Wegovy Risks, Warnings, and Complications

RISK OF THYROID CANCER: Animal studies have shown that taking Wegovy can increase the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. This risk has been found to be dose- and treatment-duration dependent, meaning a higher dose and longer treatment duration are associated with a greater risk. 

It is not known if Wegovy causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma, in humans. There are case reports of medullary thyroid cancer in patients treated with liraglutide, which is also a GLP-1 receptor agonist. However, the link between thyroid cancer and GLP-1 receptor agonists has not been definitively established.

People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) should not take Wegovy. You should seek immediate medical care if you develop a mass in your neck, difficulty swallowing, trouble breathing, or persistent hoarseness while on this medicine.

ACUTE PANCREATITIS: There are reports of acute pancreatitis (an inflammation of the pancreas), including both fatal and non-fatal hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis, in patients treated with semaglutide and other GLP-1 receptor agonists. 

Call your doctor immediately if you develop severe persistent abdominal pain that may spread to the back and may be accompanied by vomiting. You will need to stop Wegovy if you have suspected or confirmed acute pancreatitis.

GALLBLADDER PROBLEMS: There is an increased risk of cholelithiasis (gallstones) and cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation) while on Wegovy. This risk is higher in pediatric patients taking Wegovy. Additionally, rapid or significant weight loss also increases the risk of cholelithiasis (gallstones). Tell your doctor without delay if you develop right upper or middle stomach pain, right shoulder pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin), or light-colored stools. 

HYPOGLYCEMIA (LOW BLOOD SUGAR): Wegovy contains the generic drug semaglutide which is the same active ingredient as the diabetes medication Ozempic. In addition to helping you lose weight, Wegovy (semaglutide) can also cause hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.

If you have diabetes and are taking insulin or oral diabetes medications alongside Wegovy, you may be at an increased risk of severe hypoglycemia. Talk to your doctor about what to do if you develop signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as dizziness, weakness, sweating, hunger, nausea, fast heartbeat, or confusion. 

If you have diabetes, your healthcare provider will monitor your blood glucose before starting Wegovy and during treatment. You may need to reduce the dose of your insulin or oral diabetes medications to lower the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY: There are reports of kidney damage and worsening kidney failure in patients treated with semaglutide. In some cases, the acute kidney injury was severe enough to require hemodialysis. Before starting Wegovy, tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney problems. Call your doctor if you develop vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration. Your doctor will monitor kidney function when you first start Wegovy and during the dose escalation if you have underlying renal impairment or severe adverse gastrointestinal side effects that may lead to volume depletion.

ALLERGIC REACTIONS: There are reports of serious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis (throat closing) and angioedema (swelling) leading to difficulty breathing in patients who took Wegovy. Stop taking Wegovy and seek emergency medical care if you develop an allergic reaction to this drug. Tell your doctor if you have had allergic reactions to other GLP-1 receptor agonists in the past. 

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY: Clinical trials have shown that adults with type 2 diabetes and BMI 27 kg/m2 or greater can develop diabetic retinopathy (eye complications). This is because of the rapid improvement in blood glucose control on Wegovy which can temporarily worsen diabetic retinopathy. If you have a history of diabetic retinopathy, your doctor will monitor you closely during Wegovy treatment for signs of progression.

INCREASED HEART RATE: Adults and children taking Wegovy may have an increased resting heart rate. Your doctor will monitor your heart rate regularly. Call your doctor if you develop palpitations or a racing heartbeat while at rest during treatment with Wegovy. You may need to stop Wegovy if your heart rate remains high.

SUICIDAL IDEATION AND BEHAVIOR: There are reports of suicidal behavior and ideation with other drugs used for chronic weight management. Tell your doctor if you or your family members notice new or worsening depression, changes in mood, or suicidal thoughts or behavior while you are being treated with Wegovy. Avoid taking Wegovy if you have active suicidal ideation or a history of suicide attempts.