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How Safe Is Semaglutide?

What semaglutide is

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used for:

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Chronic weight management

It works by:

  • reducing appetite

  • slowing stomach emptying

  • improving blood-sugar control

Overall safety profile

✔️ Well-studied — used in large clinical trials and real-world practice

✔️ Approved by regulators (UK, EU, US) for specific indications

✔️ Generally safe under medical supervision

⚠️ Safety depends on:

  • dose escalation speed

  • existing medical conditions

  • concurrent medications

  • ongoing monitoring

 

Common side effects (most frequent)

These are usually dose-related and often improve with time:

  • nausea

  • vomiting

  • diarrhea or constipation

  • bloating

  • reduced appetite

  • fatigue

👉 Most people experience mild to moderate effects during the first weeks.

 

Less common but serious risks

These are rare, but essential:

  • Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

  • Gallbladder issues (gallstones due to rapid weight loss)

  • Severe gastrointestinal intolerance

  • Dehydration if vomiting/diarrhoea is persistent

 

Who should NOT use semaglutide?

Semaglutide is not recommended for people with:

  • personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer

  • MEN2

  • severe gastroparesis

  • active pancreatitis

  • pregnancy or breastfeeding

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