Pick what you’re dealing with. You’ll get the general self-care basics,what to ask before adding any medicine, the red flags that mean don’t wait — and the sources behind it. It’s education; it never tells you to take a specific drug.
Read this first. These are general measures, not a prescription or advice about your situation. Always check with your clinician or pharmacist before adding any medicine or supplement — including over-the-counter ones like laxatives, anti-diarrheals, or antacids — because some interact with GLP-1s or aren’t right for everyone. If a red flag applies, seek care; in an emergency call your local emergency number.
Gut & digestion
Whole-body & energy
Nutrition & body
Blood sugar
Injection & skin
Mood & wellbeing
Serious — seek care
Nausea
Why it happens
GLP-1 medicines slow how fast the stomach empties and act on the brain's appetite and nausea centres, so food sits longer and many people feel queasy. It is the most common side effect, usually worst in the first weeks and just after a dose increase, and it tends to ease over time.
General self-care basics
Eat smaller portions more often instead of large meals
Favour bland, low-fat, easy-to-digest foods such as crackers, toast, rice, or plain apple
Eat slowly and stop at the first sign of fullness
Sip water or other fluids steadily through the day to stay hydrated
Ginger or peppermint tea may help settle queasiness for some people
Avoid greasy, fried, very sweet, or strong-smelling foods while symptoms are bad
Do not lie down straight after eating; get some fresh air or take a short, gentle walk
Before any medicine — ask first
Ask your clinician or pharmacist before starting any anti-sickness medicine or supplement, including over-the-counter products, because some interact with other medicines or are not right for everyone.
Red flags — don’t wait
Vomiting so persistent you cannot keep any fluids down for more than a day
Signs of dehydration: dizziness, very dark urine, passing little or no urine
Severe or constant abdominal pain, especially if it spreads to your back
The same slowed stomach emptying and brain-level nausea signalling can tip over into vomiting, most often early in treatment or after a dose step-up. Repeated vomiting matters mainly because it can cause dehydration.
General self-care basics
Pause solid food briefly, then reintroduce small amounts of bland food as it settles
Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink to replace lost fluids
Once steadier, return to smaller, more frequent meals rather than large ones
Avoid high-fat and very large meals that are harder to keep down
Rest sitting upright rather than lying flat
Before any medicine — ask first
Ask your clinician or pharmacist before using any anti-sickness or rehydration product, since some interact with other medicines or are not suitable for everyone.
Red flags — don’t wait
Unable to keep any fluids down for more than 24 hours, or signs of dehydration
Vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds
Severe abdominal pain or a swollen, distended belly
No bowel movement or wind together with a bloated belly (possible blockage)
GLP-1 medicines slow movement through the gut, and because appetite is lower you often eat and drink less. Together that means stool moves more slowly and can become harder and less frequent.
General self-care basics
Increase fibre gradually from food such as vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and legumes
Drink more fluids, especially water, spread through the day
Build in regular gentle physical activity such as daily walking
Do not ignore the urge to go, and try to keep a regular toilet routine
Before any medicine — ask first
Ask your clinician or pharmacist before using any laxative, fibre supplement, or stool softener, because the right choice depends on your situation and some are not suitable for everyone.
Red flags — don’t wait
No bowel movement for several days together with bloating, a swollen belly, or vomiting (possible bowel obstruction or ileus)
GLP-1 medicines change how quickly the gut moves and how it handles fluid, so some people get loose or frequent stools. This tends to be more common with longer-acting agents, and the main risk from ongoing diarrhoea is dehydration.
General self-care basics
Keep well hydrated and replace lost fluids with water or an oral rehydration drink
Eat smaller, plainer meals while symptoms settle
Limit caffeine, alcohol, and very fatty foods
Cut back on sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol (often in sugar-free products)
Ease back temporarily on very high-fibre foods if they make it worse
Before any medicine — ask first
Ask your clinician or pharmacist before using any anti-diarrhoeal medicine, probiotic, or supplement, since some interact with other medicines or are not right for everyone.
Red flags — don’t wait
Diarrhoea that keeps going with signs of dehydration (dizziness, very dark urine, little urination)
Because the stomach empties more slowly, food and acid sit there longer and can rise back up into the food pipe, causing a burning feeling in the chest or throat or a sour taste. Pre-existing reflux can feel worse during treatment.
