Overview
Most common: nausea (44%), diarrhea (31.5%), vomiting (24%), constipation (24%). Mostly mild-moderate and titration-dependent. Serious AEs <1% in published cohorts.
Questions readers ask
What are the most common side effects of semaglutide in STEP-1?
In STEP-1 the most common adverse events were nausea (44%), diarrhea (31.5%), vomiting (24%), constipation (24%), abdominal pain (20%) and fatigue (11%). Most were mild to moderate and linked to dose escalation.
Do semaglutide side effects get better over time?
Side effects are largely titration-dependent, meaning they tend to appear as the dose is increased. Slower dose steps, smaller meals and good hydration are the usual ways to manage them, with your prescriber’s guidance.
Which rare but serious semaglutide side effects should I watch for?
Rare but serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease and severe hypoglycemia, the last mainly when semaglutide is combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea. Contact your clinician promptly if you notice symptoms of these.