Virtual Consultations
Please directly call our main office to complete your appointment
Virtual Consultations
Book Appointment
850-407-2803

Don't Let the Side Effects Derail Your Semaglutide Treatment

Understanding the Common, Rare, and Long Term Side Effects of Semaglutide Tablets

Semaglutide tablets can cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain, especially when you first start taking them. These side effects usually get better after a few weeks, but tell your doctor if they persist.

Semaglutide is hailed as a game-changing medication for weight loss and diabetes management. With enticing ads and impressive clinical trial results, it's tempting to see semaglutide as a miracle drug.

But before starting treatment, it's vital to enter with eyes wide open about potential side effects. Like any powerful medication, semaglutide can cause adverse reactions in some patients ranging from mild discomfort to severe toxicity.

Being proactively informed on the safety profile of semaglutide tablets allows you to make educated decisions and take steps to minimize risks. In partnership with your healthcare provider, you can tap into the benefits of semaglutide while safeguarding your health. Let's explore what you need to know.

Schedule a consultation with Dr V Medical Aesthetics to learn how semaglutide can be part of your customized weight loss plan.

What is Semaglutide and How Does it Work?

Semaglutide Tablets

Semaglutide is a medication that mimics the effects of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a hormone crucial for regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. It functions primarily by activating GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas, which stimulates insulin secretion when blood sugar levels are elevated, and inhibits glucagon release, thereby reducing glucose production by the liver.

Mechanism of Action

  • Insulin Secretion: Semaglutide enhances insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells in a glucose-dependent manner, meaning it works more effectively when blood sugar levels are high.
  • Glucagon Suppression: It reduces glucagon secretion, which helps to prevent the liver from releasing more glucose into the bloodstream.
  • Gastric Emptying: The medication slows gastric emptying, which helps to mitigate rapid increases in blood sugar after meals and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
  • Appetite Regulation: Semaglutide also signals the brain to suppress appetite, leading to reduced food intake and potential weight loss.

Forms and Administration

Semaglutide is available in two formulations:

  1. Oral Semaglutide: Oral semaglutide comes in the form of a pill, taken once daily. This formulation is particularly appealing for those who prefer to avoid injections, as it eliminates the discomfort and anxiety associated with needle use.
  2. Injectable Semaglutide: Injectable semaglutide is administered via subcutaneous injection once a week. This method allows for more consistent absorption and stable blood sugar control, as the medication enters the bloodstream directly, bypassing gastrointestinal degradation.

Both forms are effective in managing type 2 diabetes and aiding in weight loss, though they offer different conveniences for patients.

What are the Most Common Side Effects of Oral Semaglutide?

Since semaglutide tablets pass through your digestive tract before being absorbed, gastrointestinal issues are the most prevalent side effects. While these issues usually resolve within a month or two, being prepared can help you stick with treatment.

Nausea ranges from mild queasiness to intermittent vomiting. Nausea tends to be worse when first starting and improves over time. Taking your tablet with food can help minimize nausea. Staying hydrated with fluids like water, broths, or electrolyte drinks helps replace lost nutrients if vomiting occurs.

Diarrhea can result in loose, urgent stools and abdominal cramping. Dietary changes like avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and high-fat or sugary foods may ease diarrhea, as can over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications. Be sure to replenish fluids and electrolytes.

Constipation can result in hardened stools, straining, bloating, and less frequent bowel movements. Increasing fiber intake, exercising, and drinking more fluids can alleviate constipation. Your doctor may recommend laxatives if needed.

Stomach pain can range from mild indigestion to severe cramping. Starting with a low semaglutide dose and ramping up slowly tends to be better tolerated. Taking the tablet with food may also minimize discomfort.

Appetite loss is expected given semaglutide's weight loss effects. However, severe appetite loss or rapid weight loss can be dangerous. Monitoring your intake and informing your doctor is important.

These gastrointestinal side effects tend to be mild to moderate in severity. They are most common when starting semaglutide treatment or increasing the dosage. Side effects normally subside within 4-8 weeks as the body adjusts to the medication. 

Dr V Medical Aesthetics has strategies to help you manage temporary GI side effects so you can stick with semaglutide treatment for the long haul. Book a consultation today

Understanding Serious Side Effects of Semaglutide

While semaglutide is generally safe when used appropriately under medical supervision, more serious side effects are possible in rare cases. Patients taking semaglutide tablets should be aware of the following rare but serious risks:

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause severe abdominal pain. This side effect occurred in 0.2% of patients in clinical trials. If you develop persistent stomach pain while taking semaglutide, contact your doctor to rule out pancreatitis.