General self-care basics
Eat smaller, lower-fat meals rather than large ones
Avoid common triggers such as spicy, fatty, fried, and acidic foods, plus caffeine, alcohol, and fizzy drinks
Do not lie down for 2 to 3 hours after eating, and avoid eating close to bedtime
Raise the head of the bed slightly if reflux is worse at night
Eat slowly and stop before feeling overly full
Before any medicine — ask first
Ask your clinician or pharmacist before using any antacid or other reflux medicine, because some interact with other medicines and the right option depends on your situation.
Red flags — don’t wait
Difficulty or pain when swallowing, or food feeling stuck
Vomiting blood, or black, tarry stools
Chest pain (which always needs assessment to rule out a heart cause)
Unintentional, rapid weight loss beyond what is expected
With slower stomach and gut movement, food lingers and ferments and gas is produced and trapped, leading to a swollen, full feeling and more wind. It is common and usually settles as your body adjusts.
General self-care basics
Eat slowly and avoid gulping, which swallows less air
Choose smaller meals more often rather than large ones
Avoid carbonated (fizzy) drinks
Cut back temporarily on foods you notice produce a lot of gas
Chew food thoroughly and take a gentle walk after meals
Before any medicine — ask first
Ask your clinician or pharmacist before using any anti-gas product, digestive enzyme, or supplement, since some interact with other medicines or are not right for everyone.
Red flags — don’t wait
Bloating lasting several days with no bowel movement or wind
A hard, swollen, distended belly with vomiting or severe pain (possible obstruction)
When the stomach empties more slowly, food sits longer and can ferment; gut bacteria break it down and release hydrogen sulfide gas, which gives burps a rotten-egg smell. It often comes with bloating and a full feeling.
General self-care basics
Eat smaller, lower-fat meals more often and eat slowly
Avoid carbonated (fizzy) drinks
Some people find it helps to cut back temporarily on very high-sulfur foods such as eggs, garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables
Stay well hydrated and take a gentle walk after meals
Before any medicine — ask first
Ask your clinician or pharmacist before trying any digestive enzyme, antacid, or other remedy, because some interact with other medicines or are not right for everyone.
Red flags — don’t wait
Sulfur burps together with persistent vomiting or severe abdominal pain
Signs of a blockage: a swollen belly with no bowel movement or wind
Slower stomach emptying and changed gut movement can cause crampy fullness or mild belly discomfort, which is common and usually eases. The important thing is to tell mild, passing discomfort apart from severe or persistent pain, which can signal a serious problem such as pancreatitis or a blockage.
General self-care basics
Eat smaller, lower-fat meals and avoid overeating
Take gentle movement such as a short walk, and rest comfortably
Stay well hydrated through the day
Note when discomfort happens and how severe it is so you can share a clear picture with your clinician
Before any medicine — ask first
Ask your clinician or pharmacist before taking any pain reliever or supplement for belly pain, since some can mask or worsen the problem or interact with other medicines.
Red flags — don’t wait
Severe or persistent abdominal pain, especially if it spreads to the back with nausea or vomiting (possible pancreatitis — seek urgent care)
A swollen belly with no bowel movement or wind, or repeated vomiting (possible obstruction)
Fever, or being unable to keep fluids down
The product labels advise pausing the medicine if pancreatitis is suspected — an urgent decision to make with your clinician, not alone
GLP-1 medicines blunt appetite, so many people eat and drink less and lose weight quickly; lower calorie and fluid intake, GI side effects, and shifting blood sugar can all leave you feeling drained, especially while the dose is being increased. Fatigue is listed as a common adverse reaction on the prescribing label and often eases as your body adjusts.
General self-care basics
Eat regular, balanced meals with protein at each one even when your appetite is low, rather than skipping meals
Drink fluids steadily through the day, since reduced thirst and appetite make under-hydration easy
Keep gentle daily movement (a short walk) and a consistent sleep and wake schedule
Pace yourself during dose increases and build in rest; this phase is usually temporary
Track energy alongside food and fluid intake so you can spot patterns to share with your clinician
Before any medicine — ask first
Before starting any supplement, vitamin, energy product, or OTC medicine for tiredness, ask your clinician or pharmacist first; some interact with your other medicines or are not right for everyone.
