What the label reports from the tablet trial
The tablet was studied in a placebo-controlled trial of 204 adults living with obesity or overweight plus one or more weight-related conditions (people with type 2 diabetes were excluded), treated for up to 64 weeks. The label gives no separate tablet table; it states that common side effects were similar in type and frequency to the injection’s adult table [1].
In the tablet trial, severe digestive reactions were reported in 2% on Wegovy® tablets and 0% on placebo [1]. For the injection, the label says digestive reactions were most frequent during dosage escalation; it gives no separate time course for the tablets [1].
| Outcome | Placebo % | Wegovy® tablets 25 mg % |
|---|---|---|
| Stopped treatment because of adverse reactions | 5.9 | 6.9 |
| Stopped because of gastrointestinal reactions | 2 | 3.4 |
This table shows discontinuation rates, not individual side effects [1].
Serious side effects the label warns about
Because the tablets share the Wegovy® label, the same boxed warning applies: in rodent studies semaglutide led to thyroid C-cell tumors, it is unknown whether this happens in humans, and the label rules it out if you or a close relative have had MTC, or if you have MEN 2. Section 6 lists these serious adverse reactions [1]:
- Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors (the boxed warning)
- Acute pancreatitis
- Acute gallbladder disease
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Acute kidney injury due to fluid loss (volume depletion)
- Severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions
- Hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions
- Diabetic retinopathy complications in people with type 2 diabetes
- Heart rate increase
- Food or liquid entering the lungs (pulmonary aspiration) under general anesthesia or deep sedation
What happens if I stop Wegovy®?
The label does not describe how side effects change after stopping, but it notes the long half-life of semaglutide [1].
In weight-management research, after 68 weeks on semaglutide 2.4 mg, people who then stopped had put back roughly two-thirds of their lost weight a year later, and most cardiometabolic improvements moved back towards baseline (STEP 1 extension) [7]. That trial used the injection.
Stopping, pausing or restarting is a decision to make with your prescriber.
Wegovy®, pregnancy and birth control
For weight management, the label says to stop Wegovy® when a pregnancy is recognized and at least 2 months ahead of a planned pregnancy, because semaglutide takes a long time to leave the body; the guide says Wegovy® may harm an unborn baby [1]. Breastfeeding is not recommended with the tablets [1].
Plans for pregnancy or breastfeeding are worth raising with your prescriber before they happen.
Should I mention Wegovy® before surgery or sedation?
Yes, according to the label. It describes rare postmarketing reports of food or liquid getting into the lungs (pulmonary aspiration) under general anesthesia or deep sedation in people taking GLP-1 receptor agonists, even when they had followed fasting instructions. The label says the data are not enough to recommend whether to change fasting or pause the medicine, and asks patients to tell their healthcare providers before any planned surgery or procedure [1].
Can I drink alcohol while taking Wegovy®?
The Wegovy® label does not mention drinking alcohol [1]. Two related facts come from general medical sources: heavy alcohol use is one of the most common causes of pancreatitis [2], which the label lists as a serious risk [1]; and drinking too much alcohol without enough food can cause low blood sugar in people with diabetes [3]. How alcohol fits with your treatment is a question for your prescriber.
Is hair loss listed for Wegovy®?
The label’s hair-loss figures come from the injection trials (3.3% on 2.4 mg vs 1% on placebo, associated with weight reduction); for the tablets it says common side effects were similar overall [1].
For background, MedlinePlus describes a usually temporary kind of shedding (telogen effluvium) that can follow major physical stress, illness, surgery or crash diets [6]. A dermatologist or your prescriber can look at the cause.
Is burping listed for Wegovy®?
The label lists belching (eructation) among the injection’s adult table (7% vs under 1% on placebo), which the label says the tablet trial resembled [1]. It does not describe the smell, so “sulfur burps” as such are not a label term; if burping comes with heartburn, vomiting or stomach pain that will not go away, the table below says who to contact.
Wegovy® is a trademark of Novo Nordisk. PepLabo is not affiliated with this company. This page is not medical advice; percentages come from clinical-trial tables in the label and do not predict what you will experience.
When to get help
| Sign | Who to contact | How fast | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat, struggling to breathe or swallow, fainting or a racing pulse | Emergency services. According to the guide, Wegovy® should be stopped and urgent medical help sought. | Emergency | Wegovy® Medication Guide [1]; MedlinePlus [5] |
| Belly pain that is severe and does not ease, whether or not you vomit; it can reach through to the back | Your healthcare provider right away; the guide says to stop using Wegovy®. If you cannot reach them, urgent care. | Emergency | Wegovy® Medication Guide [1]; NIDDK [2] |
| Ongoing nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, or dehydration signs such as feeling very thirsty, a dry mouth, urinating less than usual, dark urine or dizziness | Your healthcare provider, right away: fluid loss can lead to kidney problems. | Today | Wegovy® Medication Guide [1]; MedlinePlus [4] |
| Pain in the upper stomach, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or clay-colored stools | Your healthcare provider (gallbladder problems). | Today | Wegovy® Medication Guide [1] |
| Shakiness, sweating, confusion, blurred vision or a fast heartbeat; the risk is higher alongside insulin or a sulfonylurea | Follow the low-blood-sugar plan from your healthcare provider; the guide asks you to discuss it before starting. | Today | Wegovy® Medication Guide [1]; MedlinePlus [3] |
| A new neck lump or swelling, a hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing or breathlessness | Your healthcare provider (thyroid section of the guide). | Today | Wegovy® Medication Guide [1] |
| A racing or pounding heart at rest that lasts several minutes | Your healthcare provider. | Today | Wegovy® Medication Guide [1] |
| Changes in vision during treatment | Your healthcare provider. | Today | Wegovy® Medication Guide [1] |
| A planned surgery or a procedure with anesthesia or deep sedation | Tell every healthcare provider involved that you use this medicine, before the procedure. | At your next appointment | Wegovy® Medication Guide [1] |
| Mild nausea, constipation, heartburn or other common side effects that you can manage | Mention them at your next appointment; a dated log helps. | At your next appointment | Common reactions: label section 6 [1] |
