Wegovy Side Effects: common, serious and long-term

Key takeaways

• In adult weight-loss trials, 73% on Wegovy 2.4 mg reported a digestive side effect vs 47% on placebo; nausea affected 44% vs 16%.^[1]
• Digestive side effects were most frequent while the dose was being increased; 4.3% stopped Wegovy because of them, vs 0.7% on placebo.^[1]
• Gallstones (1.6% vs 0.7%), pancreatitis, kidney injury from dehydration and a faster heart rate are among the serious risks on the label.^[1]
• In the 3-year SELECT trial, hip and pelvic fractures were more frequent in women (1% vs 0.2%) and in people 75 and older.^[1]
• The FDA found no increased risk of suicidal thoughts with GLP-1 medicines and asked for that warning to be removed from Wegovy in January 2026.^[3]

In short: Digestive side effects are by far the most common with Wegovy (semaglutide): in the label’s weight-loss trials, 73% of adults on the 2.4 mg injection reported at least one, compared with 47% on placebo, most often nausea (44% vs 16%), diarrhea (30% vs 16%), vomiting (24% vs 6%) and constipation (24% vs 11%), mainly while the dose was being raised. Less common but serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney injury from dehydration and a faster heart rate, and Wegovy carries a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors seen in rodents (label checked on 2026-10-06).

This page explains the side effects listed in the official Wegovy prescribing information and Medication Guide: how often each happened in trials, when they tend to appear, longer-term findings such as gallbladder problems, fractures and hair loss, which symptoms need urgent care, and who may be at higher risk. It covers the injection (including the higher-dose Wegovy HD) and the tablets. It is general information to prepare for a conversation with your prescriber, not medical advice.

Where these numbers come from

The main side-effect table on the Wegovy label pools three randomized, double-blind trials in 2,116 adults with obesity or overweight who took the 2.4 mg injection for up to 68 weeks, compared with 1,261 on placebo. The label adds separate data for teens 12 and older, for the 7.2 mg dose (Wegovy HD), for the 25 mg tablets and for the SELECT heart trial, in which 8,803 people took Wegovy for a median of about 37 months. The label notes that rates from different drugs’ trials cannot be directly compared and may differ from everyday practice.

The most common side effects

• Wegovy 2.4 mg
• Placebo

Nausea44%16%

Diarrhea30%16%

Vomiting24%6%

Constipation24%11%

Abdominal pain20%10%

Headache14%10%

Fatigue11%5%

Indigestion (dyspepsia)9%3%

Dizziness8%4%

Bloating (distension)7%5%

Burping (eructation)7%1%

Low blood sugar in type 2 diabetes6%2%

Gas6%4%

Acid reflux (GERD)5%3%

Most common Wegovy 2.4 mg side effects vs placebo (adults)

Item	Wegovy 2.4 mg	Placebo
Nausea	44%	16%
Diarrhea	30%	16%
Vomiting	24%	6%
Constipation	24%	11%
Abdominal pain	20%	10%
Headache	14%	10%
Fatigue	11%	5%
Indigestion (dyspepsia)	9%	3%
Dizziness	8%	4%
Bloating (distension)	7%	5%
Burping (eructation)	7%	1%
Low blood sugar in type 2 diabetes	6%	2%
Gas	6%	4%
Acid reflux (GERD)	5%	3%

2,116 adults on Wegovy vs 1,261 on placebo, up to 68 weeks. Burping on placebo was under 1%, shown as 1. Low blood sugar counted only in the trial of people with type 2 diabetes.

Source: Wegovy prescribing information, Table 3 (checked on October 6, 2026)

The table also lists stomach flu (gastroenteritis, 6% vs 4%), gastritis (4% vs 1%), hair loss (3% vs 1%) and dysesthesia (2% vs 1%). Other digestive effects reported more often than with placebo include hemorrhoids and hiccups. The most common reasons people stopped Wegovy were nausea (1.8% vs 0.2%), vomiting (1.2% vs 0%) and diarrhea (0.7% vs 0.1%); in total, 4.3% stopped because of a digestive side effect, compared with 0.7% on placebo.

When they tend to happen

The label says digestive reactions were most often reported during dose escalation. Wegovy starts at a low weekly dose and is increased every 4 weeks over about 16 weeks, which gives the stomach time to adjust. Your prescriber decides how fast to go and what to do if side effects are hard to manage; the label also describes a lower maintenance dose as an option based on tolerability.