Gallbladder problems

Semaglutide may lead to gallbladder issues like gallstones, which can block the flow of bile and may require gallbladder removal. Semaglutide seems to affect how the gallbladder contracts. Let your doctor know if you have symptoms like severe abdominal pain, fever, yellowing of skin/eyes, or clay-colored stools.

Kidney problems

Semaglutide has the potential to negatively impact kidney health, especially in those with existing kidney disease or damage. Your doctor may monitor your kidney function with blood tests if you are at higher risk. Seek medical attention if you notice decreased urine output, leg/foot swelling, or puffiness around the eyes.

Thyroid tumors

Thyroid cancer risk has not been confirmed in humans, but animal studies did reveal an increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors with semaglutide. Contact your doctor if you have an abnormal neck lump or swelling. Routine monitoring may be recommended.

If you experience any signs of the above side effects such as persistent stomach pain, yellowing skin or eyes, or blood in the urine, contact your doctor immediately. Let them know if you have a history of any of these conditions before starting treatment. Prompt reporting of serious side effects is crucial for your safety.

How Do Side Effects Compare Between Semaglutide Injections and Tablets?

Dr V Medical Aesthetics offers semaglutide via weekly injections. While both contain the same active drug, there are some differences in the side effect profile:

Side EffectSemaglutide InjectionSemaglutide Tablet
Nausea and vomitingNausea and vomiting tend to be more common and severe with the semaglutide injection, especially when starting treatment.Nausea and vomiting may be less frequent and severe with the semaglutide tablet.
Injection site reactionsWith the injection there is potential for reactions like redness, itching, rash or bruising at the injection site. Proper technique can minimize this.The tablet avoids injection site reactions since it is taken orally.
Weight lossWeight loss may be slightly faster with the semaglutide injection compared to the tablet, according to some studies. Rapid weight loss could amplify related side effects.Weight loss from the tablet may be more gradual. This could help minimize side effects related to fast weight loss.
Blood level consistencyThe injection provides relatively steady blood levels of semaglutide.The tablet causes more peaks and troughs in blood levels. This may impact side effect variability.
Hypoglycemia riskThe injection seems to carry a higher risk of hypoglycemia for patients with diabetes. Careful glucose monitoring is important.The tablet may have a lower hypoglycemia risk in diabetes patients.

While the two options have a similar overall safety profile, there are advantages and disadvantages to each method. Dr V guides patients through this comparison carefully to determine if the semaglutide injection or tablet is the right fit for their needs and preferences. 

Maintaining open communication with us allows optimization of treatment and side effect management.

Schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr V Medical Aesthetics to compare semaglutide formulations and choose the optimal treatment method for your lifestyle and preferences.

Who Should Avoid Taking Semaglutide?

Semaglutide tablets are contraindicated (not recommended) in the following populations:

  • Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2, which puts them at increased risk of thyroid tumors.
  • Patients with a known serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide or any product ingredients.

Semaglutide should be used with caution and under close medical supervision in:

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women - There is limited safety data, so potential risks versus benefits must be considered carefully.
  • Patients with kidney disease - Kidney function may require ongoing monitoring.
  • Patients with diabetic retinopathy - Semaglutide can cause vision changes and may worsen retinopathy.
  • Patients at risk of dehydration or prone to low blood pressure - Increased risk of side effects like dizziness or fainting.

Always inform your doctor about any medical conditions before starting semaglutide. They can provide personalized guidance based on your health history and risk factors.

Key Takeaways 

Semaglutide Tablets

While semaglutide tablets have demonstrated significant benefits for chronic weight management and blood sugar control, they do carry potential side effects that should be evaluated on an individual basis. 

To promote safe treatment, have regular follow-up with your healthcare provider and do not hesitate to report any concerning or persistent side effects. With proper precautions and medical oversight, semaglutide tablets can be an effective addition to your wellness regimen.

[Partner with the knowledgeable professionals at Dr V Medical Aesthetics for safe, effective semaglutide treatment tailored to your individual wellness goals.]

Contact

Contact - Internal Page / Blog Post

Follow Us:

Find Confidence In Your Beauty

Dr. V Medical Aesthetics is ready to help you achieve your beauty goals. Contact us today to learn more about any of our services, and exactly what our team can do for you.

CONTACT US
Top