Reviewed against NICE NG28, the ADA Standards of Care 2026, and the BNF
GLP-1 Side Effects at a Glance Nausea & vomiting Constipation Diarrhea Reflux & sulfur burps Loss of muscle and lean mass Skin, hair, and nail changes Fatigue, depression, and the blahs Dehydration Less Common but Serious Side Effects Pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer Gallstones & gallbladder disease Thyroid cancer Acute kidney injury Retinopathy, macular degeneration, and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) Common GLP-1 Side Effects and How to Manage Them Most side effects show up early, often within the first few days of beginning GLP-1 treatment
They are chemically unrelated, so having a sulfa allergy should not affect your ability to take semaglutide safely
Mistake #2: Exposing the Vial to Direct Light Semaglutide is sensitive to light
Understanding this relationship, recognising warning signs, and maintaining appropriate eye surveillance are essential for anyone taking these treatments