Wegovy Side Effects: Wegovy Long-Term Side Effects to Beware

Choosing to start a weight loss treatment like Wegovy is a very big decision, and it is one that is usually made after a long road of trying to manage your body weight and improve your health. Like all medications, it comes with possible effects that are important to know about. This includes the common Wegovy side effects and the less talked about (but equally important) long-term side effects that may appear as time goes on.

Throughout this article we will talk about what you can expect while taking this medication and where you can go to get some extra professional weight loss support along the way.

What to Know Before Starting Wegovy

Before beginning Wegovy, it is a good idea to have an understanding about how it works in your body. This weight loss medicine is part of a group of prescription drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It helps to regulate appetite, slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, and can also improve how your body responds to insulin.

Wegovy is used as part of a long-term plan to manage weight-related health problems, including high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. It’s most often recommended if your body mass index (BMI) falls into the overweight or obesity range and other weight loss methods haven’t been successful for you.

Wegovy isn’t a quick fix. It works best when it is paired with certain lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. That’s why it’s important to have a clear treatment plan in place, that goes beyond simply relying on the medication for results.

Starting Wegovy

Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications that you’re taking. Wegovy can interact with certain drugs, and your doctor will want to make sure that everything works together safely.

If you’re unsure how to create proper meals or don’t know the best methods to manage your progress, working with a diabetes dietitian can make the entire experience feel a whole lot more manageable and it will help you stay on the right track to success.

The Most Common Wegovy Side Effects

When you first start taking Wegovy, your body may need a little bit of time to adjust to the medication. Many people experience mild symptoms in the early weeks, especially as the dose increases gradually to the normal dose. These effects are very common and are usually temporary, but it’s still a good idea to know what to expect and what they might feel like.

1. Nausea

One of the most commonly reported side effects of Wegovy is nausea. This can happen as your body starts to respond to changes in digestion and appetite regulation. Eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day and avoiding rich or greasy foods may help make you feel more comfortable.

2. Fatigue

Fatigue and an overall feeling of low energy can also occur, especially early on. These Wegovy side effects tend to improve once your body starts to adapt.

3. Headache & Dizziness

Some people also experience headaches or dizziness, often when their body is adjusting to their new eating patterns, if they experience low blood sugar, or if they are losing water weight too quickly.

4. Vomiting

Wegovy vomiting and upset stomach can happen, especially if you eat too much or if you eat too fast. Try to eat slowly and stop eating as soon as you feel full.

5. Constipation

Wegovy constipation is another one of the common side effects of Wegovy. This happens because the medication slows digestion. Drinking more water, eating fibre-rich foods, and taking part in some gentle movement may help.

Other Side Effects of Wegovy

Other mild, but common Wegovy side effects can include stomach pain and occasional nausea diarrhea, especially when you are increasing your dose. If any of your symptoms feel severe or last longer than you’d expect, it’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Many people that are taking Wegovy experience certain changes in how the digestive system functions. These gastrointestinal adverse events are among the most common side effects and can range from mild discomfort to more noticeable symptoms in the first several weeks.

You might notice Wegovy diarrhea, especially after your weekly injection or when your dose increases. This is usually temporary and tends to get better as your body slowly adjusts.

Some people experience severe nausea, especially if they eat too quickly or if they continue eating past the point of feeling full.

Abdominal pain or bloating can also occur. In a few cases, it may become severe abdominal pain, which should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

When deciding what to eat while taking Wegovy, you should know that eating fatty foods or large meals may make your symptoms worse. Try eating smaller portions and focus on meals that are easier to digest.

You should also avoid or limit how often you drink alcohol while taking Wegovy, because it can worsen your nausea or stomach irritation. Most of these symptoms improve after the first few weeks, especially if you’re easing into your dose carefully and being mindful of what you are eating.

Managing Constipation on Wegovy

Constipation is one of the most common side effects of Wegovy. It happens because the medication slows how quickly food moves through your system. But the good news is, there are some ways to manage it.

Here’s how to prevent constipation on Wegovy: drink more water, add fibre-rich foods, and keep your body moving with light daily activity.

If you’re already constipated, you can try things like magnesium supplements or gentle stool softeners, but you should always check with your healthcare provider first.

Constipation can feel worse if you have other medical conditions, especially those related to digestion or kidney problems, so let your doctor know if things don’t improve.

Wegovy and Vomiting

Feeling sick to your stomach or vomiting after starting Wegovy can be unsettling, but it’s not unusual. These vomiting episodes often happen during the first few weeks as your dose increases and your body starts to adjust.

If you’re wondering why Wegovy makes you feel sick, it’s because of how the medication slows digestion and affects your appetite. Eating too quickly, large portions, or rich foods can trigger these symptoms.

You might ask how long Wegovy vomiting lasts, and for most people, it’s temporary. If it continues or gets worse, talk to your healthcare provider.

To help stop throwing up on Wegovy, eat smaller meals, avoid lying down after eating, and skip anything greasy. In rare cases, vomiting could be part of a severe allergic reaction, so always check in if your symptoms feel unusual.