Red flags — don’t wait
Fatigue with chest pain, breathlessness, or fainting
Signs of severe dehydration (little or no urine, very dark urine, confusion)
Symptoms of very low blood sugar such as shakiness, sweating, confusion, or palpitations
Sudden or extreme exhaustion you cannot function with
Headache is a recognised side effect of GLP-1 therapy and shows a consistent signal in safety-reporting data. It is often linked to dehydration from reduced fluid intake or GI symptoms, and to blood-sugar fluctuations during the early weeks.
General self-care basics
Drink fluids regularly through the day rather than waiting until you feel thirsty
Eat regular, balanced meals to keep blood sugar steady and avoid long gaps
Keep a consistent sleep routine and limit alcohol
Reduce eye and screen strain and take breaks during long focused work
Rest in a quiet, dark room when a headache starts, and note possible triggers
Before any medicine — ask first
Before taking any pain reliever or supplement for headaches, ask your clinician or pharmacist; some OTC painkillers interact with other medicines or are unsuitable depending on your kidney, stomach, or blood-pressure situation.
Red flags — don’t wait
A sudden, severe 'worst-ever' or thunderclap headache
Headache with vision changes, weakness or numbness, slurred speech, or confusion
Headache with a stiff neck and fever
A headache after a head injury, or one that steadily worsens and won't ease
Dizziness can come from dehydration, a drop in blood pressure (especially when standing up), or low blood sugar. It is listed as a common side effect and is more likely during dose increases or when you are eating and drinking less than usual.
General self-care basics
Stand up slowly from sitting or lying down, and steady yourself before walking
Stay hydrated and avoid long gaps without food
Sit or lie down as soon as you feel lightheaded, and clear walkways to prevent falls
Avoid sudden hot environments (hot showers, saunas) that can lower blood pressure
Note when dizziness happens (on standing, before meals, after exercise) to share with your clinician
Before any medicine — ask first
Before adjusting any blood-pressure or diabetes medicine, or adding electrolyte or other supplements, ask your clinician or pharmacist; some combinations can lower your blood pressure or blood sugar too far.
Red flags — don’t wait
Fainting or near-fainting
Dizziness with chest pain, palpitations, or breathlessness
Slurred speech, one-sided weakness or numbness, or sudden vision loss
Severe or persistent spinning (vertigo) that stops you functioning
Reduced appetite and thirst, plus fluid losses from nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, can quietly lower your fluid intake. The prescribing label notes that, in some people, dehydration from GI side effects has led to acute kidney injury, with the highest risk during dose initiation and escalation.
General self-care basics
Sip fluids steadily through the day instead of relying on thirst, which can be blunted
Increase fluids during any episode of vomiting or diarrhoea to replace losses
Include water-rich foods such as soups, broths, and fruit
Check your urine colour as a rough guide; pale is reassuring, dark suggests you need more
Keep a water bottle visible as a reminder during titration
Before any medicine — ask first
Before using oral rehydration salts, electrolyte products, or pausing or changing a diuretic ('water pill'), ask your clinician or pharmacist so the plan fits your kidney and heart situation.
Red flags — don’t wait
Unable to keep fluids down for many hours
Little or no urination, or very dark urine
Dizziness or fainting, rapid heartbeat, or confusion
Signs of possible kidney problems such as marked reduction in urine — seek urgent care
GLP-1 medicines are associated with a small average rise in resting heart rate, and some people become more aware of their heartbeat. Dehydration, low blood sugar, caffeine, poor sleep, and anxiety can all make palpitations more noticeable.
General self-care basics
Note common triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, dehydration, poor sleep, or stress, and reduce the ones you can
Stay well hydrated and eat regularly to avoid blood-sugar dips
Limit caffeine and other stimulants, especially later in the day
Try slow paced breathing or relaxation when you feel your heart racing
Keep a log of when palpitations happen and how long they last to share with your clinician
Before any medicine — ask first
Before using caffeine tablets, stimulant pre-workout products, decongestants, or any supplement, ask your clinician or pharmacist; many raise heart rate or interact with your medicines.
Red flags — don’t wait
Palpitations with chest pain or pressure
Breathlessness, fainting, or near-fainting
A sustained fast or irregular pulse that does not settle
Palpitations with severe dizziness or sweating — seek urgent care
Some people notice changes in their sleep on GLP-1 therapy, and safety-reporting data show a sleep-disturbance signal. Indirect factors such as nausea, reflux, overnight blood-sugar dips, or dehydration can disrupt sleep, while for others weight loss may improve sleep over time.
