Wegovy pill rash side effect; switch to Metformin?

Posted by suesewsco @suesewsco, Feb 22 5:54pm

I started the Wegovy pill about three weeks ago. I had no gastro issues at all and lost about 5 lbs. After week two I started to notice itching on my hands, and spreading up my arms. Two days ago I noticed some hives. It took some digging, but this is a known, rare, allergic side effect for semaglutide. Needless to say, I've contacted my provider and stopped taking the Wegovy. I felt quite good about my weight loss, and I'd like to know if anyone has switched to Metformin if unable to take a GLP-1 for weight loss. I am aware that Metformin weight loss is slower. I am not diabetic, and this is only to lose weight.

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deniseheart | @deniseheart | Feb 23 8:02am

I have many oral medication allergies, most have the histamine reactions that you describe. Hives, itching etc. often head to toe. I have found with the injectable GLP-1's I do not have any of these side effects mainly due to the fact that it doesn't go through the gastro intestinal route. This is my observation and I am not a doctor. Please speak with your doctor before trying any medication.

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Feb 23 6:39pm

@suesewsco - tagging a few members who may be familiar with experiencing rash from the semaglutide (Wegovy) pill and have thoughts on switching to metformin for weight loss. Please meet @sharones53 @difrnt1 @fatlikeus @yearningmaple. @roch also may have some thoughts for you.

jim18 | @jim18 | Feb 26 8:07pm

I would not take Metformin for weight loss. Over 50% who start immediate release Metformin have diarrhea (maybe that is what causes the weight loss?). Using Extended Release incident of diarrhea is about 10%. I did not get any weight loss with Metformin (still on ER for diabetes). However, Mounjaro (marketed as Zepbound for weight loss; exact same medication & doses) resulted in major weight loss and also reduced my A1c back to normal levels. So was great for glucose control also. Might ask your doctor if that is an option since it is a different compound than Ozempic/Wegovy. No pill for this , just the weekly injections. Can hardly feel them. Pen is spring loaded so push a button and the needle gets inserted, then retracted.

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