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Wegovy (generic drug: semaglutide) is an injectable prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management. Wegovy is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) of the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen once a week to promote weight loss. 

Wegovy slows the rate at which the stomach empties, meaning this medication slows down the food digestion process in the gastrointestinal tract, increasing fullness and reducing appetite. This medication can help you lose weight when used with lifestyle changes such as a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical exercise. Learn more about how Wegovy works for weight loss.

A licensed healthcare professional can prescribe Wegovy injections for weight management. Wegovy may be a good option for adults who are obese (with a body mass index of 30 kg/m² or higher) or overweight (with a body mass index of 27 kg/m² or higher) with one or more chronic weight-related medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, or high cholesterol.

Wegovy can also be used for weight management in children 12 years and older, with an initial BMI in the 95^th or greater standardized for age and sex.  

But while Wegovy can help people lose weight, it can also cause some mild and serious side effects. Please continue reading to find out the most common side effects of Wegovy and how long they typically last.

Do side effects from Wegovy go away?

Mild symptoms from Wegovy treatment usually go away once your body gets used to the medication. Keep in mind that each person’s response to Wegovy varies. 

Some people may not have any side effects from Wegovy, others may have side effects that go away in a few weeks, and yet others may have lingering side effects from Wegovy even after taking it for a long time. 

Clinical trials have looked at Wegovy treatment lasting 68 weeks (over 1 year), but they did not track exactly when side effects were experienced or disappeared in patients treated with this drug.

How long does it take for Wegovy to get out of your system?

Wegovy has a long half-life of about 7 days. This means it takes 7 days for the blood concentration of Wegovy to fall to half of its original level. If you take the highest dose of Wegovy (2.4 mg), about half of the dose (1.2 mg) will still be present in your body after one week. It usually takes 4 to 5 half-lives to clear a drug from the body. Therefore, with a half-life of 1 week, it can take 4-5 weeks after the last dose to get Wegovy out of your system.

When do you begin to feel the effects of Wegovy?

Adults treated with Wegovy do not begin to feel its effects right away. Healthcare providers start with a lower dose of Wegovy and gradually increase the dose over a period of several weeks to give the body a chance to adjust to this weight loss drug. 

Therefore, you may not get the full effects of treatment for several months. However, you may begin to notice some reduction in body weight within the first 4 weeks of Wegovy treatment. Remember, this medication works best in helping you lose excess weight when combined with healthy lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Learn more about how long it takes to lose weight on Wegovy.

What are the most common Wegovy side effects?

Common mild side effects of Wegovy treatment include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, distention, belching, gas, heartburn, gastritis (stomach inflammation), and hair loss.

What are the serious side effects of Wegovy?

Thyroid cancer

Taking Wegovy is linked to an increased risk of thyroid C cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2). This weight loss medication carries a boxed warning (the FDA’s most serious warning) for thyroid tumors and is contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of cancers of the thyroid gland.

Acute pancreatitis

Wegovy treatment is associated with an increased risk of acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). You should seek emergency medical care if you develop severe stomach pain with or without severe nausea and vomiting while on this drug.

Acute gallbladder disease

People who take Wegovy to lose weight are at an increased risk of developing cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation) and cholelithiasis (gallstones). Rapid weight loss on Wegovy can further increase the risk of gallstones. Before starting Wegovy, tell your doctor if you have a history of gallbladder problems or other issues with the digestive system.

Acute kidney injury

There are reports of acute kidney damage and worsening chronic renal failure in people who took Wegovy for weight loss. Dehydration (for example, from vomiting or diarrhea) can increase the risk of kidney injury. Before starting Wegovy, tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of kidney problems. Call your doctor if you develop diarrhea, vomiting, or dehydration during Wegovy treatment. 

Low blood sugar

Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy medication) was originally developed to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It can, therefore, cause low blood sugar as a side effect in people taking it for weight management. Make sure you know how to recognize the signs of low blood sugar and when to seek medical attention if it occurs. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about the need to adjust the doses of your other diabetes medications.

Serious allergic reaction

Rarely, Wegovy can cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis (life-threatening throat closing) and angioedema (swelling). This is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical care if you develop trouble breathing or swallowing, skin rash, hives, itching, or swelling after taking Wegovy.

Diabetic eye complications

Rapid improvement in blood sugar levels on semaglutide can result in a temporary worsening of diabetic retinopathy complications (eye problems related to diabetes). Your doctor will monitor you carefully if you have diabetes and diabetic retinopathy.

Increased heart rate

Wegovy can raise your resting heart rate. Tell your doctor if you develop palpitations or a racing heartbeat on this medicine. You may need to stop taking Wegovy if these side effects continue.

Suicidal thinking

People taking weight loss drugs can develop worsening depression and suicidal thinking and behavior. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you or your family members notice any unusual changes in mood or behavior.

Drug interactions

Wegovy can interact with your other medications and put you at risk of serious adverse effects. Along with a detailed health history, give your healthcare provider a complete list of your medications before you start taking Wegovy.

Is it normal to feel sick after eating on Wegovy?

It is quite common to feel sick after taking Wegovy. Nausea is the most common side effect of this drug and is reported by approximately 44% of people after taking Wegovy. 

In addition, other side effects of Wegovy, such as diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, and upset stomach, can also make you feel sick or unwell. These side effects typically get better once your body adjusts to the medicine. 

Tell your healthcare provider if they are severe or persistent. Seek emergency medical attention if you develop severe pain in the abdomen or your symptoms worsen over time. Find out who should not take Wegovy.

Is alcohol consumption allowed while on Wegovy?

Doctors usually recommend against drinking alcohol while on Wegovy. Alcohol can add calories and lower inhibitions, making it harder to stick to a healthy diet and exercise routine.