Wegovy Injection Side Effects and Safety: What You Need to Know
Wegovy, known as semaglutide, is making headlines as a promising new weight loss injection treatment.
But is this once-weekly shot safe for lowering body weight? As with any medication, the Wegovy weight loss injection does come with potential side effects ranging from mild to more serious that are crucial to understand before starting treatment.
How Does Wegovy Lead to Weight Loss?
Wegovy received FDA approval in 2021 for chronic weight management. This injectable prescription works by acting on receptors in the brain to increase feelings of fullness, helping eat less.
It also slows digestion to curb appetite between meals. The combined effect: decreased food consumption to facilitate weight loss.
Potential benefits for those struggling with obesity and overweight include better cardiovascular health, reduced BMI, and improved overall wellness. However, as a newer drug therapy, proper precautions are necessary to stay safe while using Wegovy.
Most Common Wegovy Injection Side Effects
Up to 20% of patients experience temporary adverse gastrointestinal effects from Wegovy use. These typically occur early on and improve over a few weeks. Common symptoms can include:
● Nausea
● Vomiting
● Diarrhea
● Dyspepsia
● Stomach pain
● Constipation
Starting with a lower 0.25 mg dose and gradually increasing every 4 weeks helps minimize these temporary digestive issues. Staying well hydrated, proper diet and exercise also ease discomfort.
Rare But Serious Wegovy Side Effects
While not very common, Wegovy does carry risks for additional side effects that require prompt medical care:
1. Acute Pancreatitis
● Inflammation of the pancreas gland occurring suddenly (acute form)
● Symptoms involve persistent severe belly pain sometimes spreading to the back, nausea, vomiting
● Requires immediate ER visit
2. Acute Kidney Injury
● Sudden episode of kidney damage or failure
● Signs include decreased or no urine production, leg swelling, drowsiness
● Can be life-threatening if not treated quickly
3. Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
● Blood glucose levels drop too low
● Indications involve shakiness, sweating, fast heartbeat, blurry vision, fatigue
● Needs rapid sugar intake to recover
4. Changes in Vision
● Partial or total vision impairment
● See an eye doctor promptly if experiencing vision changes
5. Allergic Reactions
● Rash, swollen tongue or throat, difficulty breathing
● Call emergency services immediately as can become fatal
Severe complications like pancreatitis and vision changes are still very uncommon, occurring in less than 0.1% of patients taking Wegovy. However risks do justify needing awareness and care using this medication.
Key Wegovy Safety Precautions
Due to potential adverse effects, several precautions are necessary while using Wegovy for weight control:
● Consult your doctor before use if any history of problems with:
○ Pancreatitis
○ Multiple gallstone issues (biliary tract disease)
○ Prior obesity surgery such as gastric band
○ Thyroid cancer
○ Kidney disease *Vision issues or retina damage
● Stop treatment right away if experiencing:
○ Severe pain in abdomen
○ Dark urine
○ Yellow skin/eyes
○ Breathing problems
These require prompt evaluation to check for pancreatitis, liver dysfunction or other medical emergency.
● Be diligent checking for symptoms between each dose increase during the first few months. This helps identify intolerances early on rather than after taking the full dose for long periods.
● Stay well hydrated every day as inadequate fluid intake increases side effect risks.
Following these precautions minimizes risks that come with using Wegovy for weight loss benefits.
Long-Term Safety Considerations
As a newer medication, long-term safety over many years remains under investigation. Ongoing monitoring studies are checking for potential effects of extended use such as:
● Thyroid tumors
● Effects on human growth and child development during pregnancy
● Liver disease
● Changes in eyesight
Always weigh the pros and cons of using Wegovy compared to lifestyle interventions like diet and physical activity without medications.
Consider discontinuing use if experiencing unpleasant side effects or after achieving a healthier body weight. As with any drug treatment, benefits must be balanced with potential risks.
Warning Signs to Never Ignore
Being attuned to your body for any distress signals is key for staying safe while using Wegovy. Never hesitate to call your healthcare provider if experiencing:
● Abdominal swelling or pain
● Dark urine
● Nausea not improving after weeks
● Blurry eyesight
● Chest pain or breathing issues
● Rash spreading over body
Ignoring symptoms allows potential critical consequences from escalating unchecked. Speak up right away about discomforts for proper assessment and care.