General self-care basics
Keep a consistent sleep and wake schedule, including weekends
Avoid large or fatty meals and alcohol close to bedtime, which can also reduce reflux
Limit caffeine in the afternoon and evening
Build a wind-down routine and keep the bedroom dark, quiet, and cool
Get some daytime light and gentle activity to support your sleep rhythm
Before any medicine — ask first
Before using any sleep aid, melatonin, or other supplement, ask your clinician or pharmacist; some interact with your medicines or are not right for everyone.
Red flags — don’t wait
Loud snoring with witnessed pauses in breathing or gasping/choking in sleep
Severe daytime sleepiness that affects driving or daily safety
Persistent low mood, anxiety, or any thoughts of self-harm — seek care promptly; in the US you can call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) at any time
GLP-1 medicines blunt appetite and slow stomach emptying, so it is easy to eat far below what your body needs without feeling hungry. Over time that can leave you short on protein, energy, and fluids, and feeling weak or run-down.
General self-care basics
Eat on a schedule rather than waiting to feel hungry - small, regular meals and snacks across the day.
Make every bite count: put protein-rich foods first at each meal (eggs, fish, poultry, beans, dairy or soy).
Choose nutrient-dense, easy-to-eat options when appetite is low, such as yoghurt, smoothies, soups, or soft cooked foods.
Sip fluids steadily through the day to stay hydrated, especially if you have any nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea.
Treat low energy, weakness, dizziness, or low mood as signals that your intake may be too low.
Keep a simple food-and-symptom journal so you can spot days when you consistently under-eat.
Consider working with a registered dietitian for an eating plan matched to your appetite and goals.
Before any medicine — ask first
Before starting any supplement, meal-replacement shake, or over-the-counter product to make up for low intake, check with your clinician or pharmacist first - some are not right for everyone and a few interact with other medicines or conditions.
Red flags — don’t wait
Fainting, repeated dizziness, or confusion.
Signs of dehydration: very dark urine, passing little or no urine, dry mouth, rapid heartbeat.
Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea with inability to keep fluids down.
Shakiness, sweating, or confusion that could signal low blood sugar (a higher risk if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea).
Falling into severe food restriction, or thoughts of harming yourself - in the US, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) and seek prompt help.
Some of the weight lost on GLP-1 therapy comes from muscle, not only fat - reviews of clinical trials estimate roughly a quarter to a third of total weight lost is lean tissue. Losing muscle can reduce strength and is a bigger concern as you get older.
General self-care basics
Prioritise protein and spread it across your meals, not just one a day, even when appetite is low.
Do regular resistance or strength work (bodyweight moves, resistance bands, or weights) to signal your body to keep muscle.
Stay generally active day to day - walking, stairs, carrying things.
Do not let reduced appetite crowd out protein: eat the protein part of the meal first.
Track your strength or how everyday tasks feel (and body composition if you have access) so you notice changes early.
Before any medicine — ask first
Before starting protein powders, amino-acid, creatine, or any muscle-support supplement, ask your clinician or pharmacist - they can confirm an appropriate protein target for your age, weight, and kidney health, and check for interactions.
Red flags — don’t wait
Rapid, marked weakness or visible muscle wasting.
Repeated falls, or new trouble rising from a chair or climbing stairs.
Muscle pain together with dark or cola-coloured urine.
Unintended muscle and weight loss that keeps accelerating - get evaluated.
Rapid weight loss - rather than the drug acting on hair directly - can push many hair follicles into a resting, shedding phase called telogen effluvium. It typically begins a few months after fast weight loss, is non-scarring, and usually recovers once weight stabilises.
General self-care basics
Reassure yourself it is usually self-limited; hair generally regrows once weight and nutrition steady.
Support hair with adequate overall nutrition and protein, since under-eating makes shedding worse.
Where possible, aim for steadier, more gradual weight loss rather than very rapid loss.
Be gentle with hair: avoid tight styles, harsh heat, and aggressive brushing while shedding.
If shedding is heavy or prolonged, ask your clinician about checking for treatable contributors such as low iron or thyroid problems.
Before any medicine — ask first
Before trying minoxidil, biotin, or other hair supplements or products, ask your clinician or pharmacist - some supplements interact with medicines, can distort lab tests (biotin can), or are not right for everyone.
Red flags — don’t wait
Patchy bald spots rather than diffuse thinning.
Scalp redness, scaling, scarring, or pain.
Hair loss with other symptoms such as marked fatigue or very heavy periods (possible iron or thyroid issue) - get evaluated.
Eating much less food means fewer vitamins and minerals coming in. GLP-1 drugs do not block absorption the way some weight-loss surgeries can, but lower, less-varied intake can lead to gaps in nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium over time.
General self-care basics
Build small meals around varied, nutrient-dense whole foods rather than refined snacks.
Include iron sources (lean meat, beans, lentils, leafy greens), calcium sources (dairy or fortified alternatives), and oily fish or eggs.
Avoid layering a restrictive elimination diet on top of already-reduced appetite, which sharply raises the risk of gaps.
Ask your care team about checking key nutrients at baseline and periodically while intake is low.
Work with a dietitian to close gaps with food first where possible.
Before any medicine — ask first
Before starting a multivitamin or any single supplement (iron, B12, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium), ask your clinician or pharmacist - the right choice, dose, and timing differ by person, and some interact with other medicines or conditions.
Red flags — don’t wait
Severe fatigue, breathlessness, or pallor (possible anaemia).
Tingling or numbness in hands or feet (possible B12 deficiency).
Persistent muscle cramps, palpitations, or irregular heartbeat (possible magnesium or potassium issue).
Bone pain or frequent fractures - seek evaluation.
GLP-1 receptors sit on taste cells and taste-related nerve pathways, so these medicines can dull or alter taste - often a metallic or salty taste, blunted sweetness, or foods tasting off. It is usually most noticeable early in treatment or after a dose increase and tends to ease over a few weeks.
General self-care basics
Know it is often temporary and commonly settles as your body adjusts.
Keep meals appealing with herbs, citrus, spices, and varied textures rather than reaching for extra salt or sugar.
Stay hydrated and keep up oral hygiene, since a dry or coated mouth worsens taste.
Do not force foods you now dislike - pivot to nutrient-dense options you can tolerate so your overall intake stays adequate.
Try foods at cooler temperatures or with tart, fresh flavours if a metallic taste is bothersome.
Before any medicine — ask first
Before using any mouth rinse, zinc lozenge, saliva-substitute product, or supplement to improve taste, ask your clinician or pharmacist - some interact with medicines or are not suitable for everyone.
Red flags — don’t wait
Complete loss of taste or smell that does not recover.
Mouth pain, ulcers, or signs of oral infection.
Taste change with trouble or pain on swallowing.
Taste loss severe enough that you can barely eat or drink - seek care to protect your nutrition and hydration.
"Ozempic face" is a media nickname, not a labelled side effect or medical diagnosis. Rapid loss of facial fat (and some muscle) during fast weight loss can leave cheeks and temples looking hollow or aged - this happens with any large, quick weight loss, not just GLP-1 medicines.
General self-care basics
Where possible, aim for steadier, more gradual weight loss to give skin time to adapt.
Keep protein intake adequate and stay well hydrated to support skin and muscle.
Protect skin daily with sunscreen and a simple, consistent skincare routine.
Maintain overall muscle with regular resistance training.
Remember the change carries no health risk on its own; any cosmetic treatment is optional and a personal choice.
Before any medicine — ask first
Before using any cosmetic product, supplement (such as collagen), or procedure, talk with your clinician or a board-certified dermatologist, and check any topical or supplement with your pharmacist for interactions.
Red flags — don’t wait
Rapid, unintended weight loss beyond your plan, or facial hollowing alongside symptoms like weakness or fatigue - see your clinician.
If changes in appearance cause significant distress or any thoughts of self-harm, seek support; in the US, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).
On their own, GLP-1 medicines rarely cause low blood sugar, but combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea (an insulin-releasing pill) they can push glucose too low — and reduced appetite or smaller meals on a GLP-1 can make a low more likely. A low happens when there is more glucose-lowering effect than the food in your system can balance.
General self-care basics
Learn your own early warning signs of a low — shakiness, sweating, hunger, a fast heartbeat, irritability, dizziness, or trouble concentrating.
If you self-monitor, check your glucose when symptoms appear instead of guessing, and treat a confirmed low promptly with a fast-acting carbohydrate such as glucose tablets, juice, or regular (non-diet) soda; recheck after a short wait and repeat if still low (the standard '15-15' approach your clinician can walk you through).
Carry a fast-acting sugar source with you, and keep one where you sleep, drive, and exercise.
