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Wegovy · Warnings

Wegovy warnings

The safety information on the Wegovy label, in plain language.

Clinician review pending Updated
Boxed warningRisk of thyroid C-cell tumors. In rodent studies these medicines caused thyroid C-cell tumors. It isn't known whether they cause them in people, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Don't use them if you or a family member has had MTC, or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Who shouldn't use it

  • A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
  • A known serious allergy to the medicine or any of its ingredients

Other label warnings

  • Pancreatitis. Stop and get care right away for severe stomach pain that won't go away, with or without vomiting, sometimes felt in the back.
  • Gallbladder problems. Gallstones and gallbladder inflammation were more common in trials, especially with rapid weight loss. Watch for upper-right belly pain, fever, yellow skin or eyes, or clay-colored stools.
  • Low blood sugar. Risk rises when combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea. Signs include shakiness, sweating, fast heartbeat, confusion and dizziness.
  • Kidney problems. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can worsen kidney function. Drink fluids and call your prescriber if you can't keep them down.
  • Serious allergic reactions. Get emergency help for swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing or a severe rash.
  • Severe stomach problems. Not recommended if you already have severe gastroparesis (very slow stomach emptying).
  • Aspiration during anesthesia. Tell your care team you take a GLP-1 medicine before any surgery or procedure that uses anesthesia or deep sedation, because food can stay in the stomach longer.

Specific to Wegovy

  • People with type 2 diabetes and a history of diabetic retinopathy should be monitored; rapid blood sugar improvement has been linked to worsening retinopathy.
  • Tell your prescriber about new or worsening depression or mood changes. In January 2026 the FDA asked makers to remove the suicidal-thoughts warning after a review of 91 trials found no increased risk; check the current label.

Pregnancy

The label advises stopping at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy because semaglutide stays in the body for weeks.

See GLP-1s, pregnancy and birth control.

Common questions

Does Wegovy have a boxed warning?

Yes. Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. In rodent studies these medicines caused thyroid C-cell tumors. It isn't known whether they cause them in people, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Don't use them if you or a family member has had MTC, or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Who should not take Wegovy?

People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, people with MEN 2, and anyone with a serious allergy to it.

Sources

  1. Wegovy prescribing information (FDA label on DailyMed)
  2. STEP 1 trial publication

Clinician review pending. Drafted from primary sources and waiting for sign-off by a licensed clinician (MD, DO or PharmD) before launch. Every number is checked against its source. Drug facts are re-checked quarterly, prices monthly and whenever a label changes. How we review · Report an error