Semaglutide Side Effects by Frequency: Common, Serious
In the Ozempic label (semaglutide), nausea is the most common side effect: 20.3% on 1 mg vs 6.1% on placebo. Next come vomiting and diarrhea.
- Most common
- Nausea 20.3%
- Same on placebo
- 6.1%
- Trial group
- Adults with type 2 diabetes
Wegovy in brief
Its half-life is about 1 week. Once 7 d pass, half is gone, and about 3% stays after five half-lives (35 d).
In STEP 1, at 68 weeks: 14.9% of body weight, compared with 2.4% on placebo.
Monthly prices in US dollars show the list price plus self-pay offers, each taken from the maker's price page.
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed), healthsystemtracker.org, prnewswire.com 1 2.
Semaglutide side effects: label rates vs placebo
You can buy Semaglutide under the names Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus. Every label includes a separate table based on a different group.
Ozempic
| Side effect | Placebo | Ozempic 0.5 mg | Ozempic 1 mg | More than placebo, 1 mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 6.1% | 15.8% | 20.3% | +14.2 points |
| Vomiting | 2.3% | 5% | 9.2% | +6.9 points |
| Diarrhea | 1.9% | 8.5% | 8.8% | +6.9 points |
| Abdominal pain | 4.6% | 7.3% | 5.7% | +1.1 points |
| Constipation | 1.5% | 5% | 3.1% | +1.6 points |
Source: FDA label (DailyMed).
Wegovy
| Side effect | Placebo | Wegovy 2.4 mg | More than placebo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 16% | 44% | +28 points |
| Diarrhea | 16% | 30% | +14 points |
| Vomiting | 6% | 24% | +18 points |
| Constipation | 11% | 24% | +13 points |
| Abdominal Pain | 10% | 20% | +10 points |
| Headache | 10% | 14% | +4 points |
| Fatigue | 5% | 11% | +6 points |
| Dyspepsia | 3% | 9% | +6 points |
| Dizziness | 4% | 8% | +4 points |
| Abdominal Distension | 5% | 7% | +2 points |
| Eructation | Not reported | 7% | – |
| Hypoglycemia in T2DM | 2% | 6% | +4 points |
| Flatulence | 4% | 6% | +2 points |
| Gastroenteritis | 4% | 6% | +2 points |
| Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease | 3% | 5% | +2 points |
| Gastritis | 1% | 4% | +3 points |
| Gastroenteritis Viral | 3% | 4% | +1 points |
| Hair Loss | 1% | 3% | +2 points |
| Dysesthesia | 1% | 2% | +1 points |
Source: FDA label (DailyMed).
Rybelsus
| Side effect | Placebo | Rybelsus 7 mg | Rybelsus 14 mg | More than placebo, 14 mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 6% | 11% | 20% | +14 points |
| Abdominal Pain | 4% | 10% | 11% | +7 points |
| Diarrhea | 4% | 9% | 10% | +6 points |
| Decreased appetite | 1% | 6% | 9% | +8 points |
| Vomiting | 3% | 6% | 8% | +5 points |
| Constipation | 2% | 6% | 5% | +3 points |
Source: FDA label (DailyMed).
The serious warnings, explained simply
- A boxed warning about Thyroid C-cell tumors. It caused thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents; whether it does the same in people is not known. Not for anyone whose own or family medical history includes medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), and not for anyone with MEN 2.
- Pancreatitis. It can inflame the pancreas. If severe stomach pain does not go away, stop taking it and get care. The pain sometimes spreads to the back.
- Diabetic eye disease can get worse. Diabetic eye disease can worsen in people with type 2 diabetes, especially when blood sugar drops fast. If you already have it, eye checks matter.
- Blood sugar that goes too low. Combining it with insulin or a sulfonylurea raises the chance of low blood sugar, so those doses may need lowering.
- Kidney harm caused by losing fluid. Losing fluid through vomiting or diarrhea can hurt your kidneys. Drink fluids, and report it if fluid loss is heavy.
- Severe reactions in the stomach and gut. Stomach and gut side effects happen often, and they can be severe. It is not recommended if you have severe gastroparesis.
- Allergic reactions that are serious. Serious allergic reactions have been reported, such as swelling of the lips, face or throat. If they happen, stop taking it and get help right away.
- Problems with the gallbladder. You can develop gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder. Report pain in your upper right belly, a fever, or yellow skin or eyes.
- Food reaching the lungs while you are under anesthesia or sedation. Food can remain in your stomach longer, and this is important during anesthesia or deep sedation. Let your care team know before you have any procedure.
Source: FDA label (DailyMed).
Source: FDA label (DailyMed).
Each common side effect, listed separately
- Nausea rates: on 1 mg, 20.3%; on placebo, 6.1%
- Vomiting rates: on 1 mg, 9.2%; on placebo, 2.3%
- Stomach pain: 4.6% on placebo, 7.3% on 0.5 mg
- Constipation: 1.5% on placebo, 5% on 0.5 mg
More questions people ask about semaglutide: Allergic reaction, Cancer risk, Butt changes, Headache, Heart effects, Dizziness, Dry mouth, Vision changes, Fatigue, Hair loss, Heartburn and indigestion, Muscle loss, Sulfur burps.