Wegovy side effects: what patients need to know

Wegovy affects digestion, as it slows down how quickly your stomach empties to help support weight loss. So, the most common side effects are digestion-related, including:

It can also cause other side effects not related to digestion, such as:

These side effects tend to be mild and temporary, so they go away on their own in most cases.

Rarely, Wegovy can cause serious side effects such as thyroid tumours, pancreatitis or kidney stones. However, you will not be prescribed Wegovy if you are at too high a risk of developing these serious side effects.

Different types of side effects are more likely than others. Thankfully, there is a standardised way in the medical field to calculate how likely a side effect is to occur.

Side effects are classed as very common to very rare based on results from clinical trials.

Some side effects are so rare that they don’t have enough data to estimate how frequently it occurs. These side effects are referred to as “Not known”.

Good to know: All of the side effects and their frequencies are listed in the patient information leaflet (PIL) of Wegovy, which you can refer to at any time.

Wegovy starts to work right away. So, you should start to feel Wegovy side effects within a few hours or days of the first dose. But that means it’s starting to work. Remember not to be discouraged and continue to use it as instructed.

How long side effects will last varies from person to person. Generally, side effects can last up to 1-4 weeks. But for others, they can last for up to 8-12 weeks. Side effects mean your body is adjusting to the medicine - which takes time!

If your side effects do not go away or get worse, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. They may need to adjust your treatment plan so it’s safe and effective for you.

Each time you increase the dose, it’s normal to experience a return of side effects. This is because your body has to readjust to the higher dose. But if you do experience side effects again, they are likely to be much milder than before.

Digestive side effects can be discouraging when you’re taking Wegovy. But there are some simple things you can do that I recommend to help manage them.

These tips will help manage side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation.

Long-term side effects are very rare with Wegovy. But they can happen, so it’s important to know about them. Some long-term side effects can include:

The patient information leaflet should contain all signs and symptoms of these conditions, and you should familiarise yourself with them just in case they occur.

If you have any small risk of developing these side effects, your doctor will discuss the risk and decide whether Wegovy is right for you.

Wegovy can be a powerful tool for weight management, but like any medication that meaningfully affects the body, it comes with a spectrum of potential side effects.

Most people experience only mild, temporary symptoms as their body adapts, and with the right support, these challenges are usually manageable. For many patients, the benefits of improved metabolic health, increased energy, and sustainable weight loss outweigh the temporary discomforts along the way.

What matters most is staying informed and staying connected. Our doctors support you at every step, regularly reviewing your progress and ensuring your treatment plan remains safe and effective.

Also read: Understanding Wegovy dosages: A doctor’s guide