SEMAGLUTIDE

55/100 · Moderate

Manufactured by Novo Nordisk

Semaglutide Adverse Events: Nausea, Vomiting, and Weight Loss Predominate

146,328 FDA adverse event reports analyzed

Last updated: 2026-05-12

About SEMAGLUTIDE

SEMAGLUTIDE is a medication tracked in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Based on analysis of 146,328 FDA adverse event reports, SEMAGLUTIDE has a safety score of 55 out of 100. This moderate score indicates a notable volume of adverse event reports that patients and providers should be aware of. The most commonly reported adverse reactions for SEMAGLUTIDE include NAUSEA, VOMITING, OFF LABEL USE, DIARRHOEA, DECREASED APPETITE. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of reported side effects, safety signals, patient demographics, and AI-powered safety analysis for SEMAGLUTIDE.

AI Safety Analysis

Semaglutide has a safety concern score of 55 out of 100, placing it in the elevated concern category based on analysis of FDA adverse event data. The FDA has received approximately 146,328 adverse event reports for this medication, which is primarily manufactured by Novo Nordisk.

The most commonly reported adverse events include Nausea, Vomiting, Off Label Use. Of classified reports, 51.7% were designated as serious by the FDA, meaning they involved hospitalization, disability, or other significant medical outcomes. The most common adverse events are gastrointestinal issues like nausea and vomiting, which affect a significant portion of users.

Weight loss is a frequent side effect, with reports of decreased appetite and weight decreased. Serious adverse events, including cardiovascular and neurological issues, account for nearly 52% of all reports.

Patients taking Semaglutide should monitor for the commonly reported side effects and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms. Semaglutide can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, and patients should be warned about the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Drug interactions are not well-documented, but patients should avoid using it with other drugs that affect bl This analysis is based on voluntary FDA adverse event reports and should not replace professional medical advice.

Safety Score: 55/100

Semaglutide received a safety concern score of 55/100 (elevated concern). This is based on a 51.7% serious event ratio across 72,076 classified reports. The score accounts for 146,328 total adverse event reports and 100 distinct reaction types. This elevated score indicates a notable proportion of serious adverse events and warrants careful monitoring.

Top Adverse Reactions

NAUSEA10,666 reports
VOMITING6,913 reports
OFF LABEL USE6,532 reports
DIARRHOEA6,093 reports
DECREASED APPETITE4,428 reports
CONSTIPATION4,344 reports
WEIGHT DECREASED3,931 reports
FATIGUE3,312 reports
HEADACHE3,156 reports
PRODUCT USE IN UNAPPROVED INDICATION2,881 reports
WRONG TECHNIQUE IN PRODUCT USAGE PROCESS2,774 reports
BLOOD GLUCOSE INCREASED2,752 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER2,751 reports
IMPAIRED GASTRIC EMPTYING2,711 reports
DIZZINESS2,631 reports
INAPPROPRIATE SCHEDULE OF PRODUCT ADMINISTRATION2,575 reports
WEIGHT INCREASED2,446 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN2,233 reports
DEHYDRATION1,959 reports
MALAISE1,908 reports
ASTHENIA1,870 reports
DRUG INEFFECTIVE1,835 reports
ILLNESS1,710 reports
PAIN1,710 reports
DYSPEPSIA1,573 reports
ABDOMINAL DISTENSION1,525 reports
DYSPNOEA1,481 reports
ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT1,447 reports
ANXIETY1,348 reports
ARTHRALGIA1,348 reports
PANCREATITIS1,305 reports
COVID 191,272 reports
INJECTION SITE PAIN1,255 reports
FALL1,238 reports
DEPRESSION1,228 reports
CONDITION AGGRAVATED1,212 reports
BLOOD GLUCOSE DECREASED1,156 reports
VISUAL IMPAIRMENT1,149 reports
PRURITUS1,133 reports
PRODUCT DOSE OMISSION ISSUE1,131 reports
PRODUCT USE ISSUE1,091 reports
RASH1,062 reports
ERUCTATION1,038 reports
FEELING ABNORMAL1,012 reports
BACK PAIN1,011 reports
VISION BLURRED1,010 reports
INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION998 reports
INCREASED APPETITE989 reports
FLATULENCE975 reports
GLYCOSYLATED HAEMOGLOBIN INCREASED956 reports
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDER929 reports
INSOMNIA924 reports
PRODUCT COMMUNICATION ISSUE901 reports
HUNGER891 reports
INCORRECT DOSE ADMINISTERED878 reports
PAIN IN EXTREMITY873 reports
ALOPECIA864 reports
GASTROOESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE847 reports
WEIGHT LOSS POOR845 reports
COUGH840 reports
MUSCLE SPASMS816 reports
URINARY TRACT INFECTION788 reports
HYPERTENSION762 reports
ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY752 reports
NASOPHARYNGITIS737 reports
ADVERSE DRUG REACTION701 reports
DEVICE MALFUNCTION639 reports
PYREXIA638 reports
CHEST PAIN637 reports
BLOOD PRESSURE INCREASED631 reports
CHOLELITHIASIS622 reports
TREMOR589 reports
MYALGIA578 reports
SUICIDAL IDEATION577 reports
HYPERHIDROSIS560 reports
ILEUS554 reports
EMOTIONAL DISTRESS553 reports
LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS551 reports
INFLUENZA540 reports
HYPOTENSION536 reports
MEMORY IMPAIRMENT536 reports
PALPITATIONS536 reports
PNEUMONIA532 reports
INJECTION SITE HAEMORRHAGE526 reports
SOMNOLENCE525 reports
OPTIC ISCHAEMIC NEUROPATHY507 reports
PERIPHERAL SWELLING507 reports
HEART RATE INCREASED505 reports
SURGERY505 reports
HYPOGLYCAEMIA495 reports
INJECTION SITE BRUISING495 reports
PARAESTHESIA470 reports
ASTHMA457 reports
CHILLS451 reports
MIGRAINE451 reports
HOSPITALISATION447 reports
CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT445 reports
DIABETES MELLITUS INADEQUATE CONTROL445 reports
GAIT DISTURBANCE439 reports
STRESS437 reports

