Wegovy is an injection that is approved by NHS as a weekly weight loss injection. It is a semiglutide containing drug that assists obese and overweight adults to reduce weight on top of a healthy diet and physical activity. It has side effects like any other medicine. However, the good news is that some of the side effects are mild. They tend to resolve themselves on their own in a period of 2 to 4 weeks when your body becomes accustomed to the medication. It is easier to know what to expect before you begin and then the entire journey becomes easy. We discuss the side effects that are most prevalent, a week-by-week guide on what to expect, home management of symptoms, and when to consult a doctor in the case of this guide. Everything is according to the NHS recommendations to ensure that you feel safe and knowledgeable in every step.

How Does Wegovy Work?

Wegovy acts by replicating a naturally occurring body hormone known as GLP-1. This hormone informs your brain that you are full hence you take less food. It also reduces the rate at which your stomach holds onto food once a meal has been taken. The weight loss effect of this is tremendous as you do not feel hungry easily. Nonetheless, it is also the primary factor that makes certain individuals have stomach related side effects, particularly during the initial weeks. As per the NHS, Wegovy is a drug that should be used with the supervision of a doctor and it is prescribed only.

Most Common Side Effects At a Glance

A majority of individuals on Wegovy are experienced to have certain side effects, which are not severe. The results of the STEP 1 clinical trial are the following:

Extrapyramid Side Effect How Common Nausea 44% Diarrhoea 31% Vomiting 24% Constipation 23% Headache 15%

Very common (over 1 in every 10 individuals): nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, headache, stomachache, fatigue.

Common (up to 1 in 10 people): dizziness, bloating, heartburn, burping, hair loss, injection site reactions, gallstones.

The NHS advises that these side effects are typically mild and improve within 2 to 4 weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.

Week-by-Week Side Effect Timeline

This is something no other pharmacy blog covers a simple, honest breakdown of what to expect week by week.

Week 1 to 2

With your initial injection, you might experience nausea, fatigue or the upset stomach. This is completely normal. This is the first time your body was responding to the medicine. This is normally the worst period of the symptoms.

Week 3 to 4

Things start to settle. Your body is adapting and the majority of the population are finding the side effects diminishing. The nausea is still present but it is much more manageable.

Week 5 to 8

This stage will involve an increase in dose. The side effects would come back temporarily, as your body would be adjusting to the increased dosage. This is a temporary situation that is anticipated.

Week 12 and Beyond

Most individuals are relaxed at this stage. The side effects either cease or are extremely manageable.

NHS tip: If side effects feel too strong at any stage, your dose can be temporarily reduced. Always speak to your GP or prescriber before making any changes. You can also get advice from NHS 111.

How to Manage the Most Common Side Effects

Nausea

The most frequent side effect is nausea, which normally occurs to the maximum during the initial weeks. Discomfort can also be reduced by taking small meals more often during the day. Stick to boring food stuffs such as toast, rice, bananas and porridge is also advisable because they are less harmful to the stomach. Slowly drinking ginger tea or peppermint tea can be of further help. It is advisable to sit up 30-60minutes after eating to aid in the digestive process and cut down on reflux. Greasy food, fried foods, spicy foods and very sweet foods should be avoided during this period.

NHS tip: If nausea does not improve, speak to your pharmacist. Safe anti-nausea options are available through the NHS Pharmacy First service.

Diarrhoea

The first few weeks that follow a normal child comprise of loose stool and therefore hydration is mandatory. Consumption of a lot of water during the day aids in avoiding dehydration. Rehydration sachets may prove handy in case of excessive loss of fluid. Stool firming can be done temporarily by changing to low-fibre food like white bread, white rice and plain biscuits. The intake of fatty and spicy food is also advised not to be taken until symptoms clear.

Constipation

Others have a slow digestion thus constipation. Bowel movement can be improved by gradually increasing the amount of fibre consumed in the form of food such as oats, beans, lentils, fruits, and vegetables. Consumption of 2 to 3 litres of water per day is significant in digestion. Gut movement and symptom relief may also be facilitated by light physical activity a 10-15 minute walk after meals.

Bloating and Gas

Gas and bloating can take place due to the deceleration of digestion. It can be avoided by avoiding chewing gum, which prevents the quantity of air taken in. It is also good to reduce the consumption of fizzy drinks. Fennel tea or peppermint tea can be consumed after dinner to relieve the symptoms. Slow eating and proper chewing of food enhances digestion and decreases the accumulation of gases.

