Common Semaglutide Side Effects

Semaglutide offers amazing benefits, however, sometimes clients are fearful to start this journey due to side effects. As with any drug, there are some possible side effects to taking Semaglutide, with the most common complaint being gastrointestinal upset. 

Nausea

Nausea is the most common side effect clients on Semaglutide experience. Due to the delayed gastric emptying (how quickly food leaves the stomach) from GLP-1 medications, the stomach remains full longer. This occurs in about 20%, or 1 in every 5 people taking the medication. Generally, the nausea is quite mild and most clients report it dissipates the longer they are on the medication. One of the biggest things you can do to prevent nausea is avoid overeating. If nausea is bothersome, reach out to your NP for tips and tricks on how to avoid it.

Vomiting

Although some patients experience vomiting, it is more rare than nausea. Vomiting can also occur due to delayed gastric emptying.

Stomach Pain

Stomach pain can include cramps and aching, as well as gas pains and bloating. This complaint has an even lower occurrence than nausea and vomiting, with about 7%, or 1 in every 14 people experiencing it. 

Diarrhea

Diarrhea can occur regardless of the dosage, and is usually short lived within a week. It is crucial to remain hydrated if you find yourself with diarrhea. 

Constipation

In contrast to diarrhea, constipation is another potential side effect of GLP-1 medications, resulting from slowed digestion. Things you can do to help with constipation include increased fiber intake, drinking more water, purposeful movement and over-the-counter agents as needed to help move things along.

Burps

Burping can be common with any gastrointestinal nuances. Sometimes the burps experienced with Semaglutide can smell and taste like rotten eggs, or sulfur. You may notice this more with certain sulfur-rich foods such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, garlic, onion, or red meat. Make sure you eat your food slowly, chew food thoroughly, treat any constipation, and increase your water intake. You can use Simethicone (Gas-X) over the counter as well, if needed.

Managing Symptoms

With most gastrointestinal symptoms, the effects are reduced by a number of ways. Try to:

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Sip on water throughout the day to remain hydrated
• Avoid greasy, fried, sugary, and spicy foods
• Incorporate fiber to your diet
• Try ginger or peppermint to soothe digestive discomfort
• Reach out to your NP for any concerns. We are here to support you through your entire journey and we cannot help if we don’t know what you are experiencing.

Individuals who experience these mild Semaglutide side effects find the symptoms resolve within a matter of a few days to weeks. If they occur while increasing doses, the symptoms are still usually short lived. Even though the initial side effects can be frustrating, remember the benefit of what losing only 5% of your body weight can do for you!

As always, consult with your medical provider if symptoms are too uncomfortable, worsen, or do not go away. We are here to help and support you! Do not let the fear of side effects stop you from achieving your weight loss goals!! We can manage these mild bumps in the road together!

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