Key Safety Signals

  • Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are the most frequently reported adverse events.
  • Serious adverse events, including cardiovascular and neurological issues, are concerning given their high frequency.
  • There are reports of weight loss and decreased appetite, which may be beneficial for some but concerning for others.

Patient Demographics

Adverse event reports by sex: Female: 43,872, Male: 21,741, Unknown: 39. The most frequently reported age groups are age 60 (1,184 reports), age 65 (1,174 reports), age 67 (1,158 reports). These demographics reflect reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Report Outcomes

Out of 72,076 classified reports for SEMAGLUTIDE:

  • Serious: 37,279 reports (51.7%) — includes hospitalization, disability, life-threatening events, or death
  • Non-Serious: 34,797 reports (48.3%)
Serious 51.7%Non-Serious 48.3%

The FDA classifies an adverse event as “serious” if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, congenital anomaly, or requires intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Demographics Breakdown

Reports by Sex

Female43,872 (66.8%)
Male21,741 (33.1%)
Unknown39 (0.1%)

Reports by Age

Age 601,184 reports
Age 651,174 reports
Age 671,158 reports
Age 691,134 reports
Age 641,133 reports
Age 621,128 reports
Age 631,110 reports
Age 661,106 reports
Age 681,098 reports
Age 701,089 reports
Age 611,081 reports
Age 591,055 reports
Age 711,040 reports
Age 55992 reports
Age 58985 reports
Age 72979 reports
Age 56975 reports
Age 73969 reports
Age 57938 reports
Age 54883 reports

Demographics reflect voluntary FDA adverse event reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Drug Interactions & Warnings

Semaglutide can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, and patients should be warned about the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Drug interactions are not well-documented, but patients should avoid using it with other drugs that affect bl

What You Should Know

If you are taking Semaglutide, here are important things to know. The most commonly reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, off label use, diarrhoea, decreased appetite. While many of these may be mild and temporary, you should contact your healthcare provider if any symptoms are severe or persistent. Monitor for signs of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions. Discuss potential weight changes with your healthcare provider, as this can be a significant side effect. If you experience a serious adverse reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Regulatory Context

The FDA continues to monitor the safety of semaglutide, and updates will be provided as more data becomes available. Healthcare providers should report any adverse events to the FDA's MedWatch program.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many adverse event reports has the FDA received for Semaglutide?

