TLDR;
– Common Semaglutide side effects for both oral and injectable forms include anxiety, bloating, blurred vision, chills, cold sweats, confusion, constipation, cough, darkened urine, depression, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, and more.
– Semaglutide is a medication for obesity and weight loss, available as oral pill or injectable form. It works by regulating glucose levels and reducing hunger through GLP-1 receptor agonism.
– Consult a healthcare professional if you experience side effects. Not all patients experience them, and some may go away as the body adjusts. If experiencing concerning side effects, speak with your doctor.
Semaglutide is a medication that is used for the treatment of obesity and weight loss management. Semaglutide comes in form of an injectable medication (Ozempic) as well as in form of a pill (Rybelsus and Wegovy).
It is a type of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which works by regulating glucose levels and reducing hunger. While semaglutide has been shown to be effective in helping people achieve significant weight loss, it can also cause side effects.
Semaglutide is available in both oral and injectable forms. The choice of the dose will depend on your personal medical history and needs, as determined by your healthcare provider. And so we will learn about the side effects of Semaglutide in each form separately.
Side Effects of Semaglutide (Oral Route)
Some people take Semaglutide in the form of a pill. Rybelsus and Wegovy are popular Semaglutide pills available in the market.
The following are the most common and less common side effects of Semaglutide if taken orally.
Common Side Effects of Semaglutide (Oral Route):
- Anxiety
- Bloating
- Blurred vision
- Chills
- Cold sweats
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Cool, pale skin
- Cough
- Darkened urine
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness
- Fast heartbeat
- Fever
- Headache
- Increased hunger
- Indigestion
- Large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Nightmare
- Pain in the stomach, side, or abdomen
- Seizures
- Skin rash
- Slurred speech
- Tightness in the chest
- Trouble breathing
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Vomiting
- Yellow eyes or skin
Less Common Side Effects of Semaglutide (Oral Route):
- Acid or sour stomach
- Belching
- Excess air or gas in the stomach
- Feeling pressure in the stomach
- Heartburn
- Passing gas
- Stomach discomfort, swelling, tenderness, or upset
If you experience any of these side effects, it’s important to consult with your healthcare professional. They may be able to recommend ways to prevent or reduce the symptoms, or suggest alternative treatment options.
Side Effects of Semaglutide (Subcutaneous Route)
Some people take Semaglutide in the form of an injectable. Ozempic is a popular Semaglutide injection available in the market.
The following are the most common and less common side effects of Semaglutide if taken subcutaneously.
More Common (Subcutaneous Route):
- Anxiety
- Bloating
- Blurred vision
- Chills
- Cold sweats
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Cool, pale skin
- Cough
- Darkened urine
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness
- Fast heartbeat
- Fever
- Headache
- Increased hunger
- Indigestion
- Swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Nightmare
- Pain in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
- Seizures
- Skin rash
- Slurred speech
- Tightness in the chest
- Trouble breathing
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Vomiting
- Yellow eyes or skin
Less Common (Subcutaneous Route):
- Acid or sour stomach
- Belching
- Excess air or gas in the stomach
- Feeling pressure in the stomach
- Heartburn
- Passing gas
- Stomach discomfort, swelling, tenderness, or upset
References
- Collins, L., et al. (2022). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. StatPearls.
- Liu, Y., et al. (2019). Risk of malignant neoplasia with glucagon-Like peptide-1 receptor agonist treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis. Journal of Diabetes Research.
- Novo Nordisk. (2022). Ozempic [package insert].
- Novo Nordisk. (2022). Wegovy [package insert].
- Shomali, M. (2014). Optimizing the care of patients with type 2 diabetes using incretin-based therapy: Focus on GLP-1 receptor agonists. Clinical Diabetes.
- Smits, M. M., et al. (2021). Safety of semaglutide. Frontiers in Endocrinology.
- Wilding, J. P. H., et al. (2021). Once-weekly Semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine.