What we’ll cover:

• Common side effects you might notice
• Tips to help manage symptoms
• When to seek urgent support from a professional 

Oral weight-management medicines can help support weight loss and improve health. This article covers common side effects that may happen with oral weight-management medicines, such as Wegovy (semaglutide tablets). 

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Common side effects of weight-management medications

Some side effects are common, while others are very rare. Many people experience mild symptoms when starting a treatment or when their dose increases. This can feel worrying, but many side effects improve as your body gets used to the medication. Your treatment often starts at a low dose and is increased gradually to help your body adjust.

Common side effects can include:

• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Being sick (vomiting)
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain 
• Headache
• Indigestion
• Bloating
• Burping
• Heartburn or reflux
• Feeling dizzy
• Feeling tired or weak

If you have type 2 diabetes and take insulin or certain other diabetes medicines, low blood sugar can sometimes happen. Speak with your prescriber about how to recognise and manage low blood sugar. 

The exact side effects and how often they happen can vary between medicines. You can find a full list of side effects in the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medicine.  

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Tips to help manage side effects

Some small changes can sometimes make symptoms easier to manage:

• Avoid rich, fatty or spicy foods if they trigger symptoms.
• Try smaller meals rather than large portions and stop eating when you feel comfortably full.
• Eat slowly and take your time with meals.
• Include fibre from foods like fruit, vegetables and wholegrains where you can, and increase these foods gradually.
• Drink enough fluids throughout the day, especially if you have vomiting or diarrhoea, as these can cause dehydration.
• If you have type 2 diabetes and take insulin or certain other diabetes medicines, speak with your prescriber about how to recognise and manage low blood sugar.

Managing nausea:

Nausea (feeling sick) is one of the most common side effects, especially when starting medication or increasing your dose.

In addition to the tips above, you may find it helpful to choose simple foods that feel easier to tolerate, such as toast, rice or crackers. Try eating small portions slowly and avoid eating more than feels comfortable.

If you are having heartburn along with nausea, speak with your pharmacist or prescriber about whether an over-the-counter treatment is suitable for you. Speak with your prescriber if symptoms are severe, persistent, or affecting your ability to eat and drink.

Managing burping:

Some people notice more burping when taking these medicines, particularly when starting treatment. Eating smaller meals and eating slowly may help. You may also find it helpful to limit fizzy drinks if they make your symptoms worse. 

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When to seek urgent medical help

Seek urgent medical help if you have:

• severe, persistent stomach pain, especially if it spreads to your back
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing
• severe or ongoing vomiting that is making it difficult to keep fluids down
• a sudden change or loss of vision

These symptoms could be a sign of a more serious problem and should be checked quickly by a medical professional.

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Summary

Side effects can happen with weight management medications, but they are often mild and improve over time. Small changes to how and what you eat can sometimes make symptoms easier to manage.

If any side effects are causing you concern, speak with your prescriber. They are here to support you.