Wegovy Long-Term Side Effects: Multi-Year Data and Risks
Wegovy has been sold in the US since 2021. The long-term label warnings are thyroid C-cell tumors (seen in rodents), pancreatitis, gallbladder disease and kidney injury from fluid loss.
- Sold in the US since
- 2021
- Most common
- Nausea 44%
- Same on placebo
- 16%
- Stopped because of side effects
- 6.8%
Wegovy in short
Its half-life is about 1 week: after 7 d, half is gone, and about 3% remains after five half-lives (35 d).
At STEP 1, 68 weeks, the figure was 14.9% of body weight, versus 2.4% on placebo.
Monthly prices in US dollars include the list price and self-pay offers, with each taken from the maker's price page.
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed), healthsystemtracker.org, prnewswire.com 1 2.
Serious warnings in plain language
- Boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors It caused thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents, but it is not known if it causes them in people. Do not use if you or your family have a history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), or if you have MEN 2.
- Pancreatitis. This medicine can cause the pancreas to become inflamed. For severe stomach pain that does not go away, stop taking it and get care.
- Gallbladder disease. You may develop gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder. Report fever, yellow skin or eyes, or upper right belly pain.
- Low blood sugar. Taking it with insulin or a sulfonylurea raises the risk of low blood sugar, so those doses may need reducing.
- Kidney damage from fluid loss. Vomiting or diarrhea can cause fluid loss, which may lead to kidney injury. Drink fluids and report any large fluid loss.
- Severe reactions affecting the stomach and bowel Stomach and gut side effects are common, and some can be severe. It is not recommended for people with severe gastroparesis.
- Allergic reactions can be severe. Swelling of the face, lips or throat was among the signs reported in serious allergic reactions. If any of these happen, stop taking it and get help right away.
- Worsening diabetic eye disease. Diabetic eye disease may worsen in people with type 2 diabetes, particularly when blood sugar drops fast. Eye checks are important if you already have it.
- Faster heart rate. Can raise resting heart rate. If your heart races or pounds at rest, let your doctor know.
- During anesthesia or sedation: food in the lungs. This matters during anesthesia or deep sedation because food can remain in your stomach longer. Before any procedure, tell your care team.
Source: FDA label (DailyMed).
Source: FDA label (DailyMed).
Wegovy long term side effects: label rates vs placebo
The FDA label lists 19 common Wegovy side effects from placebo-controlled trials. The final column shows the increase in how often each one appeared compared with placebo.
| 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).