Skin Reactions and Wegovy Rash

While not as common as digestive symptoms, some people experience changes to their skin after starting Wegovy. These may be mild or, in rare cases, more serious.

Some people experience a skin rash while on semaglutide and may notice redness, itching, or hives near the injection site or elsewhere on the body.

A mild allergic reaction may cause a rash, while a serious allergic reaction could include swelling, trouble breathing, sore throat or swollen throat, or signs of deep sedation.

Wegovy and UTIs

While it’s less common, some people notice some changes to their urinary habits after starting Wegovy. These may be linked to changes in hydration, eating patterns, or how your body manages blood sugar.

It’s also possible for Wegovy to cause a urine infection, especially if you’re not drinking enough fluids or if your sugar levels are high, which can affect the balance in your urinary tract.

Some other drugs or health conditions can also increase your risk of UTIs.

Keep an eye out for Wegovy side effects like burning, urgency, or cloudy urine.

Wegovy and the Gallbladder

Wegovy can affect your gallbladder, especially during periods of rapid weight loss or if you have a history of gallbladder problems. While this doesn’t happen to everyone, it’s something to be aware of as you begin Wegovy treatment.

Wegovy has been linked to an increased risk of gallbladder problems, including gallstones. However, clinical studies show that only a small percentage of people develop gallstones.

Watch for abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side, or severe pain after eating. These may be signs of gallbladder issues.

Wegovy and Thyroid Concerns

Wegovy comes with a warning about thyroid health, specifically related to a rare type of cancer that has been seen in animal studies. While no clear link has been confirmed in humans, it’s important to understand the possible risks.

The concern focuses on thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a rare but serious form of thyroid cancer. These types of thyroid c cell tumors are associated with changes in the endocrine system condition.

If you’re wondering about Wegovy’s side effect risk of causing cancer, the risk appears to be low in human studies, but it’s still taken very seriously. Your doctor may ask about your family history of thyroid cancer before prescribing Wegovy.

Anyone with a personal or family history of MTC or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 should not use this medication.

Symptoms to watch for include a lump in your neck, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing. While they are rare, these side effects of Wegovy could indicate a life-threatening issue and should be checked out right away.

Long-Term Wegovy Side Effects to Watch

Wegovy is meant for long-term use, but it’s important to understand how your body might respond to it  as time goes on. While many people tolerate it well, some Wegovy side effects may not appear right away.

Some people ask about the long-term impact of using Wegovy. The truth is, clinical trials are still ongoing. However, the risk of side effects may increase the longer you’re on the medication, especially if you have existing weight-related medical problems.

It’s natural to wonder, how long can you safely use Wegovy or even, is it okay to stay on Wegovy forever? These are questions best discussed with your doctor, based on your health history and how your body responds.

There’s also concern around what damage Wegovy can cause, including rare effects on the pancreas, gallbladder, and thyroid.

Some clinical trials are also looking at the relationship between GLP-1 medications and the potential benefits and risks of cardiovascular disease, heart disease, and heart attack risk.

Knowing what the dangers of Wegovy might be allows you to choose whether this treatment plan is right for you and your weight loss goals.

Signs That Wegovy Is Working

As you continue using Wegovy, you’ll start to notice some changes. These signs often show up gradually, but they can be encouraging milestones in your weight management journey.

Most people begin to lose weight within the first few weeks, especially as the dose of the treatment plan increases. Some people may experience rapid weight loss, while others notice a slower, steady shift. Both are completely normal.

Changes in blood sugar levels can also happen, especially if you’re using Wegovy to treat diabetes.

According to clinical trials, Wegovy has been shown to help many people lose and maintain weight when it is combined with healthy eating and regular physical exercise.

Medications to Avoid While Taking Wegovy

Before starting Wegovy, it’s important to talk with your doctor about any medications you’re currently using. Certain drugs may interact with Wegovy, which could affect how well it works, or increase your risk of side effects of Wegovy.

Some diabetes medications, especially those that lower blood sugar, may need adjusting to avoid low blood sugar levels.

Tell your doctor about other drugs you take regularly, including over-the-counter medicine and supplements. They’ll check for possible drug interactions.

If you’re breastfeeding, let your provider know. Wegovy hasn’t been studied in breast milk, so extra caution might be needed.

It’s also a good idea to limit your alcohol consumption while on Wegovy, since it can irritate your stomach or affect blood sugar levels. And if you’re still exploring your options, your doctor may walk you through different alternatives to Ozempic and Wegovy to help you find the right fit.

Wegovy Injections and Administration

Taking Wegovy correctly can help reduce side effects and can make your experience a whole lot more comfortable.

It’s a once-weekly injection that should be given at the same time each week.

You can inject Wegovy into your upper arm, thigh, or stomach, and it is important to rotate injection sites each week to lower your risk of irritation.

Some people also notice mild redness or swelling where they inject. These injection site reactions are usually harmless and go away on their own.

Stick to the treatment plan your doctor gives you. Skipping doses or injecting incorrectly can affect how well the medication works.

Very rarely, people report severe symptoms like serious allergic reaction, deep sedation or confusion after injections. If something feels off, don’t wait. You should check in with your healthcare provider right away.

