2018;16: e65600
If you look at the concentrations, they are about 1,000-fold higher than what youd see for the natural hormone
Maintain adequate hydration Common effects (affecting up to 1 in 10 people): Reduced appetite This effect contributes to the weight loss often observed with GLP-1 agonists Abdominal discomfort or bloating Generally resolves as your body adjusts to the medication Constipation May occur in some patients Injection site reactions (redness, itching, or mild swelling) Fatigue or dizziness Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), particularly when used with insulin or sulphonylureas [1] [3] Seek immediate medical attention (call 999 or attend A&E) if you experience: Severe, persistent abdominal pain radiating to the back, potentially indicating pancreatitisa rare but serious complication [1] [8] Signs of a severe allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or widespread rash Contact your GP promptly if you develop: Persistent vomiting preventing fluid intake (risk of dehydration and potential kidney problems) Persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or a lump in the neck (these require assessment, although a causal link with thyroid tumours in humans has not been established) [1] [9] Severe abdominal pain with fever, jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), which could indicate gallbladder problems Recurrent hypoglycaemia requiring dose adjustments of concurrent diabetes medications Visual changes or signs of diabetic retinopathy worsening The MHRA's Yellow Card scheme allows patients to report suspected side effects directly at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or via the Yellow Card app, contributing to ongoing medication safety monitoring
By stimulating the release of insulin and suppressing the production of glucagon, semaglutide helps to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes
