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Is This Normal? When to Worry and When to Wait on GLP-1s

When to Call Your Prescriber or Seek Medical Help


Now let’s talk about the red flags. If you experience these, don’t wait and see. Don’t tough it out.


Call your prescriber or seek medical help straight away:


  • Repeated vomiting that means you can’t keep fluids down

  • Severe abdominal pain (especially if it spreads to your back)

  • Signs of pancreatitis (severe pain, nausea, vomiting that doesn’t settle)

  • Symptoms of dehydration that you can’t manage (dizziness when standing, very dark urine, dry mouth that won’t improve with drinking water)

  • Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)

  • Severe diarrhoea that won’t stop and leaves you dehydrated


These aren’t typical side effects you should just wait out. Your prescriber wants to know if you’re experiencing these, so they can help you stay safe.


Final Thought


It’s easy to feel anxious about every twinge or burp, especially early on.


But most side effects with GLP-1s are common and manageable, and many people find they settle with time.


The key is listening to your body; if it’s mild, monitor it. If it’s interfering with life, talk about it. If it’s severe, get help.


You don’t need to guess, you don’t need to do it alone, and you deserve to feel informed and supported on this journey.


Because you’re not just losing weight, you’re taking care of your whole self.

What’s Worth Watching


These aren’t emergencies, but they’re worth keeping an eye on, especially if they’re sticking around or getting in the way of normal life:


  • Persistent nausea that doesn’t improve over time

  • Appetite suppression so strong you can’t eat enough to stay nourished

  • Constipation that becomes uncomfortable or painful, despite hydration and fibre

  • Fatigue or dizziness that feels worse than expected

  • Ongoing mild dehydration (dry mouth, darker urine)


If you’re dealing with these, don’t be afraid to call your prescriber.


They might suggest slowing down your dose increases, adjusting your plan, or offering advice on how to manage these symptoms.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and isn’t medical advice. Always speak to your prescribing professional or GP if you’re unsure about symptoms or side effects.

If you’re on Mounjaro, Ozempic, or Wegovy, chances are you’ve spent at least one anxious moment wondering:


“Is this side effect normal, or should I be worried?”

You’re not alone.


These medications work in powerful ways, and they can cause side effects, some you might expect, and others that catch you off guard.


But not every burp, cramp, or wave of nausea means something is wrong.


The trick is knowing what’s normal, what’s worth watching, and what means you should call your prescriber.


Let’s break it down so you can feel more in control.


What’s Totally Normal


Let’s start with the good news: these side effects are very common.


They tend to be mild to moderate and often improve as your body adjusts.

If you’re experiencing these, it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong:


  • Nausea, especially after large or rich meals

  • Occasional vomiting (usually if ignoring "stop eating" cues)

  • Mild constipation or looser stools

  • Burping and bloating (including sulphur burps)

  • Heartburn or mild stomach discomfort

  • Reduced appetite or food aversions (including the “ick” with certain smells)

  • Mild fatigue or feeling a bit more tired than usual

  • Light dizziness, especially if standing quickly

  • Slight redness or itch at the injection site


These effects often show up in the first few weeks or after a dose increase. They are your body adjusting to slower digestion and changed appetite signals.

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Written by the pen hub editorial team
Pen Hub Team

Published:

7 Jul 2025

Updated:

6 Oct 2025

Is This Normal? When to Worry and When to Wait on GLP-1s

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Is This Normal? When to Worry and When to Wait on GLP-1s

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