Common Wegovy side effects as weight loss drug surges in popularity in the UK
Thanks to the slew of celebrities that have admitted to using weight loss drugs in recent months, more and more people are interested to know what exactly the deal is with injections such as Wegovy.
People have been chucking around buzzwords like Ozempic and Wegovy like nobody's business without necessarily having the full picture.
Here in the UK, drugs such as Wegovy are gaining notoriety, and while some people just think the whole thing is too good to be true and are steering clear, others want to know what they're getting themselves into.
So, let's delve exactly into what the weight-loss jab is and what side effects it can cause.
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What is Wegovy and how is it different to Ozempic?
Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Wegovy is the brand name for the drug semaglutide and is a weekly weight loss injection. The drug was approved by the NHS last year to help people shed a few pounds in conjunction with a 'reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity'.
Across the pond, the FDA also approved the jab to be used in adults to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke in people with cardiovascular disease.
In terms of how the drug actually works, semaglutide essentially suppresses the person's appetite by mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). The jab also slows down how fast the stomach empties, which can make you feel fuller for longer.
But there's an important distinction to make when it comes to Novo Nordisk's other big-name drug.
While they both do contain semaglutide, Wegovy is not the same as Ozempic, which is only FDA approved to treat type two diabetes and is not prescribed as a weight-loss drug.
How long does it take Wegovy to work?
Docs advise that Wegovy is used simultaneously with exercise and a healthy diet, with studies indicating that people can lose a whopping 15 percent of their weight on average just over year into using the drug.
That being said, you won't notice changes overnight, and while you might spot some weight loss after around a month, it doesn't all happen at once.
Are there any side effects of using Wegovy?
Like any drug, there are going to be side effects and you should always check with a doctor before taking any medication.
The official Wegovy site says you should avoid the medication if 'you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).'
It also urges people who 'have had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Wegovy' to avoid the jab at all costs.
But in terms of the possible side effects, what are some you should be aware of?
Inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis)
If you can cast your mind back to those science lessons at school, you'll remember the pancreas is the organ which releases enzymes that aid digestion and makes insulin, which regulates your blood sugar.
Pancreatitis occurs when there's sudden inflammation of the organ.
The site urges: "Stop using Wegovy® and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back."
Gallbladder issues
Taking the drug may cause gallbladder problems such as gallstones or inflammation, which can sometimes require surgery to fix.
You should go to your GP if you have 'pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay- coloured stools'.
Low blood sugar
While this isn't a common side effect, the risk is increased if you already take certain medication for type two diabetes such as sulfonylureas or insulin.
Signs of low blood sugar include dizziness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat or feeling jittery.
Serious allergic reactions
There have been reports of serious allergic reactions to semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy), and in some cases, these reactions can be fatal.
The site warns: "Stop using Wegovy® and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat."
Stomach problems
Abdominal side effects from using Wegovy are usually mild and clear up pretty quickly - the most common being nausea which was seen in about 44 percent of people who took the drug.
Other symptoms included diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, feeling bloated, heartburn and gas.
Depression or thoughts of suicide
Like with any medication, it can also have an impact on your mental health and it's important to keep an eye out for any 'sudden' changes to your mood or behaviour.
Increased heart rate
"Wegovy® can increase your heart rate while you are at rest. Tell your healthcare provider if you feel your heart racing or pounding in your chest and it lasts for several minutes," the site explains.
In a nutshell, while there are some rarer, more serious side effects of using Wegovy, the most common were mild stomach issues, which went away after a few weeks in most people.
Just don't go off doing anything until you've spoke to your doc.
Chloe Jackson