Learn how to understand (and minimize) the side effects of Semaglutide

Key Points:

1. Semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone that helps control appetite and slow digestion. For some people, the affect on digestion can cause mild side effects like nausea, vomiting or other stomach issues.
2. Starting with a low dose and slowly increasing the amount of Semaglutide you take can help reduce the side effects. Drinking plenty of water and eating a fiber-rich, balanced diet can also reduce the odds of side effects.
3. A medical provider can help you assess and address more serious Semaglutide side effects, which can range from allergic reactions to low blood sugar to kidney problems.

Semaglutide medications can help people address their health and weight concerns—and they’re especially effective when used alongside a nutritious diet and regular physical activity. But because of how they affect hunger and digestion, they can also cause uncomfortable side effects.

If you’re in the early days of Shed It and want to get a feel for what might be ahead, read on.

Here, we address common prescription weight loss drug concerns, side effects to watch out for and tricks to help you feel your best.

How Semaglutide works

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in medications like compounded Semaglutide, Ozempic®* and Wegovy®*. These medications are called GLP-1 receptor agonists because they act like glucagon-like peptide 1—a hormone naturally made in the gut.

When we eat, GLP-1 is released and tells our brain when we’re full, which helps control our appetite. It also slows the rate food leaves our stomach—a process called gastric emptying—which slows our digestion. This can make us feel fuller longer and help control blood sugar levels.

Together, these factors help some people eat less and lose weight.

Common side effects of Semaglutide

Because of this change in digestion, gastrointestinal side effects are common.

Most common Semaglutide side effects are mild and get better as your body gets used to the medicine. So to lower the chance of side effects, your provider will probably start you on a low dose and slowly increase how much you take.

Common side effects include:

• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Gassiness, burping or bloating
• Tiredness
• Dizziness

How to treat mild Semaglutide side effects

Adjust your eating habits

Stomach pain, nausea or vomiting: Try eating smaller portions. Semaglutide slows the rate at which food leaves your stomach, so eating smaller meals or snacks will ease the digestive load.

Constipation: If you’re constipated or have hard stools, add more fiber to your diet and increase your water consumption. These aid overall digestion while supporting gut health. Physical activity can also help, so look for more ways to participate in activities that you enjoy.

Heartburn or acid reflux: Avoid high-fat and ultra-processed foods until the problem resolves. Stomach acid breaks down food—and these foods require more stomach acid than others. As food sits longer in the stomach when you’re taking Semaglutide, stomach acid sits there longer, too. It can then back up into the esophagus and cause pain!

For tiredness or dizziness: Try to eat small snacks throughout the day made from nutritious, high-fiber foods. Semaglutide lowers blood sugar levels—and changes in blood sugar levels can lead to fatigue and diziness. To avoid this, eat regular, nourishing meals to keep your blood sugar levels steady.

For headaches: Drinking plenty of water and managing nausea might help ease those symptoms. If you feel dizzy or confused, you could be experiencing low blood sugar—so seek medical help if necessary.

Try over-the-counter medicines

If adjusting your eating habits doesn’t provide immediate relief, you can try OTC medicines, too.

For heartburn:

• Famotidine (Pepcid) reduces stomach acid. Take 20 or 40 mg 2 times per day for up to 12 weeks. 

For constipation:

• Docusate (Colace) is a stool softener. Take 100 mg 2 times a day as needed. 
• MiraLax is a laxative. Take 1 packet or capful daily as needed. 

Ask your provider for prescription relief

If you have severe nausea that won’t go away, request a provider callback from your patient dashboard. They may prescribe an anti-nausea medicine to help.

The consultation is included in your monthly Shed It fee. Your provider will send the prescription to your pharmacy of choice. You can use insurance to pay for the prescription. But if you have to pay for it out-of-pocket, don’t worry—Dr. B will help you find the lowest prescription cost in your area and email you a drug discount card to secure that price!

Lower your dose

If mild symptoms persist, talk to your provider.

Rather than increase your dose at your next scheduled time, they may keep you on your current dose for a while longer until the symptoms ease. Or they may drop you to a lower dose.

Don’t worry—a lower dose can still be effective while keeping your body more comfortable!

What severe side effects should I watch for?

Most people experience only mild side effects while taking Semaglutide. But in some cases, Semaglutide may be linked to gallstones, an inflamed pancreas, kidney problems and other serious concerns.

Get help right away if you experience severe side effects including:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like shortness of breath, problems swallowing or swelling in the mouth or tongue
• Severe stomach pain
• Vomiting that doesn’t stop
• Fever
• Signs of low blood sugar, such as shaking, dizziness, sweating, fast heartbeat, confusion or blurred vision
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Lumps in the neck or jaw
• Blood in the urine or changes in urination, which might signal kidney issues

How long do Semaglutide side effects last?

People experience side effects differently. Talk with your provider if you notice intense side effects from taking Semaglutide or if the side effects don't get better with time.

Getting lots of sleep, drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet and staying physically active can also help minimize side effects.

Other Semaglutide concerns

Does Semaglutide cause hair loss? While few studies have explored this, some people report hair loss when taking Semaglutide. But this might be related to changes in the body—not to the medication itself. Hair loss is common after rapid weight loss. It’s usually not permanent, and eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods might help slow the process.

Does Semaglutide make you tired? While some people say that taking a version of Semaglutide makes them tired, studies haven't confirmed the cause. For example, the body gets energy when a person eats. Because the medication suppresses appetite, you might eat less when on this medication and so have less energy.

Can Semaglutide cause insomnia? One survey of social media comments suggests that some adults experience insomnia while taking Semaglutide. No studies to confirm this, though, and more research is needed.

*Ozempic® and Wegovy® are registered trademarks of their respective owners. Our use of these names is for informational purposes only and does not imply any affiliation, endorsement or approval by the trademark holders.

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