The FDA has received approximately 146,328 adverse event reports associated with Semaglutide. These reports come from healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Note that the number of reports does not directly indicate the frequency of side effects, as adverse events are voluntarily reported and may be underrepresented.

What are the most commonly reported side effects of Semaglutide?

The most frequently reported adverse events for Semaglutide include Nausea, Vomiting, Off Label Use, Diarrhoea, Decreased Appetite. By volume, the top reported reactions are: Nausea (10,666 reports), Vomiting (6,913 reports), Off Label Use (6,532 reports). These figures reflect FDA adverse event reports and may not represent the true incidence rate of these side effects in all patients taking Semaglutide.

What percentage of Semaglutide adverse event reports are serious?

Out of 72,076 classified reports, 37,279 (51.7%) were classified as serious and 34,797 as non-serious. The FDA classifies an event as "serious" if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, or other medically significant outcomes. A higher serious-event ratio warrants closer attention but does not necessarily mean the drug is unsafe.

Who reports adverse events for Semaglutide (by sex)?

Adverse event reports for Semaglutide break down by patient sex as follows: Female: 43,872, Male: 21,741, Unknown: 39. This distribution reflects reporting patterns rather than actual risk differences between groups. Reporting rates can be influenced by prescribing patterns, disease demographics, and reporting behavior.

What age groups report the most side effects for Semaglutide?

The most frequently reported age groups for Semaglutide adverse events are: age 60: 1,184 reports, age 65: 1,174 reports, age 67: 1,158 reports, age 69: 1,134 reports, age 64: 1,133 reports. Age-related reporting patterns can reflect both the demographics of the patient population and potential age-related susceptibility to certain side effects.

Who manufactures Semaglutide?

The primary manufacturer associated with Semaglutide adverse event reports is Novo Nordisk. Multiple manufacturers may produce generic versions of this drug. The manufacturer listed reflects the most frequently reported brand in FDA adverse event data.

What other side effects have been reported for Semaglutide?

Beyond the most common reactions, other reported adverse events for Semaglutide include: Constipation, Weight Decreased, Fatigue, Headache, Product Use In Unapproved Indication. Less common side effects can still be clinically significant. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

How do I report a side effect from Semaglutide?

You can report adverse events from Semaglutide to the FDA through their MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch, by calling 1-800-FDA-1088, or by completing Form FDA 3500. Healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers can all submit reports. Reporting helps the FDA monitor drug safety after approval.

What is Semaglutide's safety score and what does it mean?

Semaglutide has a safety concern score of 55 out of 100 (elevated concern). This score is calculated from the ratio of serious to non-serious adverse events, the diversity of reported reactions, and the overall volume of reports relative to usage. The most common adverse events are gastrointestinal issues like nausea and vomiting, which affect a significant portion of users.

What are the key safety signals for Semaglutide?

Key safety signals identified in Semaglutide's adverse event data include: Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are the most frequently reported adverse events.. Serious adverse events, including cardiovascular and neurological issues, are concerning given their high frequency.. There are reports of weight loss and decreased appetite, which may be beneficial for some but concerning for others.. These signals are derived from patterns in FDA reports and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized assessment.

Does Semaglutide interact with other drugs?

Semaglutide can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, and patients should be warned about the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Drug interactions are not well-documented, but patients should avoid using it with other drugs that affect bl Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting Semaglutide.

What should patients know before taking Semaglutide?

Monitor for signs of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions. Discuss potential weight changes with your healthcare provider, as this can be a significant side effect.

Are Semaglutide side effects well-documented?

Semaglutide has 146,328 adverse event reports on file with the FDA. Weight loss is a frequent side effect, with reports of decreased appetite and weight decreased. The volume of reports for Semaglutide reflects both the drug's usage level and the vigilance of the reporting community.

What is the FDA's position on Semaglutide?

The FDA continues to monitor the safety of semaglutide, and updates will be provided as more data becomes available. Healthcare providers should report any adverse events to the FDA's MedWatch program. For the most current regulatory information, check the FDA's drug labeling database or consult your pharmacist.

Related Drugs

Drugs related to SEMAGLUTIDE based on therapeutic use, drug class, or shared indications:

InsulinSGLT2 inhibitorsGLP-1 receptor agonists
Important Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI analysis of FDA adverse event reports and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Adverse event reports submitted to the FDA do not prove that a medication caused the reported side effect. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience a serious side effect, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately.