Like all medications, Wegovy® can cause side effects.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea: Feeling of an upset stomach, especially during the early stages of treatment.
- Diarrhea/Vomiting: Loose stools or difficulty keeping food or fluids down.
- Constipation: Difficulty moving your bowels.
- Injection Site Reaction: Inflammation, itchiness, or redness around the injection site.
- Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Symptoms include weakness, fatigue, or low energy. If you experience these, contact NHS 24 (111) immediately and consume a sugary snack or drink (avoid diet products).
- Headache: Sensation of tension or pressure in your head.
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or the urge to sleep.
- Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or off balance.
- Stomach Discomfort: Cramping, tightening, or discomfort in the lower abdomen. Sharp, burning, or stabbing pain should prompt immediate medical attention.
Serious Side Effects
If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider immediately and inform them you are taking Wegovy:
- Pancreatitis: Severe, continuous stomach pain lasting several days, which may radiate to the back and could include vomiting.
- Increased Heart Rate: Feeling your heart racing while at rest.
- Serious Allergic Reaction: Symptoms include significant swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat, wheezing, clammy skin, or loss of consciousness. Call 999 emergency services immediately if this occurs.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Vision changes such as blurriness, floating shapes, or sudden vision loss.
Less Common Side Effects
Wegovy may rarely contribute to:
- Gallstone Disease: Symptoms include upper abdominal pain and nausea.
- Pancreatitis and Severe Allergic Reactions/Anaphylaxis: Though uncommon, they require immediate medical attention.
If you develop abdominal pain or signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, rash, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, seek in-person medical help immediately.
Please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet included with your treatment for a complete list of side effects and detailed information.