What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist – a medication that works like your body’s natural GLP-1. GLP-1 is an increatin hormone that plays an important role in regulating blood sugar levels and slowing digestion.
Semaglutide is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and, recently, in higher doses, for obesity [1]. It comes in an oral and a subcutaneous version, so it is a dual-use treatment. Semaglutide oral solution is the first approved oral GLP-1 receptor agonist [2].
Semaglutide is clinically effective in terms of weight loss and cardiovascular protection, and may therefore be a treatment option for patients with high-risk obesity and type 2 diabetes, who are at high risk for cardiovascular disease and death [1].
However, in a recent clinical trial, semaglutide showed a significant link to the development, and progression of diabetic retinopathy. The existing explanation for this side effect, is that semaglutide causes a rapid HbA1c decrease, which may lead to temporary worsening of pre-existing diabetic retinopathy [1].
Side Effects of Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a drug that’s used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, but it can cause many unwanted side effects, especially in the gastrointestinal tract. These include:
Diarrhoea is another serious complication of semaglutide [3]. Some patients may even get heartburn and burping [4].
In some cases, semaglutide can cause more serious side effects.
These include:
- severe abdominal pain that may spread to the back,
- Rash
- Itching
- Swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Decreased urination
- Swelling of legs, ankles, or feet
- Vision changes
- Fainting or dizziness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Mood changes [4].
Semaglutide has also been linked to an increased risk for pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, and gallstones [5].
In rare cases, semaglutide can cause depression. This has been reported in patients with no previous history of depression, as well as in those with a history of recurrent depressive disorder [6].
These effects won’t happen to everyone who takes semaglutide, and they can be brief. As soon as you notice any severe or long-term side effects while on semaglutide, tell your doctor.
Can Semaglutide Cause Acne?
There is no scientific evidence linking semaglutide to be acne-causing. In fact, a recent study concluded that it is unlikely that GLP-1 agonists, including semaglutide, cause acne [8].
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, and it’s prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity [1]. As we highlighted above, it also comes with a risk of side effects, though acne isn’t likely one of them.
But keep in mind acne is triggered by a lot of things and among them is the hormone change [7]. Because semaglutide acts on the hormonal machinery of the body, perhaps it’s possible that it has an effect on acne production. However, no scientific evidence supports this.
If you’re on semaglutide and notice your skin has changed, discuss this with your doctor. They will know whether the medication is causing your symptoms and what treatment you may need.