Side Effects of semaglutide: A Synthesis of Findings from 18 Studies

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This page's analysis is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).

Original Abstract of the Article

Main Research Findings

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Research has shown that semaglutide is effective in reducing weight, improving blood sugar levels, and reducing cardiovascular events. 6 In addition, semaglutide has shown potential for treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). 17

Reasons for Side Effects

Semaglutide works by acting on GLP-1 receptors to promote insulin secretion and suppress glucagon secretion. It also slows gastric emptying and increases satiety, leading to weight loss. These effects are believed to be the cause of semaglutide's side effects.

Common Side Effects

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

The most common side effects of semaglutide are gastrointestinal symptoms. 10 4 Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea have been reported. 15 These symptoms are thought to occur because semaglutide slows gastric emptying. 3

Other Side Effects

In addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, semaglutide has been reported to cause side effects such as headache, dizziness, and fatigue. 11 These side effects are thought to occur because semaglutide acts on the nervous system. 14

Measures for Side Effects

Measures for Gastrointestinal Side Effects

When starting semaglutide therapy, it's recommended to begin with a small dose and gradually increase it to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. 8 Dietary and exercise interventions may also help alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms. 4

Measures for Other Side Effects

If you experience headaches, dizziness, or other symptoms caused by semaglutide, consult your doctor. They may prescribe other medications as needed. 18

Comparison Between Studies

Commonalities Among Studies

Many studies have shown that semaglutide is effective in reducing weight, improving blood sugar levels, and reducing cardiovascular events. 6 10 11 12 Semaglutide has also shown potential for treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). 17 13

Differences Among Studies

There are differences in the frequency and types of side effects reported in studies of semaglutide. 15 Variations in the effectiveness of semaglutide have also been observed among studies. 9 These discrepancies are thought to be due to differences in the age, gender, medical conditions, and treatment approaches of the study participants. 2

Things to Keep in Mind When Applying to Real Life

While semaglutide is an effective medication for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity, it also carries the risk of side effects. If you are considering using semaglutide, it is important to consult with your doctor to choose a treatment plan that is appropriate for your body type and medical conditions. 1 When taking semaglutide, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions carefully and avoid stopping or changing your dosage without consulting your doctor. 18

Limitations of Current Research

Long-term safety and effectiveness data on semaglutide are still limited. 3 Future research needs to investigate the long-term safety and effectiveness of semaglutide, as well as its effects on various medical conditions. 5

Directions for Future Research

Research is needed on the long-term safety and effectiveness of semaglutide, as well as its effects on various medical conditions. 3 Research is also needed on combination therapies involving semaglutide and other treatments. 16

Conclusion

Semaglutide is an effective medication for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity, but it also carries the risk of side effects. If you are considering using semaglutide, it is important to consult with your doctor to choose a treatment plan that is appropriate for your body type and medical conditions. 1 Long-term safety and effectiveness data on semaglutide are still limited. 3 Future research needs to investigate the long-term safety and effectiveness of semaglutide, as well as its effects on various medical conditions. 5

Keywords

Benefit Keywords

Risk Keywords

Literature analysis of 18 papers

Positive Content

Neutral Content

Negative Content

Article Type

Randomized Controlled Trial0

Meta-Analysis1

Systematic Review0

Review8

Journal Article17

FDA-Approved Pharmacotherapy for Weight Loss Over the Last Decade.

Author: IdreesZarwa, CancarevicIvan, HuangLi

Weight loss

Obesity complications

This review examines the safety and efficacy of five FDA-approved medications for obesity treatment: orlistat, phentermine/topiramate, naltrexone/bupropion, liraglutide, and semaglutide. While all medications were found to be effective in inducing weight loss, semaglutide may have superior efficacy. However, long-term safety and efficacy data are still lacking.

Language : English

Anti-Obesity Medication Use in Children and Adolescents with Prader-Willi Syndrome: Case Review and Literature Search.

Author: GoldmanVictoria E, NaguibMonica N, VidmarAlaina P

AOM PWS weight management

This study reviews the literature and presents a case series on the use of anti-obesity medications (AOMs) in youth with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). The study found that AOMs, including topiramate, metformin, liraglutide, semaglutide, and naltrexone-bupropion, may be beneficial for weight management in PWS, improving hyperphagia and potentially reducing BMI. However, the study emphasizes the need for further research to validate these findings and develop specific treatment guidelines.

