What are the side
effects of Wegovy
tablets?
Like every prescription medicine, Wegovy tablets can cause side effects — though not everyone gets them. Here's what to expect, how to manage the common ones, and when to speak to a clinician.
- ✓ Most side effects are mild to moderate
- ✓ They usually improve as your body adjusts
- ✓ Our clinical team is here if you need support
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A QUICK GUIDE TO WHAT'S NORMAL — AND WHAT ISN'TMild digestive symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and indigestion — usually mild to moderate, most noticeable when starting or increasing a dose.
Simple steps can help
Smaller meals, gentle foods, plenty of fluids and taking the tablet correctly all help ease symptoms while you continue treatment.
Don't wait on these
Can't keep fluids down, severe stomach pain spreading to your back, or sudden vision changes — contact a healthcare professional.
What are the most common side effects of Wegovy tablets?
Just like every prescription medicine, Wegovy tablets can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. The most reported side effects with the Wegovy pill are all centred around the digestive system, including feeling sick (nausea), vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and indigestion (dyspepsia). These were also the most frequently reported side effects in the clinical trials for the oral tablet.
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Indigestion
For many people, these symptoms are most noticeable when first starting treatment or after moving up to the next monthly dose. This is because your body is gradually adjusting to the medication as you progress from the 1.5 mg starting dose through to the 25 mg maintenance dose. While they can be uncomfortable, most side effects are mild to moderate and improve as treatment continues.
How can you manage side effects while taking Wegovy tablets?
If you experience mild side effects while taking Wegovy tablets, there are several things you can do to help make them more manageable.
It's also important to take the Wegovy tablet exactly as instructed to avoid side effects. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a small sip of water after at least an 8-hour fast, before waiting at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking any other oral medication. Following these instructions helps ensure the tablet is absorbed as intended and supports consistent treatment.
If side effects become difficult to tolerate or begin affecting your daily life, speak to your Pharmacy Planet prescriber before making any changes to your treatment. They may recommend remaining on your current dose for longer before increasing it further.
When should you seek medical advice about side effects from Wegovy tablets ?
While most side effects are temporary, there are some situations where you should seek medical advice. If you're unable to keep fluids down because of persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, you may become dehydrated and should contact your healthcare professional for advice.
You can't keep fluids down because of persistent vomiting or diarrhoea — you may become dehydrated.
Severe, persistent stomach pain, particularly if it spreads through to your back.
Sudden changes to your vision.
Any symptoms that feel severe or unusual while taking the Wegovy pill.
Do Wegovy tablet side effects improve as your body adjusts?
In many cases, yes. Most people find that common digestive side effects become less noticeable as their body gets used to the Wegovy tablet. This is one of the reasons treatments begins with a low daily dose before gradually increasing each month, giving your body time to adjust along the way.
Everyone responds differently: some people experience very few side effects, while others need a little longer to adapt. Taking the tablet consistently, following the instructions and progressing through the dosing schedule under your prescriber's guidance all support the best possible experience.
More on Wegovy tablets
Everything you need to know before you start — from how they work to what they cost.
Sources
The numbered markers in the content correspond to the sources below.
- [1] Wharton S, Lingvay I, Bogdanski P, et al. Oral Semaglutide at a Dose of 25 mg in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2025;393:1077-1087. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2500969. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2500969
- [2] Novo Nordisk Limited. Wegovy 1.5 mg tablets Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). Electronic Medicines Compendium. Last updated 16 Jun 2026. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/102344/smpc
- [3] NHS. Feeling sick (nausea). Advice on managing nausea and when to seek help. Last reviewed 17 Nov 2023. https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/feeling-sick-nausea/
- [4] NHS. Diarrhoea and vomiting. Advice on hydration, self-care and when to get medical help. Last reviewed 21 Dec 2023. https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/
- [5] Novo Nordisk Limited. Wegovy tablets Patient Information Leaflet (PIL). Electronic Medicines Compendium. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.102344.pdf
- [6] Overgaard RV, Birkhan O, Rathor N, et al. Efficacy, Safety and PK of Once-Daily Oral Semaglutide 25 mg for Obesity With and Without Type 2 Diabetes in Comparison With Subcutaneous Semaglutide 2.4 mg: A Model-Informed Drug Development Approach. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. 2026. DOI: 10.1111/dom.70769. https://dom-pubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dom.70769
Authored By
Ayesha Patel
MPharm (Hons), IPresc
GPhC Number : 2079407
Published: 13 August 2026
Reviewed By
Gurdev Sehmi
BSc Pharm, MRPharmS, Independent Prescriber, Superintendent Pharmacist, Clinical Lead
GPhC Number : 2050925
Reviewed: 13 August 2026
