Wegovy Pill Side Effects

The Wegovy pill is the first glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medication available as a tablet for weight loss.

However, Wegovy pills can cause side effects, just like any medication. Here, we explore the potential side effects of oral semaglutide, how they compare to Wegovy injections, and what you can do to manage them, so you can get the most out of your Wegovy pill experience.

The Wegovy pill can cause side effects, like all medications. The side effects of the Wegovy pill are typically mild and short-lasting, if you get any at all. These side effects usually go away on their own, without any treatment.

The most commonly reported Wegovy pill side effects are:

How common are Wegovy pill side effects?

Very common Wegovy pill side effects can affect more than 1 in 10 people, while common side effects can affect up to 1 in 10 people who take it. Clinical trials looking at the safety and effectiveness of the Wegovy pill have found that gastrointestinal side effects are more common than with a placebo.

The results showed that 74% of people given the Wegovy pill experienced gastrointestinal-related side effects, such as nausea, compared to 42.2% given a placebo.

Uncommon side effects for Wegovy, which can affect up to 1 in 100 people, include:

• low blood pressure
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• fast heartbeat
• blood test changes which might signal an inflamed or irritated pancreas
• food taking longer to travel through the stomach (delayed stomach emptying)
• low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) in people without diabetes
• blood test results that suggest your liver is not functioning normally

You can find more information about the side effects of the Wegovy pill in the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication.

Yes, the Wegovy pill can cause some serious side effects, which may require urgent medical attention. It is important to understand what these side effects are and what the telltale signs of them are. If you get any of the following serious Wegovy pill side effects, contact your doctor straight away or, in an emergency, call 999:

• serious allergic reactions – symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing and/or swallowing, severe rash or itchiness, dizziness, or a rapid heartbeat
• inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) – you may get severe stomach pain that does not go away and may spread to your back, with or without feeling or being sick
• kidney or bladder stones – this can cause symptoms including pain in the back or lower abdomen, difficulty going for a pee, or changes in the colour of your pee
• dehydration – side effects like feeling or being sick or diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and kidney problems if you lose too much fluid
• vision changes – particularly in people who have type 2 diabetes, who already have known vision problems because of their condition
• low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) – more likely if you also take diabetes medications, such as insulin or sulfonylureas, and can cause symptoms, such as sweating, dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, irritability, and a fast heartbeat
• bowel obstruction – a severe form of constipation with additional symptoms such as stomach ache, bloating, and being sick (vomiting)

This is why it is important to let your doctor know about any existing health conditions you have or any medications you are taking, as this will help them ensure the Wegovy pill is safe and suitable for you.

The side effects of the Wegovy pill and injection are similar and largely overlap because they contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide). However, there are some differences, especially as the Wegovy pill is swallowed rather than being injected.

Scroll to see the differences.

Research has shown that the Wegovy pill and Wegovy injections are similarly safe to use. A key difference is that the Wegovy pill has a higher risk of causing gastrointestinal-related side effects, such as feeling or being sick. This may be because semaglutide is absorbed in the digestive system and must be taken on an empty stomach for it to be effective.

Injection site reactions

One of the key differences in side effects between the Wegovy pill and injection is injection site reactions. Wegovy injection users commonly experience symptoms such as redness, swelling, or itching where the needle is inserted in the skin, with up to 1 in 10 people being affected.

Dysaesthesia

Dysaesthesia, or abnormal or painful skin sensations such as tingling or burning, is a common side effect affecting up to 1 in 10 people who use the Wegovy injection, especially at the highest 7.2mg weekly dose. However, clinical trials show that these abnormal or uncomfortable sensations are slightly less common with the Wegovy pill.

If you get any side effects that are not going away, are severe, or are not improving, contact your doctor for advice. They can discuss ways to help reduce the chance or severity of side effects or alternative weight loss treatments.

Most Wegovy pill side effects are mild and temporary, and they tend to ease without treatment as your body gets used to the medication. Wegovy pill side effects typically resolve on their own within 4 weeks.

A key difference between the Wegovy pill and injection is how often you take them. The Wegovy injection is taken once per week, while the pill is taken once daily. So, there is a chance that side effects, like feeling sick, may feel more consistent with the Wegovy pill as it’s taken daily, rather than once weekly, as side effects could wear off over the week before increasing again at the next injection.

If you are concerned about how long you have been getting Wegovy pill side effects, or if they are getting worse, speak to your doctor.

Although most Wegovy pill side effects are mild and temporary, there are some potential long-term side effects associated with semaglutide. They are:

• pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• gallbladder problems, which can be caused by rapid weight loss
• kidney issues, especially if you get severe nausea or vomiting, causing dehydration and resulting in acute kidney injury
• diabetic eye issues for people with type 2 diabetes

There is a chance that your side effects will get worse when you increase your Wegovy pill dose, but this is not the same for everyone. Your doctor will not increase your dose if you have not been tolerating your current dose, and instead will recommend staying on your current dose for longer for side effects to settle.

The most common side effects as you increase your dose are gastrointestinal-related, such as feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, or constipation. These side effects are usually temporary and will go away on their own as your body gets used to the higher semaglutide dose.

If you get Wegovy pill side effects that are difficult to manage, speak to your doctor.

Most side effects will improve with time as your body gets used to the medication. Following the Wegovy pill dosing schedule and taking the medication correctly can help reduce the risk of side effects and make them easier to manage.

