Are there any medications or supplements that should be avoided while taking Wegovy?

Avoid stacking with another GLP-1 medicine unless advised by a specialist. If you use insulin or sulphonylureas, your prescriber may lower doses to reduce hypoglycaemia risk as appetite changes. Because Wegovy slows stomach emptying, timing may matter for some oral medicines — your clinician or pharmacist will advise. Be cautious with over-the-counter “weight loss” products or unregulated supplements; they rarely help and can obscure side-effect patterns.

Why medicine checks are important

Wegovy (semaglutide) alters digestion and glucose regulation, which can affect how other medicines are absorbed or tolerated. NICE TA875 and MHRA guidance highlight the need to review all prescriptions, over-the-counter items, and supplements before starting. Semaglutide remains active for about a week, so small overlaps or dosing errors can have prolonged effects. Clinicians review medication lists regularly during titration to avoid complications.

Combining Wegovy with diabetes medicines

If you use insulin or sulphonylureas, your team may lower doses as eating patterns change. This prevents low blood sugar — symptoms include sweating, shakiness, and dizziness. NICE TA875 notes that Wegovy alone doesn’t cause hypoglycaemia but can enhance the effects of other glucose-lowering drugs. NHS and MHRA guidance recommend regular blood-glucose checks early on and after dose increases. Adjustments are usually modest and made gradually, based on glucose readings and symptoms.

Don’t combine GLP-1 therapies

Wegovy, Ozempic, Trulicity, and Mounjaro are all GLP-1 receptor agonists. Using more than one adds no benefit but raises side-effect risk, especially nausea or dehydration. NICE and NHS guidance clearly advise against combining them. If switching from another GLP-1 medicine, your prescriber will plan a transition period to avoid overlap. The same rule applies to any “combo pens” containing a GLP-1 ingredient — only use them under clinical direction.

Timing oral medicines safely

Because Wegovy slows gastric emptying, absorption of some oral drugs can shift slightly. This matters most for medicines needing precise uptake — such as thyroid replacement, certain antibiotics, or oral contraceptives. NICE and MHRA guidance recommend taking these at consistent times, ideally separated by a few hours from your injection, though the exact spacing depends on the drug. Common medicines like statins, antihypertensives, or pain relief are usually unaffected. Always ask your pharmacist if timing adjustments are needed.

Over-the-counter products and supplements

Unregulated “detox” or “slimming” products can interfere with Wegovy or mimic side effects. Stimulant-based supplements (often with caffeine or synephrine) can worsen nausea or raise heart rate, while herbal teas or fibre powders may upset digestion. NICE and MHRA both advise avoiding imported or online “weight loss” aids with unclear ingredients. These can mask how well Wegovy is working or cause unpredictable reactions.

Vitamin and mineral supplements prescribed for deficiency — such as vitamin D, calcium, or iron — are generally safe. The key is disclosure: always share your full list of medications and supplements with your healthcare team.

Alcohol, caffeine, and lifestyle products

Alcohol and caffeine don’t directly interact with semaglutide, but both can amplify digestive discomfort. Alcohol may worsen nausea or reflux; caffeine can increase dehydration or restlessness. NHS guidance recommends moderation — staying within 14 alcohol units a week and limiting coffee or energy drinks. Hydration remains the simplest way to offset these effects.

When to review your medication list

NHS clinics typically recheck medicines around weeks 16 and 24, then periodically through maintenance. These reviews ensure benefits outweigh any side effects and allow dose adjustments where needed. People on multiple long-term medicines, including antidepressants or anticoagulants, may need additional pharmacist oversight to confirm stable absorption. MHRA safety advice encourages discussing any new medication before starting it, even if it’s non-prescription.

Practical experience and small adjustments

Some people find larger tablets feel slower to digest after starting Wegovy. Taking them with water and staying upright for 10–15 minutes afterwards usually helps. Others prefer spacing tablets and injections by half a day for comfort. A brief log of medication timing and symptoms can help clinicians identify patterns quickly. Many patients find that once routines settle, timing concerns fade and normal schedules resume.

Avoid counterfeit or “online” semaglutide

MHRA and NICE have both warned against unlicensed “semaglutide” products sold online. These may contain incorrect doses or unsafe substances. Only regulated pens supplied by pharmacies or NHS services are safe. Report suspicious or counterfeit products through the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.

Lessons we can draw

Wegovy has few direct drug interactions, but clear communication prevents problems. Avoid using it alongside other GLP-1 drugs, and tell your clinician about all prescriptions, supplements, or over-the-counter items. Some oral medicines may need spacing, and diabetes therapies may require dose reduction. Skip unregulated “weight loss” products, stay hydrated, and ask your pharmacist before adding anything new. NICE, NHS, and MHRA guidance agree: informed, coordinated care keeps Wegovy safe, effective, and free from avoidable complications.