye on.

As with other side effects and medications, the important thing is to listen to your body while enjoying a glass or two.

Alcohol also contains empty calories that can make it harder to lose weight, so if you’re planning to have alcohol as part of a calorie-controlled diet, be sure to make sure you factor in the calories from your favourite tipple to stay on track with your weight loss goals.

Wegovy vs Mounjaro side effects

While medications have similar side effects, some of which are more common for some people taking either medication, Wegovy actually has fewer listed common side effects than Mounjaro.

Some very common Wegovy side effects that are not very common for Mounjaro are headaches and fatigue.

Some common side effects of Mounjaro that are not common with Wegovy include:

• skin reactions like eczema, itching, and rashes
• low blood pressure
• elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes — juices that your pancreas creates to help digestion by breaking down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates
• raised levels of calcitonin — a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates your calcium levels

A common serious side effect of Wegovy for people with type 2 diabetes that does not occur when taking Mounjaro is diabetic eye disease worsening.

You can learn more about the differences between Wegovy and Mounjaro by reading our guide.

How Chemist4U can help

Our team of clinicians at Chemist4U are here to support you every step of the way on your weight loss journey. And that includes dealing with side effects.

We can provide advice on how to best manage your symptoms and point you in the direction of the products that can best provide relief.

Frequently asked questions about Wegovy side effects

Should I stop taking Wegovy if I have side effects?

No, not necessarily. Common side effects tend to be mild and will go away as your body adjusts to the medication.

But it is important to understand the side effects so you can tell if they are serious and whether you can manage them yourself or if you need to seek help.

Do Wegovy side effects happen every day?

No, in most cases Wegovy side effects will not occur every day. Most go away in a few days or weeks after starting the medication.

If you’re experiencing side effects often and they do not go away, talk to your prescriber.

Can Wegovy cause fatigue or low energy?

Yes, Wegovy can cause fatigue in some people. To stay energised throughout the day, we recommend you stick to a sleep schedule, maintain good sleep hygiene, stay well hydrated, and eat a balanced, healthy diet.

Are night sweats a side effect of Wegovy

Some people report night sweats while taking Wegovy, but clinical trials and larger scale studies have not shown night sweats to be a side effect.

However, cold sweats can be a sign of low blood sugar, so talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this side effect.

Can I drink coffee while on Wegovy?

Yes, you can drink coffee while taking Wegovy. However, we recommend drinking coffee in moderation as it can worsen side effects like nausea, indigestion, diarrhoea, and acid reflux in some people.

Is constipation more common than diarrhoea with Wegovy?

Diarrhoea is slightly more common than constipation on Wegovy, with around 31% of people reporting diarrhoea and around 23% reporting constipation.

Is dehydration a side effect of Wegovy?

Dehydration is not a direct side effect of Wegovy. But other side effects like vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, as you lose fluids through both vomit and stool.

When you're dehydrated, your body takes more water from your stool to save on fluids. This makes the stool dry, hard, and more difficult to pass. Drinking plenty of water and replacing lost minerals can help prevent this.

It’s important to drink lots of water and use supplements to replace lost minerals in the body if necessary.

How common is depression with Wegovy?

Depression is listed as an uncommon side effect of Wegovy. However, in a 2024 review of data from over 30,000 users,less than 0.6% of people taking weight loss injectables, including semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) reported depression as a side effect.

However, more research is necessary to investigate the mental health side effects of Wegovy.

Are the side effects of Wegovy stronger than with other weight loss injections?

No, current evidence does not conclusively show people taking Wegovy experience stronger side effects than with other weight loss drugs.

How strongly someone feels the side effects of Wegovy will vary from person to person.

Can Wegovy interact with other medicines?

Yes, Wegovy has been known to interact with some other medications.

Some common medications that can interact with Wegovy include:

• acarbose
• acenocoumarol
• alogliptin
• canagliflozin
• dapagliflozin
• empagliflozin
• ertugliflozin
• fenfluramine
• glibenclamide
• gliclazide
• glimepiride
• glipizide
• insulin
• levothyroxine
• linagliptin
• metformin
• pioglitazone
• repaglinide
• saxagliptin
• sitagliptin
• somapacitan
• somatrogon
• tolbutamide
• vildagliptin

Can I take Wegovy if I have diabetes?

Yes, some people with weight-related conditions like prediabetes or type 2 diabetes can take Wegovy.

Do Wegovy side effects go away after stopping treatment?

Yes, most Wegovy side effects will go away within a few weeks of stopping treatment.

Some side effects, like hair loss, may take longer to resolve.

Can Wegovy cause anxiety or mood changes?

Some people have reported mood changes when taking Wegovy, but current research shows this number to very low, around 1%.

Will drinking more water help with Wegovy side effects?

Yes, drinking plenty of water can help reduce symptoms like fatigue, indigestion, acid reflux, headaches, and constipation.

It is also essential to replace lost fluids if you experience diarrhoea and vomiting, so drink up!

Can I exercise while dealing with Wegovy side effects?

Yes, absolutely. We strongly recommend exercise as part of your weight loss plan.

If you’re having side effects like dizziness, though, it is a good idea to wait until you feel better before lacing up those running shoes — and remember to stay well-hydrated!

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