Semaglutide is a medication that has been used for over six years to help manage type 2 diabetes and more recently to aid in weight loss. Like any prescription medication, it might be effective for some individuals but may cause side effects for others. If you are considering using this medication, it is important to be aware of the potential short-term and long-term side effects of semaglutide.

Today we are going to talk about the basics of semaglutide, the available forms of this prescription medication, and the common as well as rare semaglutide side effects.

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What Does The FDA Say About Semaglutide?

According to the FDA, semaglutide is a prescription drug and a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It works by imitating a GLP-1 hormone, which is naturally released as part of the digestive process after you eat. One of GLP-1's functions is to stimulate the body to produce more insulin, which helps to lower blood sugar levels. When semaglutide is administered in higher doses, it also signals the brain to decrease your appetite and create an ongoing sense of fullness.

Currently, three semaglutide products have received FDA approval:

• Ozempic injections and Rybelsus tablets are prescribed to help lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes and are meant to be used with diet and exercise. Ozempic is also approved for reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes who have heart disease;
• Wegovy injections are approved for weight loss in adults and children aged 12 and older who are obese or overweight and have weight-related health issues. They are designed to work in conjunction with healthy lifestyle choices such as a low-calorie, nutritious diet and exercise.

All three of these medications require a prescription, and no generic versions are currently available.

Compounded Versions Of Semaglutide

Compounded semaglutide is available and is a custom-made version of the medication that is mixed by a compounding pharmacy. Compounding pharmacies create personalized medications by combining or altering ingredients to meet the specific needs of a patient.

A compounded version of semaglutide might be made to adjust the dosage, combine it with other ingredients, or provide it in a form not commercially available. It is important to note that compounded medications are not FDA-approved, meaning they haven't gone through the same rigorous testing for safety, efficacy, and quality as commercially available drugs. This can lead to variations in effectiveness and safety, so it's important to work closely with your doctor when using compounded medications.

Due to the extensive shortages of FDA-approved versions of semaglutide, there have been many “alternate” semaglutide sources popping up, and not all are reputable. The FDA has received reports regarding negative side effects of semaglutide experienced by patients who used compounded versions. You need to be very cautious, as some products claiming to be ‘semaglutide’ may actually be salt formulations like semaglutide sodium or acetate, which haven't been demonstrated to be safe or effective. It's essential to obtain semaglutide only through a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider and to use state-licensed pharmacies or FDA-registered facilities.

The Most Common Semaglutide Side Effects

When you first start taking semaglutide, it usually takes your body some time to adjust to the medication. You begin the medication in a very low dose and gradually increase the strength over several months to help mitigate the severity, but almost everyone experiences some short-term side effects of semaglutide. These side effects include:

Nausea

Many people experience nausea when they first begin taking semaglutide because the medication slows down how quickly your stomach empties, so it can make you feel queasy. The good news is that this side effect often gets better as your body adjusts to the treatment.

Vomiting

Along with nausea, some people experience vomiting, especially when you first start using semaglutide. You need to be diligent about staying hydrated if this happens to you and talk to your doctor if it becomes severe.

Diarrhea

Digestive changes are common with semaglutide, and some experience diarrhea for the first several months. You need to drink plenty of water to make sure you do not become dehydrated. This usually resolves itself as your body gets used to the medication.

Constipation

Some individuals may experience constipation instead of diarrhea, so drinking water and eating fiber-rich foods is important and can help manage this semaglutide side effect.

Intestinal Issues

Some patients may experience discomfort or pain in the stomach associated with difficulty in digesting food, swelling or bloating of the stomach area, belching, flatulence, or gastroenteritis.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

A chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.

Headaches

Headaches are another possible side effect when you first begin using semaglutide. They might be mild or more intense, but they should decrease as your body gets used to the medication.

Fatigue

Feeling unusually tired or fatigued can also happen when you begin taking semaglutide because your body is adjusting to how the medication affects your blood sugar levels. Getting some extra rest during this adjustment time can help you combat your low energy levels.

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Semaglutide Long-Term Side Effects

The short-term side effects listed above often improve as your body adjusts, but you may revisit some of these side effects temporarily each time your dose is increased. In addition to these common short-term issues, there are also some long-term side effects of semaglutide to be aware of, including:

Weight Loss

Not all side effects of semaglutide are negative; in fact, one of the biggest benefits of semaglutide is its ability to help with weight loss. If managed correctly, individuals with obesity or overweight can utilize this side effect of semaglutide to help them reach and maintain a healthy weight. Patients who do not need to lose weight should work with their doctor to manage their medication, diet, and exercise program to avoid nutritional deficiencies or muscle loss;

Gallbladder Issues

Long-term use of Semaglutide has been linked to an increased risk of gallbladder problems, including gallstones. This is more likely to happen to those who lose a significant amount of weight very quickly;

Pancreatitis

There is a rare risk of developing pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas and causes symptoms like severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, and it requires immediate medical attention;

Kidney Problems

Some people may experience kidney issues as a long-term side effect of semaglutide, especially if they become dehydrated due to nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Staying well-hydrated while dealing with the more common side effects is essential to avoid more serious issues;

Thyroid Tumors

In animal studies, semaglutide increased the risk of thyroid tumors. While this has not been confirmed in humans, people who have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or a rare genetic condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should not use semaglutide;

Increase In Heart Rate

Semaglutide can cause a slight increase in heart rate over time, which is not an issue for most people, but if you have a history of heart conditions, your doctor will need to closely monitor your semaglutide usage.

What to Do If You Experience Semaglutide Side Effects

If you experience any common or uncommon side effects while taking semaglutide, it's important to talk to your doctor. Keep the lines of communication open and make sure to let them know what is going on. They can help you manage these symptoms and decide whether the benefits of the medication outweigh the risks. Sometimes, simply adjusting the dose or how you take the medication can help reduce these side effects.

Where Can I Find Out More About Semaglutide And If It Could Help Me Lose Weight?

If you have questions about semaglutide or are seeking medical interventions to help you lose weight, the experts at Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center in NYC have the answers. Dr. Steven Batash and his professional team of weight loss specialists offer a variety of weight loss solutions as well as evidence-based strategies that can help you attain sustainable weight loss.

They offer a range of options, including prescription weight loss medications like semaglutide and endoscopic procedures such as intragastric balloons and Suture Sculpt endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. A combination of medication and a non-surgical procedure are sometimes used to achieve the best results.

Set up a consultation today to learn more about the options that are available to help you lose weight and keep it off.

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