Most common side effects in the label
The label’s adult table pools the weight-management trials of the 2.4 mg injection. The rows below are those reported by at least 5% of people taking Wegovy® and more often than on placebo; the full table in the label continues down to 2% [1].
In the adult weight-management trials, 73% of people on the injection and 47% on placebo reported digestive side effects, including severe ones in 4.1% vs 0.9% [1]. According to the label, they were reported most often while the dose was being stepped up [1].
| Adverse reaction | Placebo (N=1,261) % | Wegovy® 2.4 mg (N=2,116) % |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 16 | 44 |
| Diarrhea | 16 | 30 |
| Vomiting | 6 | 24 |
| Constipation | 11 | 24 |
| Abdominal pain | 10 | 20 |
| Headache | 10 | 14 |
| Fatigue | 5 | 11 |
| Dyspepsia | 3 | 9 |
| Dizziness | 4 | 8 |
| Abdominal distension | 5 | 7 |
| Eructation (belching) | <1 | 7 |
| Hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes | 2 | 6 |
| Flatulence | 4 | 6 |
| Gastroenteritis | 4 | 6 |
| Gastroesophageal reflux disease | 3 | 5 |
A reaction makes it into the label table only when at least 2% of people taking the medicine reported it and placebo users reported it less often; the placebo column shows how often the same complaint was reported without the medicine. The label also says these rates cannot be compared directly with other medicines’ trials [1]. The European Union product information (SmPC and package leaflet) is published by EMA [2]; local leaflets can differ in detail.
Serious side effects the label warns about
Wegovy® carries a boxed warning: in rodents, the active ingredient caused thyroid C-cell tumors, and it is not known whether this happens in humans. The label rules it out for anyone who has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), or whose close family has, and for people with MEN 2 (a hereditary endocrine tumour syndrome). Section 6 of the label 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 changed in the label in 2026
The “Recent Major Changes” section of the June 2026 label lists the former warning on suicidal behavior and ideation as removed in February 2026. The same label also covers Wegovy® tablets. [1]
Any change in mood or thoughts that worries you is still something to raise with your clinician, whatever a label says.
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) [8].
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 [3], 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 [4]. How alcohol fits with your treatment is a question for your prescriber.
Is hair loss listed for Wegovy®?
Yes, the label lists it: in pooled studies, hair loss was reported by 3.3% on Wegovy® 2.4 mg vs 1% on placebo (4% vs 2% in women; 0.9% vs 0% in men), and the label says it was associated with weight reduction [1].
For background, MedlinePlus describes a usually temporary kind of shedding (telogen effluvium) that can follow major physical stress, illness, surgery or crash diets [7]. A dermatologist or your prescriber can look at the cause.
Is burping listed for Wegovy®?
The label lists belching (eructation) among the adult table: 7% on the 2.4 mg injection vs under 1% on placebo [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 [6] |
| 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 [3] |
| 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 [5] |
| 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 [4] |
| 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] |