The Medication Guide says diarrhea, nausea and vomiting can cause dehydration that may lead to kidney problems, so it is important to drink fluids and to tell your provider right away if these symptoms do not go away. Eating approaches that people often discuss with their care team on GLP-1 medicines are covered on our GLP-1 diet page.

Teens, the higher dose and the tablets

Teens 12 and older. In a 68-week trial of 201 teens, 62% on Wegovy and 42% on placebo had digestive side effects. Vomiting was more common than in adults (36% vs 10% on placebo). The label says teens had more gallstones and gallbladder inflammation, low blood pressure, rash and hives than adults, and 54% of teens on Wegovy (vs 39% on placebo) had a heart-rate increase of 20 beats per minute or more at some visit.

• Adults, Wegovy
• Adults, placebo
• Teens, Wegovy
• Teens, placebo

Nausea44%16%42%18%

Vomiting24%6%36%10%

Diarrhea30%16%22%19%

Any digestive side effect73%47%62%42%

Digestive side effects in adults and teens on Wegovy 2.4 mg

Item	Adults, Wegovy	Adults, placebo	Teens, Wegovy	Teens, placebo
Nausea	44%	16%	42%	18%
Vomiting	24%	6%	36%	10%
Diarrhea	30%	16%	22%	19%
Any digestive side effect	73%	47%	62%	42%

Adults: 3 pooled trials. Teens: 1 trial, 133 on Wegovy and 67 on placebo. Separate trials, shown together for orientation.

Source: Wegovy prescribing information, Tables 3 and 5 and section 6.1 (checked on October 6, 2026)

Wegovy HD (7.2 mg). Compared with 2.4 mg, the higher dose brought more nausea (39% vs 35%) and vomiting (22% vs 16%), and much more dysesthesia, unusual skin sensations such as tingling or burning (22% vs 6%). Hair loss was 5.8% vs 3.3%. Details are on our Wegovy HD page.

Wegovy tablets (25 mg). The label says the types and frequency of common side effects were similar to the injection. Severe digestive reactions occurred in 2% of tablet users vs 0% on placebo, gallstones in 2.5% vs 1%, and dysesthesia in 5% vs 0%. Breastfeeding is not recommended with the tablets because of an absorption enhancer (SNAC) found in breast milk. See our Wegovy pill page.

Serious side effects and warnings

Boxed warning: thyroid C-cell tumors. In mice and rats, semaglutide caused thyroid C-cell tumors (benign and malignant), increasing with dose and duration. It is unknown whether Wegovy causes these tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in people. Wegovy must not be used by anyone with a personal or family history of MTC or with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Report a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing or shortness of breath.

• Pancreatitis. Confirmed in 4 adults on Wegovy in the weight trials (0.2 cases per 100 patient-years) vs 1 on placebo (under 0.1). Warning sign: severe stomach pain that will not go away, sometimes spreading to the back.
• Gallbladder disease. Gallstones in 1.6% vs 0.7% of adults on the injection, gallbladder inflammation in 0.6% vs 0.2%; higher in teens (3.8% and 0.8% vs 0%). The label says the risk was higher than placebo even after accounting for the amount of weight lost.
• Kidney injury. 0.4 vs 0.2 cases per 100 patient-years, often with dehydration from digestive side effects; more frequent in people with existing kidney problems and during dose increases.
• Low blood sugar. In adults with type 2 diabetes, 6% vs 2%; higher risk with insulin or sulfonylureas.
• Faster heart rate. Average resting rate rose 1 to 4 beats per minute; 26% vs 16% had a rise of 20 or more at some visit. Tell your provider about a racing or pounding heartbeat at rest that lasts several minutes.
• Low blood pressure and fainting. 1.3% vs 0.4% and 0.8% vs 0.2%, more often with blood-pressure medicines or fluid loss.
• Diabetic eye complications in people with type 2 diabetes: 4% vs 2.7% in the Wegovy trial of people with diabetes.
• Severe digestive reactions (4.1% vs 0.9%); not recommended in severe gastroparesis. Ileus, bowel obstruction and fecal impaction have been reported after approval.
• Serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis, angioedema) and aspiration during anesthesia or deep sedation; tell any procedure team you take Wegovy.

