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Is Semaglutide Dangerous?

Semaglutide shouldn't be dangerous for most people that are prescribed it. Our experts explain when Semaglutide may become dangerous.
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Semaglutide is a prescription medicine, and like all prescription medicines, it can be dangerous if it isn’t used properly, or if it’s taken by someone it isn’t prescribed for.

However, for the vast majority of people that are prescribed Semaglutide, it’s a safe and effective treatment.

Its most commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes mellitus, but can also be prescribed off-label for weight management. 

There are certain people that shouldn’t take Semaglutide, as it may cause harm to them due to underlying health conditions or other reasons.

For example, you shouldn’t take Semaglutide  if you:

  • Are allergic to Semaglutide or any of the ingredients in your medication
  • Have type 1 diabetes
  • Have ketoacidosis
  • Have not been prescribed Semaglutide by a healthcare professional
  • Are pregnant
  • Are under 18

If you are wanting to start with our weekly injection or daily tablet programme, you should complete the medical consultation form in as much detail as possible about your health.

This is so that our prescribers have all the information they need to make an informed decision about whether or not our first line treatment would be safe for you.

Please note that this is for your own safety, and to minimise the risk of you experiencing any adverse effects.

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Semaglutide can also cause side effects in some people, such as vomiting and diarrhoea due to the way that it works in the body.

Because of this, it’s a good idea to make sure that you’re drinking plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.

However, as long as you are prepared for this and recognise the signs of mild dehydration, you shouldn’t go too far astray. 

Semaglutide can also cause the opposite and cause constipation and again this will need to be closely monitored and managed with appropriate hydration and dietary choices. 

The patient information leaflet for Semaglutide does state that it may cause pancreatitis in some cases (up to 1 in 100).

Pancreatitis can cause severe stomach and back pain that doesn’t go away.

If you experience this whilst taking these injections, you should arrange an urgent appointment with your doctor.

Other symptoms of pancreatitis can include vomiting, diarrhoea and indigestion.

However, all of these symptoms are also listed side effects of Semaglutide.

Pancreatitis is treatable, and most people start to feel better within a week or so, but it’s still important to take note of any sudden or severe stomach or back pain.

Please note that Pancreatitis as a result of Semaglutide is uncommon – but not unheard of. 

Finally, Semaglutide may be dangerous if taken alongside some other medications, such as anticoagulants or medicines that affect your blood glucose levels like metformin or diabetes treatments.

Because of the way Semaglutide works in the body, you may have to ask your doctor if you need to adjust the dosage of your other medicines to account for your injections.

This is to prevent you from experiencing hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels). 

In summary, if you’ve given detailed and truthful information during your consultation, and Semaglutide is prescribed to you as a result, your prescriber has decided that it’s safe for you to take.

However, though you should still take caution as with any new medicine and look out for any side effects that may be causing problems. 

Content Written By

Laura Henderson

Laura Henderson

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

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Content Written By

Reviewed & Fact Checked by

James O'Loan

James O'Loan

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