What are the possible side effects of injectable Semaglutide?
Semaglutide has been studied in large clinical trials. Many people tolerate it well, but like all medications it can cause side effects, especially when you first start or when your dose increases.
Common Side Effects
Commonly reported side effects with semaglutide and similar GLP-1 medications include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Stomach (abdomen) pain or cramping
- Tiredness (fatigue) or low energy
- Upset stomach, bloating, indigestion or belching
- Dizziness
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people with type 2 diabetes, especially if used with other diabetes medications
- Gas, heartburn or “stomach flu” type symptoms
- Stomach flu symptoms
- Runny nose, sore throat or other mild cold-like symptoms
These side effects are often mild to moderate and may improve as your body adjusts to the medication. If side effects do not go away, get worse or bother you, contact your healthcare provider.
Serious Side Effects (Rare but Important)
Serious side effects are less common but can occur. Call your healthcare provider right away or seek emergency care if you notice:
- Signs of pancreatitis
- Sudden, severe stomach pain that will not go away (with or without vomiting) that may spread to your back.
- Gallbladder problems
- Pain in the upper right side of your abdomen, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or clay-colored stools.
- Severe stomach or bowel problems
- Ongoing or severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal swelling, inability to pass gas or stool, or severe constipation, which may be signs of gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) or intestinal blockage (ileus).
- Thyroid symptoms
- A lump or swelling in your neck, trouble swallowing or breathing, hoarseness or a voice change. Semaglutide has a boxed warning about a possible risk of thyroid C-cell tumors and should not be used in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN2.
- Changes in vision
- Blurred vision or other sudden vision changes, especially if you have diabetes or diabetic retinopathy.
- Kidney problems
- Swelling in your legs or feet, decreased urination or feeling very dehydrated, which can be made worse by vomiting or diarrhea.
- Serious allergic reaction
- Rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or trouble breathing.
- Severe low blood sugar
- Confusion, trouble speaking, shakiness, sweating, fast heartbeat or passing out, especially if you use insulin or other diabetes medicines that can cause hypoglycemia.
Medicine quality and source
Use semaglutide only if it is prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider and dispensed by a licensed pharmacy. Unapproved or counterfeit semaglutide products that are sold online or through social media may contain incorrect doses or impurities and may increase the risk of serious side effects.
When in Doubt
- Contact your Direct Meds doctor or your usual healthcare provider if you have questions or side effects that do not go away.
- Call emergency services right away for severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, chest pain, severe stomach pain or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. For more details, read the Medication Guide that comes with your prescription and review the official prescribing information for FDA-approved semaglutide products.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment for any individual. Always talk with a licensed healthcare provider about your own health, medications and any side effects you experience.
Compounded versions of semaglutide are not FDA-approved. The FDA has not evaluated compounded semaglutide for safety, effectiveness, or quality.
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