• Wegovy
• Placebo

Gallstones (injection)1.6%0.7%

Low blood pressure1.3%0.4%

Kidney stones (SELECT)1.2%0.8%

Hip or pelvic fracture, women (SELECT)1%0.2%

Fainting0.8%0.2%

Gallbladder inflammation0.6%0.2%

Appendicitis0.5%0.2%

Less common but important events with Wegovy vs placebo (adults)

Item	Wegovy	Placebo
Gallstones (injection)	1.6%	0.7%
Low blood pressure	1.3%	0.4%
Kidney stones (SELECT)	1.2%	0.8%
Hip or pelvic fracture, women (SELECT)	1%	0.2%
Fainting	0.8%	0.2%
Gallbladder inflammation	0.6%	0.2%
Appendicitis	0.5%	0.2%

Weight-loss trials unless marked SELECT (heart outcomes trial, median about 3 years). Different trials and time frames.

Source: Wegovy prescribing information, sections 5.3 and 6.1 (checked on October 6, 2026)

Longer-term findings

The SELECT trial followed adults with heart disease for about three years. Safety data were limited to serious events and events leading to stopping, and 16% on Wegovy vs 8% on placebo stopped the study drug because of an adverse event. More hip and pelvic fractures were reported in women (1% vs 0.2%) and in people 75 and older (2.4% vs 0.6%), and more kidney stones (1.2% vs 0.8%). Bilirubin rose to three times the upper limit of normal in 0.3% vs 0.2%.

Hair loss was reported in 3.3% of adults on 2.4 mg (4% of women, 0.9% of men) vs 1% on placebo, and the label links it to weight reduction. Muscle: part of the weight lost on any weight-loss treatment is lean mass; see muscle loss on GLP-1s and use the protein calculator to discuss a protein range with your care team. Changes in the face after weight loss, often called “Ozempic face”, are discussed on our Ozempic face guide; this is not a label term.

Mood. Wegovy’s label used to carry a warning about suicidal thoughts, as older weight-loss drugs did. On January 13, 2026, the FDA reported that its review of 91 trials with 107,910 participants found no increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior with GLP-1 medicines, and asked for the warning to be removed from Wegovy, Saxenda and Zepbound. If you notice new or worsening depression, talk to your clinician; in a crisis, call or text 988.

Who may be at higher risk

• Teens (more vomiting, gallbladder problems and heart-rate increases in the trial).
• People with type 2 diabetes on insulin or sulfonylureas (low blood sugar), or with diabetic retinopathy (eye complications).
• People with kidney disease or anyone who becomes dehydrated.
• People taking blood-pressure medicines (low blood pressure, fainting).
• Women and adults 75 and older (fractures were more frequent in SELECT).
• Anyone with severe gastroparesis, a history of pancreatitis, or a personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2.
• Anyone having surgery or deep sedation.

Interactions and pregnancy

Wegovy slows stomach emptying and may affect how other pills are absorbed; the label suggests closer monitoring for medicines with a narrow safety margin, and semaglutide tablets increased levothyroxine levels by 33% in one study. Do not combine Wegovy with other semaglutide products or GLP-1 medicines. Weight loss offers no benefit during pregnancy and may harm the fetus: the label says to stop Wegovy used for weight when pregnancy is recognized, and at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy. A pregnancy registry is available at 1-877-390-2760.

Compounded and counterfeit semaglutide

Compounded semaglutide is not FDA approved, and the FDA has received adverse-event reports, some requiring hospitalization, linked to dosing errors and to doses beyond the approved label. Get Wegovy only with a prescription from a state-licensed pharmacy. Our compounded GLP-1 guide explains the risks.

Reporting side effects, cost and next steps

You can report suspected side effects to Novo Nordisk at 1-833-934-6891 or to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (numbers from the label). For what Wegovy costs and how to keep treatment affordable, see the Wegovy cost page and the GLP-1 cost comparison tool. To compare side effects across the class, see our GLP-1 side effects guide, Zepbound side effects and Wegovy vs Zepbound. If you stop Wegovy, plan it with your prescriber: life after a GLP-1 explains what usually happens to weight.

Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist

• Which side effects are most likely for me, and which ones mean I should call you or go to the emergency room?
• If nausea is hard to manage, what are our options: a slower increase or a lower maintenance dose?
• Do my blood-pressure or diabetes medicines need adjusting?
• Given my age and bone health, should we think about fracture risk?
• How should I prepare for surgery or a procedure that needs sedation?

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common side effects of Wegovy?

Nausea (44% vs 16% on placebo), diarrhea (30% vs 16%), vomiting (24% vs 6%), constipation (24% vs 11%) and stomach pain (20% vs 10%), from the label's adult trials of the 2.4 mg injection.

