Side Effect – Nausea

Nausea: Symptoms & Treatments

Nausea is a common side effect of GLP-1 medications (such as Wegovy  and Mounjaro) and is usually mild and manageable. This happens because these medicines slow down how quickly food moves through your digestive system. Most people find that symptoms improve as their body adjusts over time. Please do not stop your GLP-1 medication without speaking to your provider.

Symptoms of bloating can include:

• Feeling of queasiness
• Urge to vomit
• Discomfort in stomach, chest or throat
• Increased saliva
• Increased sweating
• Loss of appetite
• Headache

The risk of developing these symptoms is generally highest during the initial weeks of treatment and following dose increases, with symptoms usually improving as your body adjusts to the medication.

If you’re experiencing nausea whilst taking injectable GLP – 1 medications, it should go away within 2-3 days. It takes around 4 weeks for your body to get used to the medication, and is why you might feel more nauseous when you start treatment. As you continue your treatment, you should start feeling better.

If you experience bloating, here are some tips to help:

• Dietary Recommendations:

• Eating smaller, more frequent meals. Nausea can be alleviated by eating enough food
• Patients have reported to experience increased nausea on an empty stomach, especially early morning. Consuming small meals can help settle your stomach and reduce discomfort, rather than one large meal. Keeping a food diary will help identify food triggers that you feel most discomfort with
• Eat Plain Foods. Consuming small plain meals, like savoury foods that limit fat intake can help manage nausea
• Foods that are gentle on the stomach like crackers, toast, bananas and plain rice are easier to digest
• Avoid greasy, high-fat, spicy, or very sugary foods, as they can worsen nausea
• Avoid strong smells, as they can trigger nausea

• Supplements and Medical Intervention:

• Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto – Bismol) used for mild to moderate gastro intestinal symptoms.
• Drinking ginger or peppermint tea can help

• Lifestyle Adjustments:
• Take your medication at the right time to manage nausea. If you inject in the morning and experience nausea afterwards, it might hinder your activities throughout the day, like eating, causing increased fatigue and discomfort. 
• You might choose to take the medication in the evening, allowing you to be at home and comfortable, minimising the impact on your daily life. If your evenings are busy or you work night shifts, you can try taking your dose at a time when you are more relaxed and comfortable.
• Gentle Exercise. Light exercise can help relieve muscle tension and help you relax, and ease the symptoms of nausea.
• Movements that help you relax and are not too stressful can help, such as walking or yoga. The fresh air can help you feel better and focussing on breathing can help you relax.
• Drinking plenty of water, especially water, throughout the day. Drinking small frequent sips of clear liquids including herbal teas. You can try drinking ginger or peppermint tea, which help indigestion symptoms

Follow the prescribed dosing schedule, as increasing doses too quickly may worsen side effects. If your symptoms become difficult to manage, a temporary pause in dose escalation or a reduction in dose may be appropriate. Please discuss any changes to your treatment with your provider before adjusting your medication.

For most patients, nausea is a temporary side effect that improves as the body adapts to GLP-1 medication. Many people find that symptoms improve or resolve with appropriate dietary changes, identifying food triggers, and supportive self care measures.

GLP-1 related nausea often develops after starting treatment or following a dose increase. It may follow a predictable pattern linked to these changes. Keeping a food diary can help identify contributing factors and support symptom management.

Nausea does not affect the absorption or effectiveness of injected GLP-1 medications. However, if bloating persists, it may impact your appetite, hydration, and overall wellbeing. If your symptoms continue or worsen, please seek advice from your healthcare provider.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Advice

Please contact your GP or your local Out of Hours service as soon as possible if you experience:

• If you experience severe or persistent vomiting
• If you have symptoms of dehydration, like dizziness, dark urine, reduced urine output, increased thirst
• If you have a fever
• If you have severe abdominal pain

Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you experience:

• Vomiting blood or your vomit looks like ground coffee
• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty breathing and/or chest pain
• Inability to keep fluids down for more than 12 to 24 hours
• Persistent vomiting lasting longer than 48 hours

Important Safety Advice

It is important to use GLP-1 medications safely and in line with clinical guidance. Side effects can often be managed effectively when identified early and addressed appropriately.

Maintaining open communication with your provider is key to ensuring safe and effective treatment.

Remember:

• Do not ignore persistent or worsening symptoms
• Do not increase your dose without clinical advice
• If you have had a break in treatment, restarting at a lower dose may reduce side effects
• Ensure your GP is informed of any new or unusual symptoms

Additional support

If you are experiencing side effects or have any questions about your treatment, our clinical team is here to help.

If your symptoms are severe, worsening, or you feel they require urgent medical attention, please seek immediate advice from your GP, NHS 111, or attend your nearest A&E department if appropriate.

For all other queries:

• Book a free video consultation with one of our trained clinicians through our website. Appointments are available throughout the week, including daytime and evening sessions.
• Send us your question online using our form: https://forms.medicinemarketplace.com/251345635207050 A member of our clinical team will respond by email.
• Speak to us by phone by calling 0330 175 5747, and selecting option 3.

We are here to answer your questions and provide support throughout your treatment journey.

Written by: Uzma Dala MPharm (2238839)

Approved by: Shameela Adam MPharm (2070113)