Itchy skin on Wegovy? What it means and what to do

It's quite typical for people taking Wegovy (semaglutide) to experience side effects – especially when starting treatment or changing their dose. Among the most common are nausea, constipation and upset stomach.¹

But there are less talked-about side effects, too – including injection site reactions.² In other words, you might experience swelling, sensitivity or itchiness of the skin around the place where you injected Wegovy. You may even notice small red bumps or an itchy rash.

In the vast majority of cases, these reactions are mild and should settle down after a couple of weeks. However, on very rare occasions, Wegovy can cause serious allergic reactions. If you suspect an allergic reaction, stop using Wegovy and seek medical advice straight away.

Why am I itchy after injecting Wegovy?

Skin is the first line of defence for your body, protecting you from the outside world. While medically safe, injecting a needle into your skin can send a signal that it needs to bolster its defensive barriers. 

When this happens, immune cells gather around the site. This can cause a small firm lump and itchiness. It's a normal immune response and should get better by itself after a few days. 

When it could be more than typical Wegovy itchy skin

If the pain is localised (only around the immediate injection area) and persists for several days, talk to your health provider or pharmacist. They can determine whether an antihistamine or other treatment is required.

If the injection site gets more painful or the skin becomes inflamed, scabs or leaks pus, this could be a sign of infection. Ask a medical professional to take a look as soon as possible.

Allergic reactions

Most people who experience itching around injection sites when taking Wegovy are experiencing typical bodily reactions to the injection. However, in rare cases, it could be a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Always seek medical advice if you are unsure about any itching sensations, swelling or hotness. Stop taking the medication and seek medical help immediately if you think it's an allergic reaction to Wegovy. This may include any of the following symptoms: 

• Severe itching or a severe rash
• A red patch that tracks along the skin
• Peeling or blistering skin (with or without a fever)
• A swollen face, lips, tongue, mouth or throat
• Difficulty breathing, talking or swallowing
• A very rapid heartbeat
• A tight chest
• Wheezing
• Feeling dizzy or fainting
  
  

On rare occasions, Wegovy can cause a skin sensitivity reaction that feels like burning or tingling. This is called "dysesthesia" and affected 2% of users in Wegovy clinical trials.³ If this happens, contact your health provider for advice. 

Follow instructions to minimise the risk of infection

It's important to follow directions carefully when taking Wegovy. This will help minimise the risk of injection site reactions and infections.

You'll receive full injection instructions with your Wegovy pen. We've also created this video to help you take Wegovy with confidence.