How long does Wegovy nausea last?

The label says digestive reactions were most often reported during dose escalation, the first 16 weeks or so. It does not give a typical duration. If nausea continues at a steady dose, tell your prescriber; the label allows a lower maintenance dose based on tolerability.

Can Wegovy cause gallbladder problems?

Yes. Gallstones were reported in 1.6% of adults on the injection vs 0.7% on placebo, and more often in teens. Upper belly pain, fever, yellow skin or eyes, or clay-colored stools need a call to your doctor right away.

Does Wegovy cause hair loss?

Hair loss was reported in 3.3% on 2.4 mg (4% of women) vs 1% on placebo, and in 5.8% on 7.2 mg. The label associates it with weight reduction.

Does Wegovy affect your heart rate?

It raised average resting heart rate by 1 to 4 beats per minute; 26% vs 16% had a rise of 20 or more at some visit. Tell your provider about a racing or pounding heartbeat at rest.

Is Wegovy linked to suicidal thoughts?

In January 2026 the FDA said its review of 91 trials found no increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior with GLP-1 medicines, and asked for the warning to be removed from Wegovy's label. Still, report new or worsening depression to your clinician.

Are side effects worse on Wegovy HD?

Somewhat. With 7.2 mg, vomiting (22% vs 16%) and especially dysesthesia, tingling or burning skin sensations (22% vs 6%), were more common than with 2.4 mg.

Do the Wegovy pills have the same side effects?

The label says the types and frequency of common side effects with the 25 mg tablets were similar to the injection. Breastfeeding is not recommended with the tablets.

Is Wegovy safe for teenagers?

It is approved for teens 12 and older with obesity. In the teen trial, vomiting (36% vs 10%), gallbladder problems and heart-rate increases were more common than in adults. A pediatric clinician helps weigh the risks.

Official sources

• Prescribing information (FDA label)
• FDA approval letter or page
• Manufacturer information

References

1. WEGOVY (semaglutide) injection and tablets: prescribing information. Novo Nordisk, via DailyMed, 2026. (accessed October 7, 2026) Drug label
2. Lincoff AM, Brown-Frandsen K, Colhoun HM, et al.. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes (SELECT). New England Journal of Medicine, 2023. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2307563 · PMID 37952131 · NCT03574597 (accessed October 7, 2026) Randomized trial
3. FDA requests removal of suicidal behavior and ideation warning from GLP-1 receptor agonist medications. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2026. (accessed October 6, 2026) Government page
4. FDA’s concerns with unapproved GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2026. (accessed October 7, 2026) Government page
5. Drugs@FDA: Wegovy, NDA 215256, approval history. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (accessed October 7, 2026) Government page
6. Drugs@FDA: Wegovy tablets, NDA 218316. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (accessed October 7, 2026) Government page
7. FDA Approves First Treatment to Reduce Risk of Serious Heart Problems Specifically in Adults with Obesity or Overweight. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2024. (accessed October 7, 2026) Government page
8. NDA 215256/S-024 accelerated approval letter (MASH). U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2025. (accessed October 7, 2026) Government page
9. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al.. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (STEP 1). New England Journal of Medicine, 2021. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2032183 · PMID 33567185 · NCT03548935 (accessed October 7, 2026) Randomized trial
10. Rubino D, Abrahamsson N, Davies M, et al.. Effect of Continued Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo on Weight Loss Maintenance (STEP 4). JAMA, 2021. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.3224 · PMID 33755728 · NCT03548987 (accessed October 7, 2026) Randomized trial
11. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Davies M, et al.. Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 2022. doi:10.1111/dom.14725 · PMID 35441470 (accessed October 7, 2026) Randomized trial
12. Wegovy cost, coverage and savings resources. Novo Nordisk (NovoCare). (accessed October 6, 2026) Other
13. Wegovy at NovoCare Pharmacy: self-pay prices. Novo Nordisk (NovoCare Pharmacy). (accessed October 7, 2026) Other
14. Novo Nordisk announces significant reduction in US list price for Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus. Novo Nordisk (press release), 2026. (accessed October 7, 2026) News (reported facts only)
15. Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: information for providers. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (accessed October 7, 2026) Government page
16. Prescription Medications to Treat Overweight & Obesity. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH). (accessed October 7, 2026) Government page

Facts checked on October 6, 2026

Educational information, not medical advice. Talk with a qualified healthcare professional about your own situation. In an emergency call 911.