Last reviewed Oct 16, 2026

Wegovy pill side effects

Short answer: Stomach and digestive side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and belly pain are the most common, and Novo Nordisk notes they may be more noticeable when starting a new dose. In the label's trial, 6.9% of people on the 25 mg tablet stopped because of side effects, versus 5.9% on placebo. Serious but less common risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder problems, and the pill carries a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors.

Boxed warning: thyroid C-cell tumors

Semaglutide caused thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents; whether it does in humans isn't known. Don't use the Wegovy pill if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Tell your clinician about a lump or swelling in your neck, trouble swallowing, hoarseness or shortness of breath.

Common side effects

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and stomach pain are the most common, consistent with other GLP-1 medicines.
Skin sensitivity (dysesthesia): tingling or burning on the skin was reported by 5% of people on the Wegovy tablet and no one on placebo.
Novo Nordisk says side effects may be more noticeable when starting a new dose (the dose rises monthly from 1.5 mg to 25 mg).

In the label's tablet trial, 6.9% of people on 25 mg stopped for side effects vs 5.9% on placebo; stomach and digestive effects were the most common reason (3.4% vs 2%).

Serious side effects to know

Pancreatitis: severe stomach pain that won't go away, with or without vomiting. Stop the medicine and get medical help.
Gallbladder problems, including gallstones.
Kidney problems, which can follow dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea; keep up fluids.
Serious allergic reactions.
Aspiration during anesthesia or sedation: GLP-1s slow stomach emptying, so tell your surgical or procedure team you take one.

If the top dose is too much

The Wegovy tablet label suggests that people who can't tolerate the 25 mg maintenance dose consider switching to Wegovy injection 1.7 mg once weekly. Your clinician may also keep you at a lower step longer. Don't change your dose on your own.

Taking it correctly

Take one tablet each morning on an empty stomach with up to 4 ounces of plain water, swallow it whole, then wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking other oral medicines. If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next one the following day.

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FAQ

What are the most common Wegovy pill side effects?

Digestive side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and stomach pain are the most common and may be more noticeable when starting a new dose. Skin tingling or burning (dysesthesia) was reported by 5% of people on the tablet.

How many people stop the Wegovy pill because of side effects?

In the label's tablet trial, 6.9% of people on the 25 mg dose stopped because of side effects, compared with 5.9% on placebo.

Who should not take the Wegovy pill?

People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2, and anyone with a serious allergy to semaglutide or its ingredients. Your clinician will review your history.