Does Wegovy interact with other common medications?

Clinically important interactions are few, but there are practical considerations. Because Wegovy can slow stomach emptying, the absorption of some oral medicines may be altered; your prescriber will advise if timing adjustments are sensible for you. If you use insulin or secretagogues for diabetes, the combined effect on glucose control can increase hypo risk unless doses are reviewed. For planned procedures under sedation or anaesthesia, teams may give specific instructions about your weekly dose to reduce aspiration risk. Always share a full, up-to-date medication list, including over-the-counter and herbal products.

Why interactions are limited

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, works by mimicking the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone. Because of this, it does not directly interact with most medicines through the liver or kidneys in the way some drugs do. Clinical studies have not shown major clashes with common treatments for conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, or thyroid function. However, as with any new prescription, prescribers check for possible overlaps or timing issues to keep treatment safe.

Slower stomach emptying and absorption

One of Wegovy’s effects is modestly slowing gastric emptying, which can influence how quickly oral medicines are absorbed. For most drugs, this delay has little clinical impact, but in certain cases prescribers may suggest timing adjustments. For example, medicines that need quick absorption, such as some painkillers, antibiotics, or thyroid tablets, may be better taken at a different time of day. This is decided case by case, with prescribers advising based on the individual’s regimen.

Diabetes medicines and low blood sugar

The most significant interaction concern arises with medicines for type 2 diabetes. Because Wegovy reduces appetite and calorie intake, blood sugar levels often fall. When combined with insulin or sulfonylureas (a group of tablets sometimes called “secretagogues”), the risk of low blood sugar episodes increases. Clinicians manage this by adjusting doses, monitoring blood sugars more closely, and teaching people how to recognise hypo symptoms. Other classes, such as metformin, are generally unaffected.

Procedures under sedation or anaesthesia

Another practical area is medical procedures. Wegovy delays stomach emptying, which can increase the risk of aspiration (stomach contents entering the lungs) during sedation or anaesthesia. For this reason, surgical teams may advise adjusting the timing of your weekly injection before a planned procedure. The decision depends on the type of operation and the anaesthetist’s guidance. Importantly, this precaution is about safety planning and does not mean the medicine is unsafe overall.

Herbal and over-the-counter products

People sometimes forget to mention supplements or non-prescription medicines, but these can matter too. While Wegovy itself is unlikely to interact chemically with common supplements, products that affect digestion or blood sugar could complicate its effects. Herbal remedies marketed for weight loss, for example, may add gastrointestinal side effects or cause unpredictable results. That is why prescribers ask for a full, up-to-date medication list, including vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs.

Putting it all together

Wegovy has relatively few direct drug interactions, but its effects on appetite, digestion, and blood sugar mean some medicines require extra care. The most important considerations are adjusting diabetes treatments to avoid hypoglycaemia, checking timing for oral drugs that need quick absorption, and planning around procedures involving sedation. Sharing a complete medication list, including supplements, gives prescribers the information they need to keep treatment safe. Putting it all together, the key is not avoiding Wegovy because of interactions, but using it under supervision where adjustments can be made when necessary.