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GLP-1 Side Effects Management | London Drugs

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On March 23, 2026

Tips to reduce side effects and stay healthy while on GLP-1 Medication

GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1) medications are increasingly being used to help manage type 2 diabetes and support medically supervised weight loss. Often known by their brand names, such as Ozempic®/Wegovy®/Rybelsus® (semaglutide), Victoza®/Saxenda® (liraglutide) and Mounjaro®/Zepbound® (tirzepatide), these prescription medications improve blood sugar control, as well as heart, kidney, and liver health. GLP-1 medications work by mimicking a natural gut hormone that slows how quickly food leaves your stomach. This signals your brain to feel full, reducing appetite and overall food intake. However, many patients experience side effects from these medications. While each person’s experience is different, most side effects are mild and can often be managed with lifestyle measures.

Stomach-related issues, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, and indigestion, are the most commonly reported side effects of GLP-1 medications. These side effects usually occur when starting treatment or when the dose is increased. They happen because the medication changes how the body processes food, and, for most people, they improve or resolve over time. Other possible side effects can include hair loss, fatigue, and weakness. These side effects are often related to nutrient deficiencies associated with food choices and with eating less food overall. See below for tips to manage each type of side effect.

MANAGING GLP-1 SIDE EFFECTS – PHARMACIST GUIDE FOR PATIENTS
Side effect	What you can do?
Nausea	Avoid strong smells for at least 30 minutes after taking your medication. Consider eating foods or crackers that contain mint or ginger until nausea subsides. Try going outside for fresh air to ease nausea.
Vomiting	Eat smaller sized meals, but eat more frequently. Stay hydrated throughout the day.
Diarrhea	Stay hydrated by drinking water. Until diarrhea resolves: – Eat easily digestible foods such as broths, carrots, plain crackers, and plain rice. – Avoid high fibre foods, as well as dairy, coffee, alcohol, high- sugar or high-fat foods and foods that are very hot or cold.
Constipation	Ensure you are staying well hydrated. Consider increasing dietary fibre from food sources (e.g., legumes, whole grains, dark leafy greens) or from supplements (e.g., psyllium husk supplements). Stay physically active (recommend 150 minutes per week of moderate physical activity).
Heartburn, acid reflux, bloating and/or indigestion	Eat smaller but more frequent meals. Avoid triggers, such as spicy, high-fat, or fried foods. Consider reducing acidic foods, such as tomatoes and citrus fruits.
Hair loss, fatigue	Try eating more nutrient-dense foods (e.g., fruits/vegetables, whole grains, beans/legumes, unsalted nuts). Ask your pharmacist for recommendations for multivitamins or supplements.
Muscle weakness	Ensure you are consuming enough healthy proteins (e.g., lean meat, beans, legumes, fish, eggs). Consider strength training twice weekly.

While lifestyle measures are helpful for many patients, diet and activity changes may not provide enough relief for patients dealing with more severe side effects. In these cases, you may need to adjust the dose or stop your prescribed medication, but consult your healthcare team before adjusting your medications yourself. Your London Drugs pharmacist can help you communicate with your physician to develop a personalized plan to address your concerns.

Injections

For many people, starting a GLP-1 medication is their first experience with using a self-injected medication. Your pharmacist can help teach you how to properly inject your medication and provide tips to improve comfort and reduce complications. Some of our top suggestions are listed below.

Injection Tips:

Ask your pharmacist if your medication can be injected at room temperature. Cold injections tend to sting more.
Wash your hands with soap and water before you start preparing your dose.
Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab.
Use a new needle for each injection. Confirm with your pharmacist that the needle is the correct size.
Before you inject, take a slow, deep breath in and out to relax your muscles.
If injecting to the abdomen, make sure you are injecting at least two inches away from the belly button.
Rotate injection sites to prevent scar tissue build-up from injections. (This will help reduce pain and improve efficacy.)
Dispose the used needle immediately in a proper sharps disposal container. Each needle is to be used once only. Return full containers to the pharmacy for safe disposal.

Speak to a Pharmacist

If injections are too difficult or intolerable for you, your pharmacist can talk with your healthcare team about whether an oral tablet GLP-1 medication might be right for you.

Whether you are new to GLP-1 medications or have been taking them for a while, speak to your London Drugs pharmacist for personalized advice on managing any concerns or side effects you may be experiencing. Our pharmacists have the expertise and products to help you use your medications safely and effectively. Together, we can create a plan to support your health goals.

For more information on GLP-1 management, please visit your local London Drugs pharmacist for a consultation.

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