Be extra alert to lows when a meal is skipped or smaller than usual (common when GLP-1 nausea blunts appetite), after alcohol, or with extra physical activity.
Tell the people around you what a low looks like and how they can help.
Keep a simple log of any lows — the time, likely trigger, and how you felt — to review with your clinician.
Before any medicine — ask first
Before changing, adding, or stopping any medicine or supplement — including over-the-counter products — ask your clinician or pharmacist; GLP-1 medicines taken with insulin or a sulfonylurea can raise the risk of lows, and those other doses may need review rather than self-adjustment.
Red flags — don’t wait
Confusion, slurred speech, or unusual behavior
Seizure or convulsions
Loss of consciousness, or being unable to wake someone
Lows that keep returning or do not come back up after treating them
Reduced ability to feel lows (hypoglycemia unawareness)
Why it happens
Repeated low blood sugars can blunt the body's warning symptoms over time, so glucose can fall dangerously low before you notice anything. This matters most for people using insulin or a sulfonylurea alongside a GLP-1.
General self-care basics
Be aware that frequent lows can dull your warning symptoms, so you may drop low without feeling it.
If you use a glucose meter or a continuous glucose monitor, lean on the numbers and alerts rather than only on how you feel.
Check your glucose before driving or operating machinery if you have had recent lows.
Avoiding further lows for a stretch of time can help your warning symptoms return — work out how with your clinician.
Ask the people you live with to learn the signs of a low and how to help.
Before any medicine — ask first
Ask your clinician or pharmacist before adjusting any diabetes medicine or starting a supplement; fading warning symptoms usually mean the treatment plan needs professional review, not self-adjustment.
Red flags — don’t wait
Noticing you no longer feel lows you used to feel
Confusion, slurred speech, or unusual behavior
Seizure, fainting, or loss of consciousness
A severe low needing someone else's help to recover
A severely low blood sugar starves the brain of fuel and can cause seizures, unconsciousness, or death. It needs urgent outside help — it is not something to manage alone at home.
General self-care basics
Treat a severe low as an emergency, not a problem to handle by yourself.
Call 911 (or your local emergency number) right away if a person with diabetes is severely confused, having a seizure, or cannot be woken.
If a glucagon kit or nasal glucagon has been prescribed, a trained family member or friend should give it as directed while emergency help is on the way.
Do not put food or drink into the mouth of someone who is unconscious or cannot swallow safely.
After any severe low, contact the clinician promptly to review what happened and reassess the treatment plan.
Before any medicine — ask first
Ask your clinician or pharmacist whether you should carry a glucagon prescription and how the people around you can be trained — and review any medicine or supplement change with them first.
Red flags — don’t wait
Seizure or convulsions
Unconsciousness or being unable to wake the person
Severe confusion, or inability to swallow safely
A low that does not improve after treatment
Any severe low needing another person's help to recover
Early eye changes when blood sugar improves quickly
Why it happens
When long-standing high blood sugar improves quickly, the small blood vessels in the retina can temporarily worsen — a known phenomenon called early worsening of diabetic retinopathy. It is usually transient, but the risk is higher for people who already have retinopathy, so eye monitoring matters.
General self-care basics
Have a baseline eye (retinal) exam around the time glucose-lowering treatment is starting or being intensified, and keep your recommended follow-up eye exams.
Tell your eye specialist and prescriber if you have any history of diabetic retinopathy — the early-worsening risk is higher in that group.
Report new vision changes promptly rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Keep the bigger picture in mind: steady long-term glucose control protects the eyes, and early worsening is usually temporary — but it still needs monitoring.
Before any medicine — ask first
Ask your clinician or pharmacist before making any change aimed at how fast your glucose is lowered, and ask how often your eyes should be checked while your control improves; do not adjust medicines or add supplements on your own.
Red flags — don’t wait
Sudden loss of vision or a sudden drop in how well you see
New floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain across your vision
GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP medicines are given as a shot under the skin, and the body can react locally where the needle goes in — producing redness, mild swelling, a firm lump, warmth, or itching. In clinical trials these localised reactions were uncommon and usually mild, and most settle on their own over a few days.
General self-care basics
Rotate where you inject each time, keeping new spots at least about an inch (1 cm or more) from recent ones, so the same patch of skin gets time to recover
Choose a site that looks healthy before injecting — avoid skin that is red, swollen, scarred, lumpy, bruised, or irritated
Let a refrigerated pen come up to room temperature before injecting and use a fresh needle each time, which many patient guides link to more comfortable injections
Inject slowly and steadily, then press clean gauze on the spot for a few seconds afterwards rather than rubbing
A short, gentle cool compress on a sore or itchy spot afterwards can ease discomfort
Keep a simple log of which sites you used and any reactions so you and your clinician can spot patterns
Before any medicine — ask first
Before using any cream, antihistamine, or other product (including over-the-counter ones) on a reaction, ask your clinician or pharmacist — some are not right for everyone and a few can interact with other treatments.
Red flags — don’t wait
Spreading redness, increasing pain, warmth, red streaks, pus, or a fever — possible infection that needs prompt care
A reaction that keeps getting worse over several days or does not settle
Hives, widespread rash, swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat, trouble breathing, dizziness or fainting — signs of a severe allergic reaction; seek emergency care immediately
Skin irritation, rash, or itching at or near the injection area
Why it happens
Skin around an injection can become irritated, itchy, or develop a rash — sometimes from the needle and skin contact, and occasionally as a local hypersensitivity response to the medicine. The product labels list itching (pruritus), redness (erythema), and irritation among reported injection-site effects, usually mild and short-lived.
General self-care basics
Keep the skin clean and dry and avoid scratching, which can worsen irritation and break the skin
Rotate injection sites and avoid re-using a spot that is currently irritated until it has fully recovered
Avoid injecting through lotions, perfumes, or freshly applied products; let cleaned skin dry before injecting
A gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser on nearby intact (non-injected) skin can help if dryness is contributing to itch
Wear loose, breathable clothing over an irritated area to reduce friction
Note timing — whether irritation follows each dose and how long it lasts — to share with your clinician
Before any medicine — ask first
Ask your clinician or pharmacist before applying any medicated cream, steroid cream, or taking any anti-itch or antihistamine product (including over-the-counter) — some interact with other medicines or are not suitable for everyone.
Red flags — don’t wait
Rash that spreads well beyond the injection site, blistering, or skin peeling
Hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, wheezing or difficulty breathing — possible severe allergic reaction; seek emergency care immediately
Signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, red streaks, or fever
Itching or rash that is severe, persistent, or interfering with sleep or daily life
A bruise forms when the needle nicks a tiny blood vessel under the skin and a small amount of blood leaks into the surrounding tissue. It is a common, generally harmless consequence of subcutaneous injections and usually fades on its own over days to a couple of weeks.
General self-care basics
After injecting, press clean gauze gently on the spot and hold steady pressure for several seconds rather than rubbing
Inject slowly and steadily; gentle technique and brief firm pressure are linked to less bruising and pain in subcutaneous-injection studies
Rotate sites so you are not repeatedly injecting into the same small area
Choose skin that is free of existing bruises, lumps, or visible veins before injecting
A short cool compress over a fresh bruise can be soothing; once a bruise is a day or two old, it will resolve on its own as it changes colour and fades
Tell your clinician or pharmacist if you take any medicine or supplement that affects bleeding or bruising, so they can advise on technique
Before any medicine — ask first
Before taking or applying anything for bruising — including supplements, arnica, or pain relievers — check with your clinician or pharmacist, because some products affect bleeding or interact with other medicines and are not right for everyone.
Red flags — don’t wait
Large, painful, or rapidly spreading bruises, or bruising that appears very easily or without obvious cause
A hard, growing lump at the site, or bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure
Bruises with increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or fever — possible infection
Bruising alongside unusual bleeding elsewhere (gums, nose, blood in urine or stool) — seek prompt medical advice
GLP-1 medicines act on brain circuits involved in appetite and reward, and some people notice flatter or lower mood during treatment. Rapidly cutting how much you eat and drink, eating too little protein, poor sleep, and the stress of a big lifestyle change can each drag mood down on their own, so the cause is usually a mix rather than the drug alone.
General self-care basics
Eat regularly even when appetite is low — skipping meals and under-eating can worsen energy and mood; aim for steady protein and a balanced plate rather than going long stretches on almost nothing
Stay well hydrated across the day, since dehydration can amplify fatigue and low mood
Protect a regular sleep schedule with consistent wake and sleep times and daylight exposure in the morning
Build in gentle daily movement such as walking — physical activity is one of the best-supported general supports for mood
Schedule small, meaningful or pleasant activities and keep them on the calendar even when motivation is low, rather than waiting to feel like it
Stay socially connected and tell at least one person you trust how you are feeling
Go easy on alcohol, which is a depressant and can interact with how you feel on these medicines
Track your mood (for example a simple 1-10 each day) alongside appetite, sleep, and food intake so you and your clinician can see patterns
Before any medicine — ask first
Talk to your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medicine or supplement for mood or sleep — including over-the-counter and herbal products like St John's Wort — because some interact with your other medicines or are not right for everyone.
