Semaglutide side effects can include both common and serious adverse reactions.
Common side effects of semaglutide encompass nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, and headaches. Strategies to manage these effects include a slow titration of the dosage, maintaining adequate hydration, and using medication to control symptoms as necessary.
On the other hand, serious adverse effects associated with semaglutide encompass pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), changes in vision, low blood sugar, kidney problems or kidney failure, serious allergic reactions, and gallbladder problems. If you experience any of the following symptoms while taking semaglutide, it is crucial to promptly reach out to your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical care:
- Ongoing pain in the upper left or middle abdomen with or without vomiting, spreading to the back
- Rash, itchiness, swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Decreased urine output or swelling of legs, ankles, or feet
- Changes in vision
- Dizziness and/or fainting
- Upper abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, or clay-colored stool
- Rapid heartbeat
Your well-being is of utmost importance, and immediate attention should be sought when experiencing such symptoms.Semaglutide Risks:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid semaglutide if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you or your family has a history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2).
- Hypoglycemia prevention: If using semaglutide along with other blood glucose-lowering medications, dose adjustment may be necessary during the initiation or escalation of semaglutide treatment to prevent very low glucose levels.