Language : English

An Update on Semaglutide Research: A Bibliometric Analysis and a Literature Review.

Author: DagliNamrata, KumarSantosh, AhmadRahnuma, NarwariaMahendra, HaqueMainul

Cardiovascular benefits

Improved glycemic control

Weight management

Side effects

This study analyzed the most relevant authors, sources, keywords, and trends in recent and highly cited research papers on semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA). The most relevant authors were Chen and Zhang for recent papers, and Lingvay and Khunti for highly cited papers. The most common keywords were semaglutide, obesity, diabetes mellitus type 2, glucagon-like peptide-1, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The most relevant source was 'Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism'.

Language : English

Glycemic Control and the Weight Benefit of a Daily 7 mg Dose of Oral Semaglutide Versus an Alternate-Day 14 mg Dose of Oral Semaglutide From an Ambulatory Glucose Monitoring Data: A Retrospective Cohort Study From Eastern India.

Author: RoyChaudhuriSoumyabrata, MajumderAnirban, MukherjeePoulomi, SanyalDebmalya, ChakrabortySoma, ChuyanSusama

Reduced GI side effects

Reduced cost

Oral semaglutide is an effective medication for type 2 diabetes, but its high cost and gastrointestinal side effects limit its widespread use. Some patients have self-prescribed an alternate-day schedule to reduce side effects and costs, but further research is needed to assess the effectiveness and safety of this approach.

Language : English

Semaglutide treatment for obesity in teenagers: a plain language summary of the STEP TEENS research study.

Author: WeghuberDaniel, BobergKlaus, HesseDan, JeppesenOle K, SørrigRasmus, KellyAaron S,

Semaglutide for obesity

Teenagers with obesity

This plain language summary highlights the results of the STEP TEENS research study, which investigated the efficacy and safety of semaglutide for obesity in teenagers. The study found that semaglutide was well tolerated and led to significant weight loss and improvements in obesity-related risk factors compared to placebo.

Language : English

Efficacy and Tolerability of Semaglutide in Patients With Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus: Experience of a Tertiary Care Hospital, Pakistan.

Author: WajidMaria, SattarSaadia, KhalidFarah, MasoodMuhammad Qamar

Improved patient satisfaction

Reduced HbA1c

Weight loss

Gastrointestinal side effects

A prospective cohort study of 112 patients with type 2 diabetes in Pakistan found that semaglutide was effective in reducing HbA1c and weight, with measurable tolerability and patient satisfaction.

Language : English

Shedding light on weight loss: A narrative review of medications for treating obesity.

Author: DarapaneniHaritha, LakhanpalSamridhi, ChhayaniHiren, ParikhKinna, PatelMeet, GuptaVasu, AnamikaFnu, MunjalRipudaman, JainRohit

Obesity treatment

Weight loss

Cancer

Cardiovascular diseases

Obesity is a major health concern globally, increasing the risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases. This review discusses various weight loss medications, including their mechanisms of action, efficacy, and side effects. It emphasizes the importance of considering individual patient factors, comorbidities, and the benefit-to-risk profile when choosing medication for long-term obesity management.

Language : English

Optimizing Therapeutic Outcomes With Oral Semaglutide: A Patient-Centered Approach.

Author: IsaacsDiana M, KrugerDavida F, SpollettGeralyn R

Improved glycemic control

Improved quality of life

Oral semaglutide is a new treatment for type 2 diabetes. It is the first orally administered GLP-1 receptor agonist, which has been shown to improve glycemic control and weight loss.

Language : English

Visceral adipose tissue and residual cardiovascular risk: a pathological link and new therapeutic options.

Author: CesaroArturo, De MicheleGianantonio, FimianiFabio, AcerboVincenzo, ScherilloGianmaria, SignoreGiovanni, RotoloFrancesco Paolo, SciallaFrancesco, RaucciGiuseppe, PanicoDomenico, GragnanoFelice, MoscarellaElisabetta, ScudieroOlga, MennittiCristina, CalabròPaolo

Obesity, affecting nearly a third of the global population, is strongly linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD). While total body fat is a factor, the distribution of fat, especially visceral adipose tissue (VAT), plays a significant role in CVD risk. This review explores the link between VAT and CVD risk, and therapeutic options for reducing this risk. VAT accumulation contributes to low-grade systemic inflammation, increasing the risk of all-cause mortality and myocardial infarction. While various weight-loss therapies exist, GLP-1 agonists like liraglutide and semaglutide show promising results in reducing both weight and VAT, potentially mitigating inflammation in visceral adipocytes.