Is Wegovy Safe Long Term?

Wegovy has been studied in multiple clinical trials, and the results show that it can be effective and well tolerated by many people when used as it is prescribed. But like any weight loss drug, the long-term safety depends on your endocrine system condition and your treatment plan.

Using the normal dose under medical supervision and following a treatment plan that is tailored to you helps to lower the risks of Wegovy side effects.

Most people only experience mild side effects of Wegovy, but serious side effects can happen, especially if Wegovy is used without regular check-ins or outside of the approved guidelines.

If you’re considering staying on Wegovy long term, the best step is to tell your healthcare provider to build a safe, sustainable plan that is perfectly in alignment with all of your unique needs and weight loss goals.

When to Talk to a Healthcare Provider

Most side effects from Wegovy go away with time, but some may need medical attention. If you’re not feeling better or if something feels off, don’t ignore it.

Tell your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms that last longer than a few weeks, or if you notice anything new or concerning, like changes in your blood pressure, ongoing nausea, upset stomach, sore throat, or signs of serious side effects.

You may need to temporarily stop your treatment or switch to a different plan if Wegovy doesn’t agree with you.

Wegovy may not be right for everyone, especially if you have medical conditions like thyroid disease or cardiovascular disease.

Get the Support You Need from a Registered Dietitian

Managing the side effects of Wegovy, and your overall health, doesn’t have to be something that you figure out all on your own. Working with a registered dietitian can help you feel more confident and in control of your progress.

At DietitianLive, you’ll get access to personalized guidance that has been tailored to your needs, whether that’s weight loss support, help managing digestive side effects, or adjusting your meals to feel your best while taking Wegovy.

You’ll also get free and confidential support that fits into your routine, with professionals who completely understand what you’re going through.

If you’re still learning about your condition, they can also help you better understand what diabetes is and how food, medication, and daily choices all connect.

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, a dietitian can help you stay on track with a plan that works for your unique body and goals, and not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stop Wegovy cold turkey?

Stopping Wegovy treatment suddenly, or “cold turkey,” isn’t recommended without first speaking to your healthcare provider. While some people may tolerate stopping the medication without major issues, others might notice a return in appetite or weight gain over time. If you need or want to pause or stop Wegovy, your provider may suggest gradually tapering or adjusting your treatment plan to avoid unwanted changes in your body weight or blood sugar.

Always tell your healthcare provider before making changes, so that they can help you avoid uncomfortable adverse effects or unplanned disruptions in your weight management journey.

How long does Wegovy vomiting last?

Vomiting is one of the most common side effects in the early stages of using Wegovy. It often happens when your body is adjusting to the medication or if you eat too fast or too much. For most people, this passes within the first few weeks, especially when you follow the guidance around dosing, hydration, and low fat foods.

If vomiting continues or worsens, you should stop treatment and check in with your healthcare provider. Ongoing vomiting can also lead to dehydration or be a sign of a more serious issue like an allergic reaction, especially if it comes with other symptoms like stomach pain or fatigue.

What damage can Wegovy cause?

Most people tolerate Wegovy well, but like all medications, it carries some risks. Long-term use may lead to rare but serious side effects, especially if underlying medical conditions are present. Clinical trials have studied potential links to thyroid tumors, pancreatic inflammation, and gallbladder problems, although these are not common.

There is also an increased risk of digestive symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain, particularly when dosing isn’t properly managed. In people with heart concerns, changes in blood pressure or the potential for heart disease or even heart attack are being monitored in long-term studies.

Should I stop semaglutide if I have diarrhea?

Occasional diarrhea is one of the side effects of Wegovy and often improves as your body adjusts. However, if it becomes frequent, severe, or doesn’t improve with changes to food or routine, you should talk to your healthcare provider. Persistent diarrhea could affect hydration, interfere with blood sugar control, or make it harder to stay nourished.

You don’t necessarily have to stop the medication right away, but your doctor may adjust your dose or recommend options to ease symptoms.

Does Wegovy affect the kidneys?

In general, Wegovy isn’t known to cause direct harm to your kidneys, but it can affect fluid balance, especially in the beginning. This matters if you already have kidney problems or are at risk for dehydration due to vomiting or diarrhea. In rare cases, some people have experienced worsened kidney problems, especially if other medications or health issues are involved.

Be sure to stay well hydrated, especially early in treatment, and talk to your doctor if you have a history of kidney disease or signs like swelling, fatigue, or changes in urination.

What are the most dangerous side effects of Wegovy?

While most side effects of Wegovy are mild and go away with time, there are a few serious ones to be aware of. These include a serious allergic reaction, changes in vision, thyroid cancer, or signs of pancreatitis like severe stomach pain that won’t go away.

Wegovy also comes with a warning about medullary thyroid carcinoma, a rare type of thyroid tumor. People with a personal or family history of an affected thyroid gland, thyroid tumors or thyroid c cell tumors should not take Wegovy.

Other rare but serious side effects include severe nausea, vomiting, and rapid drops in blood sugar, especially when combined with diabetes medications. Always report anything unusual or concerning to your healthcare provider.