“What should I expect when I start taking semaglutide?”
It’s the single-most common question I get as the Chief Pharmacist at ReflexMD. And for good reason: If you’ve opted to take semaglutide in a quest to lose weight, you’re surely pretty excited about positive changes in your overall health. But you’re also probably wondering: What are the side effects? (Here are 5 more questions I often get asked!)
After all, most people do experience side effects. In fact, a multinational study found that more than 82% of patients who take semaglutide experience GI-related side effects like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation.
Let’s take a closer look at some practical strategies to minimize or treat these potential side effects. Then you’re as comfortable as possible as you watch the numbers on the scale go down.
First, how does semaglutide work exactly?
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, semaglutide is a type of drug called a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This medication type copies the way a natural hormone called GLP-1 functions in the body.
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When you eat, GLP-1 is released in your GI tract, signaling your body to make more insulin, lowering your blood sugar. Semaglutide also reduces hunger by sending “I feel full” signals to your brain.
Semaglutide is most often administered in a shot. According to Mayo Clinic, most people who take it to lose weight get a 0.25 milligrams (mg) injection once a week for four weeks to start. After that, a doctor may decide to increase the amount of semaglutide you can take.
How should you deal with semaglutide side effects?
Side effects typically ease as your body adjusts to the medication. Still, it’s important to know how to minimize or treat these temporary discomforts. Try these strategies:
If you have nausea or vomiting:
- Stick to small portions of bland foods like crackers, toast, and rice.
- Drink ice-cold water very slowly, suggests Cleveland Clinic. This will help prevent you from getting dehydrated and settle your stomach.
- Steer clear of fried, greasy, and overly sweet foods.
- Avoid brushing your teeth right after eating, says Cleveland Clinic. Doing this too soon can activate your gag reflex and make you get sick to your stomach.
Related: How Much Weight Can You Lose In A Month?
If you have indigestion:
- Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. Try eating six mini portions instead of three full portions.
- Eat slowly. Put your fork down as you chew a full bite to help get into this habit.
- Stop eating at least two hours before bedtime.
- Talk to your doctor about whether medications like omeprazole and famotidine could help you.
If you have constipation:
- Hydration can make bowel movements easier. Add water-rich foods to your diet, like cucumber, lettuce, radishes, tomatoes, squash, bell peppers, watermelon, strawberries and spinach, advises UCLA Health. Also, that ice-cold water can help prevent you from becoming dehydrated. Aim for 6 to 8 glasses or bottles per day.
- Exercise. Movement can help your colon respond, and stronger muscles make passing stool easier, according to Harvard Health Publishing. A daily brisk walk can help take care of the problem.
- Increase your fiber intake with foods like oats, peas, carrots, and apples.
- Ask your doctor whether over-the-counter medications like Metamucil, Miralax, Docusate, and Senna are safe for you. Only take these as directed.
If you have diarrhea:
- Limit dairy, soft drinks, and alcohol. All can make diarrhea worse. Avoid foods like produce and baked beans while you’re experiencing diarrhea.
- Stick to simple foods like oatmeal, plain rice, and boiled potatoes.
- Check with your doctor to see if medications like Metamucil and loperamide might help your symptoms. Only use these as directed, and for a limited time.
If you have abdominal discomfort:
- Try sleeping on your left side. This can help ease any gas pains you might be experiencing.
- Drink a cup of ginger tea. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and may ease pain, says Cleveland Clinic.
The bottom line about semaglutide side effects
Finding what works best for you in terms of easing semaglutide side effects can take a little trial-and-error. When you do see improvement, stick with what works for you. This will make your weight loss journey easier. And it make you feel much better every step of the way.
If you think a weight loss medication like semaglutide might be right for you, chat with a ReflexMD Wellness Advisor now. Or take our short quiz to see if you qualify.