Even if you do take the Wegovy pill correctly, you may still experience side effects. Here are some tips to help manage the most commonly reported Wegovy pill side effects.

How to manage nausea on the Wegovy pill

Feeling sick is one of the most common side effects of Wegovy. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day instead of 3 large meals may help. Choosing bland, easy-to-digest foods such as rice, toast, crackers, and plain pasta can also reduce nausea. Try to avoid greasy, spicy, or very rich foods, as these can make symptoms worse.

How to manage vomiting on the Wegovy pill

If you are being sick, try taking small sips of water regularly to stay hydrated. Once you feel able to eat, choose plain foods such as toast, crackers, rice, or bananas. Contact your doctor if vomiting is severe, persistent, or prevents you from keeping fluids down.

How to manage diarrhoea on the Wegovy pill

Diarrhoea can increase your risk of dehydration, so it is important to replace lost fluids by taking regular sips of water throughout the day. Eating simple, easy-on-the-stomach foods and avoiding fatty or spicy meals may help until symptoms improve.

How to manage constipation on the Wegovy pill

If you develop constipation while taking the Wegovy pill, make sure you drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Increasing your intake of fibre-rich foods, such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses, may also help. Gentle physical activity, such as walking, can encourage regular bowel movements.

If constipation is persistent, speak to your doctor about other potential causes. They may also advise that you take a laxative to help relieve your symptoms.

How to manage headaches on the Wegovy pill

If you experience headaches while taking the Wegovy pill, it is important to drink plenty of fluids because side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea can increase the risk of dehydration and headaches. Staying hydrated and eating regular meals may help. Make sure you continue to drink enough water throughout the day. If your headaches are persistent or difficult to manage, speak to a doctor.

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist about taking over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if you need to manage pain while taking the Wegovy pill.

How to manage heartburn on the Wegovy pill

Eating smaller meals and avoiding lying down straight after eating can help reduce heartburn and indigestion. Some people find it helpful to avoid foods that commonly trigger symptoms, such as spicy foods, fatty meals, caffeine, and alcohol.

If you are concerned about Wegovy pill side effects or need extra support to manage them, contact your doctor for advice.

Yes, the Wegovy pill is safe and has been through rigorous clinical trials to assess its safety and effectiveness. It has also been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which means the Wegovy pill has met the strict standards for safety, quality, and effectiveness for medications in the UK.

Clinical trial data have shown that the Wegovy pill was well tolerated and that the side effects were no worse than those reported for the Wegovy pen. GLP-1 medications have also been used for more than 20 years to treat type 2 diabetes and have a long track record for safety and effectiveness.

Although most Wegovy pill side effects are manageable, there are some that need medical attention. Your doctor is on hand to offer advice if you are getting any side effects that you are finding difficult to manage or are not improving.

Here’s what you should do if you get any of the following Wegovy pill side effects:

Scroll to see the Wegovy pill side effects.

Yes, the Wegovy pill can interact with other medications. It is important that you let your doctor know about any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications you are taking, so that they can make sure the Wegovy pill is safe for you to take.

Before taking the Wegovy pill, tell the doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• warfarin to reduce blood clotting
• levothyroxine for thyroid issues
• oral contraception, especially if you are sick or have diarrhoea while taking the Wegovy pill, as these side effects may make your contraceptive pill less effective

Does the Wegovy pill cause nausea?

Yes, nausea or feeling sick is a common side effect of the Wegovy pill. It is most likely to occur when you first start treatment or when your dose increases. Because the Wegovy pill is taken daily, you may experience nausea daily as your body gets used to the medication.

Does the Wegovy pill cause hair loss?

Yes, hair loss is listed as a potential side effect of the Wegovy pill. However, it is more likely a temporary side effect of rapid weight loss rather than a direct impact of taking semaglutide. When you lose weight rapidly, with or without medication, it can cause your hair follicles to go into a resting phase, which increases shedding and hair loss. It usually resolves once your body adjusts and your weight stabilises.

Does the Wegovy pill make you tired?

Yes, Wegovy can make you tired. The Wegovy pill works by suppressing your appetite, which means you will eat fewer calories, directly impacting your energy levels. GLP-1 medications can also cause low blood sugar, which can cause drowsiness and fatigue.

Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, staying hydrated, and prioritising good sleep can all help. Incorporating low glycaemic index (GI) foods into your diet. These are foods that are digested and absorbed slowly, so they do not cause a spike in blood sugar and also help to maintain your energy levels and control your appetite. Examples include sweet potatoes, steel-cut oats, apples, strawberries, grapes, broccoli, spinach, raw carrots, and lean meat and fish.

Can you drink on the Wegovy pill?

Yes, you can drink alcohol on the Wegovy pill, as no evidence currently suggests it is unsafe. However, it is recommended that you limit your alcohol intake or avoid it altogether while taking Wegovy. That’s because alcohol may make Wegovy pill side effects worse, cause low blood sugar levels, and there are also ‘hidden’ calories in alcohol, which can impact your weight loss progress. You can learn more about Wegovy and alcohol in our guide.

Are Wegovy pill side effects worse for women?

No, Wegovy pill side effects are not generally worse for women than for men. There is no clinical evidence showing that Wegovy pill side effects are worse or different for women than men.