NHS tip: For any of these symptoms, your local pharmacist can recommend safe over-the-counter options. Visit the NHS Pharmacy First page to find out more.

Hair Loss — Should You Worry?

Other individuals report an increase in shedding hair on Wegovy. This may be a worrying experience yet nearly always short lived. It is medically termed as telogen effluvium. It is not an immediate effect of the medication. This is because, when you lose weight in a short period of time, the physical strain that your body has to endure will take hair follicles to a dormant stage.

The positive side is that hair is almost guaranteed to grow up within 3 to 6 months. The risk can be reduced by consuming a balanced diet that contains sufficient protein, iron and vitamins.

NHS tip: If hair loss is heavy or continues beyond 6 months, speak to your GP to rule out other causes such as iron deficiency or a thyroid problem.

Injection Site Reactions

Approximately, 5 percent of individuals have reactions where the injection was administered, which can be redness, swelling, or itching. Changing the place of the injection every week between the abdomen, the thigh, and the upper arm serves to lessen irritation. One should not inject on the same place, consecutively. Preventing reaction can be achieved by cleaning the area with alcohol wipe and then injecting. In case of the rash, applying a numbing cream such as the EMLA before injection can be useful. The irritation of the skin following injection could also be reduced by taking an antihistamine pill.

NHS tip: Significant injection site reactions can be discussed with a pharmacist through the NHS Pharmacy First programme.

Wegovy Side Effects in Women

It is a critical issue which has been completely ignored on the majority of health websites.

Other women complain of alterations in menstrual cycle with the use of Wegovy. This may encompass periods of irregularity or variation of flow. Probably this is associated with the hormonal changes which occur in case of considerable weight loss rather than the medication.

Pregnancy: Wegovy should not be used when pregnant. The NHS recommends that women of child bearing age need to engage in effective contraception during the usage of Wegovy. In case you get pregnant or intend to get pregnant, discontinue Wegovy immediately and consult your GP.

Changes in symptoms can also be observed in women with PCOS because women can experience improvement in hormone balance when they lose weight. Never ignore any hormonal issues that you have with your GP or specialist.

Serious Side Effects When to Get Help

Most Wegovy side effects are mild and manageable at home. However, some symptoms require urgent medical attention, and it is important to recognise them early.

Call 999 or Go to A&E Immediately

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you experience swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue along with difficulty breathing, as this may indicate a severe allergic reaction. Sudden and severe stomach pain that spreads to your back could be a sign of pancreatitis and also requires emergency care.

Call 111 or Your GP

You should call 111 or contact your GP if you notice pain in the upper right stomach area along with fever or yellowing of the skin or eyes, which may indicate a gallbladder problem. A lump or swelling in the neck, a hoarse voice, or difficulty swallowing could point to a thyroid issue and should be checked. If you have diabetes and notice any changes in your vision, this may be linked to diabetic eye disease and needs prompt attention.

NHS guidance: These serious side effects are rare but should never be ignored. The NHS advises to always seek help straight away if you are concerned. When in doubt, call NHS 111.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do Wegovy side effects start?

Most people notice side effects within the first few days of starting treatment. They are usually strongest in the first 2 weeks.

How long do side effects last?

For most people, side effects settle within 2 to 4 weeks. They can return briefly each time your dose is increased.

Do side effects get worse with a higher dose?

Yes, they can. This is why doses are increased slowly over 16 weeks to give your body time to adjust at each stage.

Is exercise safe when I have side effects?

Yes. Gentle exercise is fine and can actually help with constipation and low energy. If you feel dizzy, rest first and always stay well hydrated.

Do side effects go away after stopping Wegovy?

Yes. Most side effects clear up within a few weeks of stopping treatment. Hair loss may take a little longer to fully resolve.

Get WeGovy Support at Earlsdon Pharmacy, Coventry

At Earlsdon Pharmacy, we are an NHS-registered pharmacy in the heart of Coventry. Our qualified pharmacists are here to support you throughout your WeGovy treatment from managing side effects to answering your questions.

We offer:

• WeGovy consultations in-store and online
• NHS Pharmacy First service for side effect support
• Friendly, expert advice from qualified pharmacists

Visit us: 19-21 Earlsdon St, Earlsdon, Coventry, CV5 6EP Call us: 02476714834 Book your consultation today