Language : English

10.

Will oral semaglutide be a game-changer in the management of type 2 diabetes in primary care?

Author: SeiduSamuel, MellbinLinda, KaiserMarcel, KhuntiKamlesh

Reduced HbA1c

Weight loss

Nausea

This study discusses the potential of oral semaglutide, the first oral GLP-1RA, as a game-changer in type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment, highlighting its effectiveness in reducing HbA1c and body weight with manageable gastrointestinal side effects.

Language : English

11.

Semaglutide Treatment of Excessive Body Weight in Obese PCOS Patients Unresponsive to Lifestyle Programs.

Author: CarminaEnrico, LongoRosa Alba

Improved insulin levels

Normalized blood glucose

Normalized menstrual cycles

Weight loss

Few side effects

This study investigated the effectiveness of semaglutide in obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who were unresponsive to lifestyle modification. Semaglutide significantly reduced body weight and normalized menstrual cycles in a majority of patients.

Language : English

12.

Efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction with oral semaglutide: first single-centre clinical experience.

Author: JanićMiodrag, JovanovićMarija, JanežAndrej, LunderMojca

Blood sugar control

Patient satisfaction

Weight loss

Gastrointestinal side effects

Limited data

This study explored the effects of oral semaglutide on glycaemic parameters, body weight, and satisfaction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Slovenia. The study found that oral semaglutide significantly decreased HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose. It also significantly decreased body weight at the higher dose. Patients reported high satisfaction with the treatment.

Language : English

13.

Efficacy and safety of semaglutide in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Author: ZhuKai, KakkarRohan, ChahalDaljeet, YoshidaEric M, HussainiTrana

Semaglutide, a GLP-1RA, shows potential benefits for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) due to its glycemic and weight loss effects. Further research is needed to evaluate its efficacy in NAFLD treatment.

Language : English

14.

Future perspectives in diabesity treatment: Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (Review).

Author: TilincaMariana Cornelia, TiucaRobert Aurelian, NiculasCristina, VargaAndreea, TileaIoan

Cardiovascular benefits

Obesity treatment

T2DM treatment

Side effects

This review highlights the latest data on the effects and safety of semaglutide, a GLP-1 RA, in diabetic obesity, also emphasizing its cardiovascular benefits and potential side effects.

Language : English

15.

Assessing adverse drug reaction reports for antidiabetic medications approved by the food and drug administration between 2012 and 2017: a pharmacovigilance study.

Author: StottlemyerBritney A, McDermottMichael C, MinogueMackenzie R, GrayMatthew P, BoyceRichard D, Kane-GillSandra L

Antidiabetic therapy

Adverse drug reactions

This study investigated adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) for 10 antidiabetic drugs approved between 2012 and 2017. The study aims to improve understanding of the safety profiles of these newly approved drugs by analyzing voluntarily reported ADRs.

Language : English

16.

Oral semaglutide in type 2 diabetes mellitus: Comprehensive review, critical appraisal and clinical consideration of its use in India.

Author: SinghAwadhesh Kumar, SinghRitu, MisraAnoop

T2DM treatment

This review examines the efficacy and safety of oral semaglutide in T2DM in India. Oral semaglutide has demonstrated efficacy in improving glycemic control and is well-tolerated in patients with T2DM.

Language : English

17.

Therapeutic Mechanisms and Clinical Effects of Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Author: LeeHan Ah, KimHwi Young

Improved NAFLD markers

Reduced blood glucose

Weight loss

Nausea

Vomiting

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are a class of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, and recent studies have shown that they may also have therapeutic effects against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). GLP-1RAs have been found to improve clinical, biochemical, and histological markers of NAFLD, and they have a good safety profile.

Language : English

18.

Administration errors of compounded semaglutide reported to a poison control center-Case series.

Author: LambsonJoseph E, FlegalSamuel C, JohnsonAmberly R

Abdominal pain (semaglutide overdose)

Anorexia (semaglutide overdose)

Fatigue (semaglutide overdose)

Headache (semaglutide overdose)

Nausea (semaglutide overdose)

Vomiting (semaglutide overdose)

Weakness (semaglutide overdose)

Incorrect administration of semaglutide for weight loss can lead to significant adverse drug events. Compounded semaglutide lacks safety features and allows for large overdoses.

Language : English

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