Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) symptoms such as severe abdominal pain Complications of Diabetic Retinopathy symptoms such as changes in vision Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) symptoms such as dizziness, light-headedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion, drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, or feeling jittery Kidney problems, including kidney failure symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting Serious allergic reactions symptoms such as itching, rash, or difficulty breathing Thyroid Tumours, including cancer symptoms such as lump or swelling in the neck, difficulty swallowing, persistent hoarseness, or shortness of breath How To Manage Side Effects Constipation Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help soften stools and support regular bowel movements
Brand names include: Ozempic: Injectable for type 2 diabetes Wegovy: Injectable for weight loss Rybelsus: Oral tablet for type 2 diabetes How Does Semaglutide Works in the Body Semaglutide has a long half-life (about one week), which is why injections are only given weekly
If nausea is a problem, tapering the dose increase or taking ginger tea frequently ameliorates it
This is particularly important if you take insulin or sulfonylureas Monitor for worsening gastrointestinal symptoms, especially during Wegovy dose escalation Keep a symptom diary to identify any new or worsening side effects If you have diabetes, you may need more frequent blood glucose monitoring When to seek immediate medical advice: Severe or persistent abdominal pain (potential pancreatitis) Signs of hypoglycaemia that do not resolve with usual measures Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea leading to dehydration Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing) Any unexplained symptoms after starting the combination For urgent concerns, contact NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency
