Semaglutide is an injectable drug that goes by two different brand names. One form of this drug, Ozempic, is authorized for sale by Health Canada to manage type 2 diabetes while its counterpart, Wegovy, is indicated for long-term weight management. Both use the same semaglutide compound and work the same way on the body.
Injectable semaglutide helps the body better regulate blood sugar levels. It does this by mimicking natural hormones secreted from the pancreas that control blood sugar production. injectable semaglutide also slows down digestion, making your body feel “full”.
By educating yourself about the potential side effects of injectable semaglutide, you can better assess the benefits and risks of using this medication. Let's explore the side effects of injectable semaglutide that you should know about to make a well-informed decision on whether this medication is a good choice for you.
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Acid reflux
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Headache
These side effects should be mild and improve over a few days to weeks — over-the-counter medications can help manage these side effects. If your side effects last longer or become moderate, frequent, or unmanageable, please chat with your healthcare practitioner. If they become severe (e.g., significant or persistent abdominal pain), please seek in-person care as soon as possible with your healthcare practitioner, or visit a walk-in clinic or the emergency department.
Tips for Managing Side Effects
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, constipation, and acid reflux). There are a few things that you can try that may help manage them, such as:
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals
- Eating slowly
- Drinking plenty of water
- Avoiding fatty foods
- Avoiding eating in the evening/night
- Increasing the amount of fiber in your food
You should speak with a healthcare practitioner if you're experiencing any side effects that are more than mild, while taking injectable semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy). Severe, significant or persistent side effects require immediate in-person care.
Read more about side effects here:
Ozempic Side Effects You Should Know
Wegovy Side Effects You Should Know
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