Semaglutide is a prescription medication that has been used for about five years (FDA-approved in 2017) to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is the brand name for this same prescription medication that recently (June 2021) gained FDA approval for use in treating obesity. The only difference between the two prescriptions is that Wegovy is dispensed in higher doses for weight loss.
Since hitting the market, Wegovy became very popular, very quickly, and there has been an ongoing shortage of the product. The patients that have been fortunate enough to get their hands on the product have shared their stories on several different social media platforms. Some patients tell amazing success stories about significant weight loss results, while others recount the side effects they encountered.
Today we are going to answer some of the most asked questions we get about the Wegovy side effects.
What Are The Most Common Side Effects of Wegovy®?
Wegovy is a manufactured GLP-1 hormone that mimics the natural hormones that are produced by your digestive system. The purpose of our natural digestive hormones is to break down the food we eat so our bodies can use it for energy.
Our natural hormones break down and dissipate rapidly but the manufactured hormone (Wegovy) takes much longer to break down so it works for a longer time. One of the benefits of this manufactured hormone is it keeps the feeling of satiety (fullness) and patients do not get hungry as often.
Because we are introducing a “foreign” hormone in our system that works with the digestive system, it makes sense that many of the side effects of Wegovy experienced are gastrointestinal in nature.
What Is The Most Reported Side Effect Of Wegovy?
Most patients when starting the injections experience the most reported side effect of Wegovy which is mild nausea for a day or two after the injection. Others have reported chronic nausea that can range from mild to severe but there has been no apparent reason identified as to why one person is more affected than another. Other commonly reported side effects include:
- vomiting,
- diarrhea,
- abdominal discomfort,
- constipation,
- upset stomach,
- headache,
- fatigue, and
- dizziness.
More serious but rare potential side effect information can be reviewed on Wegovy’s® patient website.
Do The Side Effects Of Wegovy Go Away?
Many people ask how long the side effects of Wegovy last and the answer varies by individual. Experts do not yet understand why some individuals tolerate the injections well and others do not.
Some individuals reported only having mild side effects the day of the week they administer their injections but others said they experienced side effects each time the dose was increased. Some patients only had side effects for a few days when they first started the medication but they eventually dissipated and for others, the side effects of Wegovy never went away and they had to discontinue using the weight loss drug.
How Many People Have To Quit Taking Wegovy Because Of Side Effects?
Approximately 7% of patients had to discontinue Wegovy during the clinical trials due to their experience with side effects.
Out of 2,116 patients, 1.8% discontinued use for nausea, 1.2% for vomiting, and 0.7% for diarrhea.
Is Hair Loss A Side Effect Of Wegovy?
The issue of hair loss is not officially addressed on the Wegovy website however, it is listed on a pdf chart of side effects experienced by approximately 3% of the patients who participated in the 68-week clinical trial (63 out of 2,116). Also, many individuals sharing their stories across internet platforms have reported that one of their Wegovy side effects was the hair loss.
Are There Any Known Wegovy Side Effects With Alcohol?
There have been no direct interactions reported between Wegovy and drinking alcohol however, the consumption of alcohol can interfere with blood sugar levels. Patients should discuss the possibility of potential issues with their doctor.
If you are interested in learning more about Wegovy and how it may help you to lose weight, contact IBI Healthcare Institute today. Wegovy can be used as part of a comprehensive weight-loss program or together with a non-surgical weight-loss procedure.
Set up a consultation today with one of our weight loss experts to discuss how we can best support you and help you reach your weight loss goals.
