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29th March 2024

How Long Does Nausea Last With Wegovy?

Dr. Devan Patel, PharmD
How Long Does Nausea Last With Wegovy?

Wegovy, one of the brand-name medications for semaglutide, is a medication hailed for its effectiveness in promoting weight loss. But how long does Nausea last with Wegovy? 

While this injectable drug has proven to be a game-changer for many people struggling with obesity, it’s not without side effects. 

One of the most commonly reported side effects of Wegovy is gastrointestinal discomfort, which includes nausea. 

These side effects can be a deterrent for some people, making weight loss with the drug impossible. But does nausea last the whole time you’re on Wegovy?


Why Wegovy Causes Nausea

Nausea is a common side effect associated with many weight loss medications, including Wegovy. The primary reason for this unpleasant side effect is related to the way the drug works in your body. 

As a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, Wegovy mimics the effects of the hormone GLP-1, which is naturally produced in the gut.

One of the functions of GLP-1 is to slow down the emptying of the stomach, which can lead to feelings of fullness and reduced appetite. However, this delayed gastric emptying can also cause nausea, especially in the initial stages of treatment or when increasing the dosage.

Additionally, Wegovy has been shown to affect the area of the brain responsible for controlling nausea and vomiting, further increasing the likelihood of experiencing nausea as a side effect.

 

How Long Does Nausea Last with Wegovy?

For most people, the nausea associated with Wegovy is usually temporary and tends to improve over time. However, the duration of nausea can vary from person to person. 

In clinical trials, nausea was reported as one of the most common side effects of Wegovy, with up to 44% of participants experiencing it. For most people, nausea typically begins within the first few weeks of starting the medication or after increasing the dosage.

While the exact duration of nausea can be difficult to predict, most patients report that the severity and frequency of nausea decrease after the initial adjustment period, which can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

For some, nausea may last longer, but it is generally considered manageable with appropriate strategies. If nausea persists beyond a few months or becomes severe, talk to your doctor about changing your dosage or possibly discontinuing use. 


Managing Nausea with Wegovy

How long does nausea last with Wegovy? While nausea can be an unpleasant side effect, there are ways you can reduce the severity of your nausea. 


Gradual Dose Increases

Wegovy is typically started at a lower dose and gradually increased over several weeks or months. This gradual approach allows the body to adjust to the medication and may help minimize nausea.


Timing of Injections

Some patients find that taking the injection in the evening or before bedtime can help minimize nausea during the day.


Anti-Nausea Medications

In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend over-the-counter or prescription anti-nausea medications to help alleviate nausea symptoms.


Dietary Adjustments

Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding spicy or greasy foods can help reduce nausea. Staying hydrated and consuming ginger or peppermint may also provide relief.


Stress Management

Stress and anxiety can exacerbate nausea, so practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, may be beneficial.


Dietary Supplements

Certain dietary supplements may help to reduce symptoms of nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort. PeptideVite is a multi-nutrient supplement formulated specifically for use alongside GLP-1 agonist medications. 

PeptideVite contains natural ingredients studied for their effectiveness in reducing nausea and other stomach discomfort.* Taking PeptideVite alongside your Wegovy treatment may make your Wegovy journey more manageable and, thus more successful.*

 

It’s important to note that if nausea becomes severe or persistent, you should contact your doctor. In some cases, dosage adjustments or alternative treatment options may be recommended.

 

Stick With It: The Benefits Might Outweigh the Side Effects

Nausea can be an uncomfortable side effect of Wegovy, but its benefits may outweigh the negatives. For many, the temporary discomfort of nausea is a small price to pay for the long-term benefits of achieving a healthier weight and reducing the risk of obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.

By working closely with your doctor, implementing appropriate management strategies, and allowing time for your body to adjust, many patients find that the nausea associated with Wegovy becomes manageable or even resolves completely over time.

 

How Long Does Nausea Last With Wegovy? The Takeaway

So, how long does nausea last with Wegovy? For most individuals, nausea tends to improve within a few weeks or months as the body adjusts to the medication. 

By following strategies such as gradual dose increases, dietary adjustments, considering dietary supplements, and stress management techniques, the impact of nausea can be minimized. 

Curious about trying Wegovy? Talk to your doctor today to determine whether Wegovy is right for you. 



*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.