If you are obese or have obesity-related issues such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure and have not been able to get healthier through diet and exercise, you and your doctor may be looking for other options. One that you should consider is Wegovy. However, before deciding on this medication, you should fully understand the side effects so you can make an informed decision on using it. 

Here is more information on what Wegovy is and Wegovy side effects you need to know about. 

What is Wegovy and Who Is It For?

Wegovy is a semaglutide prescription medication that helps reduce body weight by slowing the progress of food through the system and thereby reducing appetite. This injectable medication is for those with a Body Mass Index of 30 or above or for those with slightly lower BMIs but who also have related conditions such as high cholesterol or blood pressure or diabetes. It is not for those who are pregnant or who have thyroid, kidney, pancreas, or endocrine conditions.  

Wegovy Side Effects That Are Minor 

Like any prescription medication, Wegovy has some side effects that may occur. Most Wegovy side effects are minor and not dangerous. They include dizziness, swelling of the stomach area, stomach flu, vomiting or nausea, fatigue, low blood sugar in those who have diabetes, constipation or diarrhea, gas, and infections of the throat or nose. Some of these symptoms will go away on their own while others may persist and can be treated with over-the-counter medications. 

Wegovy Side Effects That Are Serious 

The above Wegovy side effects are minor and do not cause most people to discontinue the medication. However, in some rare instances, serious side effects can occur. These include severe allergic reactions involving stomach cramps, racing heart, swollen lymph nodes, and problems breathing; thyroid tumors; pancreatitis; gallbladder problems such as jaundice, fever, clay-colored stool, or pain in the upper stomach area; low blood sugar marked by dizziness, headache, sweating, and seizures; kidney damage; vision changes including blurry vision, not being able to see colors, and floaters; fast heart rate, and suicidal thoughts or actions.

If you notice any of these symptoms when using Wegovy, you should discontinue use and immediately call your doctor. To prevent serious issues, make sure you tell your doctor if you are allergic to any ingredients in semaglutide, Wegovy, Rybelsus, or Ozempic. 

Deciding If Wegovy Side Effects Are Manageable 

You can avoid many of the Wegovy side effects by drinking plenty of water, taking it at the same time each day, following the instructions, avoiding using the same injection sites multiple times in a row, and not taking Wegovy unless it is prescribed by a physician. 

While Wegovy can be very beneficial for those who are obese and have not been able to lose weight with diet and exercise, it can also cause some side effects that some may find hard to deal with. It’s important to discuss both the minor and major possible Wegovy side effects with your physician before you decide to take it so you can make an informed decision.