How to Manage (or Prevent) Semaglutide Side Effects

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Rybelsus®. These innovative weight loss medications have transformed the lives of millions of Americans.

Like all medications, semaglutide can cause side effects. Most of these problems affect your gastrointestinal system and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. But you don’t need to wait it out.

In Toluca Lake, California, our Premiere Medical Center weight loss specialists can often prevent side effects with individualized care and lifestyle recommendations. Here’s what you need to know about semaglutide’s side effects and their prevention.

Semaglutide side effects

Semaglutide may cause common side effects that we can manage or prevent. Though uncommon, some people develop serious health problems. Let’s explore both.

Common side effects

The most common side effects caused by semaglutide-containing medications include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Abdominal bloating (excessive gas)

People metabolize medications differently, so there’s no way to predict side effects. However, the risk is often associated with the dose. The higher the dose, the more likely these side effects.

Facial drooping

Facial drooping, called “Ozempic face,” may develop when rapid weight loss shrinks the fat layer under your facial skin. As a result, the skin loosens and sags, and existing lines and wrinkles are more visible.

You may prevent facial drooping by losing weight at a gradual pace. However, it also depends on your weight loss. Whether rapid or gradual, losing significant weight can lead to loose, excess skin anywhere on your body.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects range from pancreatitis and kidney disease to low blood sugar and vision changes. In some cases, people have serious side effects because they have a health problem that increases their risk.

Sometimes, conditions develop without a known risk factor. However, more research is needed to determine whether starting semaglutide is connected.

Semaglutide carries one major warning: You shouldn’t take it if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. These conditions increase the risk of thyroid cancer.

Symptoms that may signal a serious side effect include:

• Ongoing upper abdominal pain
• Urinating less than usual
• Leg, ankle, or foot swelling
• Vision changes
• Fainting or dizziness
• Yellowing in your skin or eyes
• Fast heartbeat
• Confusion
• Rash, difficulty breathing, and swelling in your face, eyes, mouth, or tongue (signs of an allergic reaction)

Call us immediately or seek emergency care if you have any of these symptoms while taking semaglutide.

How to prevent semaglutide side effects

Preventing side effects begins with prescribing a low dose and gradually increasing the amount in each injection. This approach often prevents side effects by allowing your body to adjust to the medicine slowly.

If gastrointestinal problems develop, they usually disappear in a few weeks when your body gets used to semaglutide. We can also help decrease your uncomfortable symptoms by readjusting your medication regimen as needed.

Nausea is the most common side effect. You may overcome nausea and other gastrointestinal side effects if you:

• Eat slowly
• Eat smaller portions
• Eat bland, low-fat foods (crackers, rice, and toast)
• Eat foods like soup that are high in water
• Drink clear beverages (water, ginger ale, clear broth, tea, and sports drinks)
• Avoid greasy, fried foods
• Don’t lie down right after eating

Over-the-counter medications for gas, diarrhea, and heartburn can also help.

Reach out with questions or concerns

Call Premiere Medical Center today if you’re worried about side effects or want to learn if you’re a good candidate for weight loss medications like semaglutide. You can also book a weight loss appointment online.