Do the side effects of Wegovy go away?

In this article:

• How long do side effects last?
• Do side effects go away?
• Preventing side effects
• The bottom line

In this article

• How long do side effects last?
• Do side effects go away?
• Preventing side effects
• The bottom line

Wegovy (semaglutide) is an injectable glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 receptor agonist) approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, or death in at-risk patients. Wegovy may also help improve high blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and high cholesterol. The side effects of Wegovy usually go away after a few weeks for most people, while some will never experience side effects. For others, side effects could be persistent, and a provider may adjust the medication dosage and assess for improvement.

How long do side effects of Wegovy last?

“Most of the common side effects of semaglutide improve within the first few weeks as the body adjusts to each dose increase,” explains Ari Hoschander, MD, chief plastic surgeon at Breast Reduction Surgeons of Long Island. Gastrointestinal side effects are the most commonly reported side effects.

“My patients usually see a clear reduction in symptoms like nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and fatigue within two to four weeks of starting or increasing a dose,” Dr. Hoschander says. If those symptoms continue or worsen after six to eight weeks of treatment, Dr. Hoschander may decrease the dosage or consider medications to help alleviate these side effects, such as anti-nausea treatments. Side effects are not always a reason to stop the medication. “There are a number of different things we can do to manage side effects without fully abandoning treatment,” Dr. Hoschander says. “Stopping cold turkey might feel like relief in the moment, but it can derail long-term weight loss progress that could actually finally be within reach.”

“Sometimes side effects [of semaglutide] are transient—for example, nausea that might come after a new injection or higher dose,” says Libbat-Tzion Shaham, MD, a board-certified family physician with Medical Offices of Manhattan in New York, New York. “Some people do get these effects, and plenty of people do not have any side effects.”

Mild side effects of Wegovy

According to a double-blind clinical trial on semaglutide use in adults with obesity published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), about 89% of trial participants experienced side effects. A total of 74% of users said their side effects were gastrointestinal: Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation were the most common. 

The most common side effects of Wegovy include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Fatigue 
• Upset stomach
• Dizziness
• Bloating
• Burping
• Gas
• Stomach flu
• Heartburn
• Hair loss

Serious side effects of Wegovy

Wegovy has a boxed warning, the highest safety warning issued by the FDA, because it may cause thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). It is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC and those with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).  

In the NEJM clinical trial, nearly 10% reported more serious side effects, such as:

• Developing thyroid tumors, which could become thyroid cancer
• Acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Kidney problems, including kidney failure
• Vision changes in those with Type 2 diabetes, such as diabetic retinopathy
• Gallbladder problems
• Depression or suicidal thoughts
• Increased heart rate

“Severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, vision changes, or any symptoms suggesting pancreatitis or gallbladder disease are red flags that should prompt immediate medical attention,” cautions Dr. Hoschander. 

Do not use Wegovy if you are allergic to semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) or any of the ingredients in Wegovy. Signs of a severe allergic reaction include:

• Swelling in the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Severe rash or itching
• Fainting or feeling dizzy
• Very fast heartbeat

Call 911 or seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction or thoughts of self-harm.

Do the side effects of Wegovy go away?

For some people taking Wegovy injections, side effects could last longer or be more intense, such as those with:

Underlying health conditions

People with underlying gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or certain genetic variations affecting GLP-1 receptor sensitivity could be at an increased risk of experiencing more serious or prolonged intestinal side effects due to delayed stomach emptying. 

“There is limited information about which conditions or genetic factors can influence the likelihood of experiencing side effects [from semaglutide use],” says Dr. Shaham. “Anecdotally, I have noticed in my own patients a tendency for some people with diabetes to have stronger side effects when increasing their medication dose.” 

Higher doses

“It’s important to start with the lowest dose to prevent potentially strong side effects,” says Dr. Shaham. “This helps your body get used to the medication.” 

According to the manufacturer, the starting dose of Wegovy is 0.25 mg, injected once a week. The dose increases gradually every four weeks until you reach your maintenance dose of either 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg, which will be determined by your healthcare provider as you work to achieve a healthy body weight. 

“Some people do well with slower titration—this can help you adjust to the dose until the side effects subside,” Dr. Shaham says. “Note that some people do not need to go up on doses and do well on lower doses.”

“Faster titration significantly increases the risk of severe and lingering side effects, while slower titration allows the gut and brain to adapt more gently,” Dr. Hoschander agrees.

How to prevent Wegovy side effects

There are ways to help reduce the severity of or prevent the side effects of Wegovy. Before taking your dose, and for up to a week after each dose, Dr. Hoschander recommends: 

• Avoiding greasy, fried, or spicy foods
• Eating several small meals throughout the day, rather than three large meals
• Skipping carbonated beverages 
• Remaining upright after eating 
• Avoiding alcohol and NSAIDs, as they can aggravate your gastrointestinal tract
• Staying hydrated
• Taking other medications to alleviate symptoms, such as anti-nausea medications

Make sure to schedule regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare team to troubleshoot any side effects you experience.

The bottom line

The side effects of Wegovy treatment usually go away after a couple of weeks as your body adjusts to the medication or dose increase. Some people may never experience adverse effects, while others may need to work with their healthcare provider to find the dose that causes the least amount of discomfort. Above all, stay in communication with your healthcare provider while using Wegovy or any weight loss medication.