Clinically reviewed: Wed 31 July

Like all medicines, some people may experience side effects when taking weight loss medications. It’s important to understand which side effects you may experience and what the likelihood of experiencing them is.

It’s important to add that not everyone will experience side effects, and if you don’t, that doesn’t mean that your medication isn’t working. Many people experience a successful weight loss journey with no side effects.

Common side effects can include nausea, headaches, stomach upsets (diarrhoea and vomiting) constipation, tiredness, acid reflux and indigestion symptoms, gallstones, dizziness, hair loss and reactions at injection site.

Uncommon and rare side effects include increased heart rate, increased gastric enzyme levels, pancreatitis, angioedema and anaphylactic reactions.
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You should expect common side effects to subside within the first few weeks as your body gets used to the medication, however if you experience any of the rarer side effects, you should stop the injections immediately and seek medical help.

Explore the full list of possible side effects in the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medication.