General information, not medical advice
This page is educational and does not replace guidance from your licensed provider or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or supplement without talking to them first.
Why it can happen
GLP-1 medications slow stomach emptying, so food stays in the stomach longer. Together with reduced appetite, that can produce nausea — most often in the first days after an injection, during the first weeks of treatment, or after a dose increase.
For many people it settles as the body adjusts. Nausea that is severe, daily, or accompanied by vomiting is a reason to contact your provider before your next dose.
Everyday measures
General habits that many people find helpful. None of these replaces advice from your provider or pharmacist.
Small, frequent meals
Eating a little every few hours, even without much appetite. An empty stomach can make nausea worse.
Sip fluids
Water in small sips through the day rather than large amounts at once. Dehydration tends to make nausea worse.
Bland, low-fat choices
Crackers, toast, rice, bananas, and applesauce are common choices. Fried, greasy, very rich, or strongly spiced food is a frequent trigger.
Stay upright after eating
Waiting before lying down. Fresh air and a cool, quiet room can also help.
Options to raise with your provider or pharmacist
Ask before trying any of these, and mention every medication and supplement you already take. This page does not give doses.
- Ginger, as tea or chews.
- Peppermint tea (often avoided by people who also have reflux).
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine).
- Over-the-counter anti-nausea products, some of which cause drowsiness.
- Acupressure wrist bands sold for motion sickness.
Do not increase your dose while nausea from the current dose is still present. Follow the schedule on your prescription and contact your provider with questions.
Habits that may help
- Avoid strong smells such as cooking odours, perfume, and smoke.
- Some people prefer taking their injection in the evening; ask your provider whether timing can be adjusted.
- Keep a note of when nausea occurs relative to injection day and meals.
When to contact your provider
Contact your provider if you have:
- Nausea that lasts more than two days after each injection.
- Vomiting, or an inability to keep food or fluids down.
- Signs of dehydration: dark urine, dizziness, dry mouth, or confusion.
- Nausea with severe abdominal pain.
- Unintended weight loss because you cannot eat.
For severe abdominal pain, chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of an allergic reaction, or confusion, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
References
- Nauck MA, Quast DR, Wefers J, Meier JJ. GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of type 2 diabetes – state-of-the-art. Mol Metab. 2021;46:101102. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33068776/
- Lete I, Allué J. The effectiveness of ginger in the prevention of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and chemotherapy. Integr Med Insights. 2016;11:11-17. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27053918/
- FDA-approved prescribing information for semaglutide injection products, via DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Compounded versions were not studied in these trials. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=semaglutide