Most people starting Wegovy want to know what the first weeks feel like. This timeline explains common side effects during dose increases, how to manage them, when to seek medical advice and how to prepare for reviews. Everyone is different, so use this as a practical guide and follow your doctor’s advice.
First 4 weeks on Wegovy 0.25 mg: settling in and nausea management
The starting dose is usually 0.25 mg once weekly. Nausea, fullness, burping, mild diarrhoea or constipation can occur as your body adapts. Eat slowly, stop before you feel very full and keep water intake steady. Many people find smaller, simple meals more comfortable.
If symptoms are uncomfortable, speak to a pharmacist about over-the-counter options for reflux or constipation. If vomiting or dehydration occurs, contact a doctor for advice.
To ensure you are storing your Wegovy pens correctly, read our guide on storing GLP-1 weight loss drugs.
Weeks 5 to 8 on 0.5 mg: reflux, constipation and practical food choices
As the dose rises, reflux or constipation may appear. Choose gentle meals such as soup, yoghurt, eggs, beans, fish or chicken with vegetables. Limit fried foods and high fat meals, avoid large portions of red meat and pace meals through the day.
Keep activity gentle, for example short walks. If you take medicines that can irritate the stomach, take them with food if allowed and ask a pharmacist if spacing them from your injection helps.
Weeks 9 to 12 on 1.0 mg: listening to appetite and dose pacing
Appetite often reduces further. Focus on protein, fibre and fluids rather than chasing very low calories. If nausea returns with each increase, ask your doctor whether to pause at the current dose for longer before moving up.
If you experience persistent tummy pain, black stools or repeated vomiting, stop the medicine and seek urgent care.
Weeks 13 to 20 on 1.7 mg to 2.4 mg: maintenance and reducing flare ups
Many people move to 1.7 mg then 2.4 mg as a maintenance dose if tolerated. Side effects often settle once the dose is stable. Keep meals light, avoid heavy late evening meals and limit alcohol while you adjust.
Plan reviews with your doctor to check comfort, weight trend, blood tests if needed and any other medicines that may need dose changes due to appetite or absorption changes.
Practical tips that reduce side effects on Wegovy
- Eat slowly and stop early if you feel very full.
- Favour lean protein, vegetables, beans and whole grains, and keep water intake steady.
- Keep a symptom note so you can share patterns at reviews.
- Rest and choose light foods if you feel unwell. Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe or persistent.
When to contact a doctor during treatment
Seek urgent medical advice if you have severe tummy pain that does not settle, repeated vomiting, signs of dehydration or black stools. Discuss any planned surgery or deep sedation with your doctor due to delayed stomach emptying on GLP-1 treatment.
Supports available in Ireland
FAQs
How long do Wegovy side effects last?
Most effects settle within a few days to weeks at each dose. If symptoms are severe or continue, contact a doctor to review dose pacing or supportive treatment.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Wegovy?
Alcohol can worsen reflux and nausea. If you choose to drink, keep amounts small and avoid drinking near your injection day while you adjust.
What foods are easiest when I feel nauseous?
Try light choices such as soup, yoghurt, porridge, crackers, bananas or eggs. Avoid very rich or spicy meals until you are comfortable again.
Do I need blood tests while on Wegovy?
Your doctor will advise based on your health background. Reviews focus on comfort, weight trend and any other medicines that might need adjustment.
If you would like to explore whether treatment is suitable, you can fill in a quick questionaire with our online doctor partner Zava.
For more information and to view our prices see Wegovy. Need pharmacist advice today? Ask a Pharmacist.