Red flags — don’t wait
New or worsening depression, or mood that keeps sinking over days to weeks
Any thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or feeling that life is not worth living — get help now: call or text 988 (US Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), or call 911 / go to the nearest emergency department
Being unable to function, work, eat, or care for yourself
Sudden, severe, or rapidly worsening mood changes, or others noticing you seem 'not yourself'
Loss of motivation, drive, or enjoyment (anhedonia / emotional blunting)
Why it happens
Because GLP-1 medicines quiet the brain's reward signals — the same effect that reduces food cravings and 'food noise' — some people report that food, hobbies, socialising, or sex feel less rewarding, or that they feel flat or unmotivated. This 'blah' or blunted feeling is discussed by patients and clinicians, though it is not an officially listed side effect and the evidence is still emerging.
General self-care basics
Use behavioural activation: plan and do small, valued activities on a schedule even when the desire to do them is missing — action often comes before motivation returns
Keep up movement and time outdoors, which support drive, energy, and reward processing
Make sure you are actually eating enough and getting adequate protein and nutrients, since under-fuelling can look and feel like low motivation and fatigue
Keep a consistent daily structure and sleep routine to support energy and concentration
Stay connected to people and activities you valued before, rather than withdrawing, even in small doses
Notice and write down what still gives you a spark versus what feels flat, and bring that to your clinician
Avoid using extra alcohol or stimulants to 'feel something' — they tend to worsen flatness over time
Before any medicine — ask first
Ask your clinician or pharmacist before adding any supplement, stimulant, or over-the-counter product aimed at energy, focus, or mood — some interact with your medicines or carry risks, and they are not right for everyone.
Red flags — don’t wait
Flatness or loss of interest that deepens into persistent depression, hopelessness, or inability to enjoy anything
Any thoughts of self-harm or suicide — get help now: call or text 988 (US Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), or call 911 / go to the nearest emergency department
Emotional numbness severe enough that you stop eating, caring for yourself, or meeting basic responsibilities
Disordered-eating warning signs — using reduced appetite to skip meals, restrict severely, or compensate with excessive exercise; raise this with your clinician promptly
Starting a new medicine, blood-sugar shifts, sleep disruption, dehydration, and the stress of changing eating habits can all leave people feeling anxious, jittery, or on edge during GLP-1 treatment. Pharmacovigilance reports list anxiety among possible psychiatric symptoms, though large trial reviews have not found a clear increase, so day-to-day triggers matter as much as the drug.
General self-care basics
Practise simple, evidence-based calming skills such as slow paced breathing, grounding, or brief mindfulness when anxiety spikes
Keep blood sugar and hydration steady by eating regular, balanced meals and drinking fluids rather than going long periods without food or water
Limit or cut caffeine and energy drinks, which can mimic and worsen anxiety symptoms
Get regular movement and protect your sleep, both of which lower baseline anxiety
Reduce alcohol, which can worsen rebound anxiety, especially overnight
Keep a consistent daily routine and break big tasks into small steps to reduce overwhelm
Track when anxiety happens (time of day, around doses, hunger, sleep) to share patterns with your clinician
Before any medicine — ask first
Check with your clinician or pharmacist before taking anything for anxiety or sleep — including over-the-counter antihistamines, herbal calming products, or supplements — because some interact with your medicines or are not safe for everyone.
Red flags — don’t wait
Panic attacks that keep recurring or do not settle, or anxiety so severe you cannot function
Any thoughts of self-harm or suicide — get help now: call or text 988 (US Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), or call 911 / go to the nearest emergency department
Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or a racing/irregular heartbeat — treat as an emergency and seek urgent care, since these can have physical causes
New or rapidly worsening anxiety, agitation, or unusual changes in mood or behaviour
GLP-1 medicines slow digestion and have been linked to inflammation of the pancreas, the organ that makes digestive enzymes. When those enzymes activate inside the pancreas instead of the gut, they can damage the organ, which is a medical emergency.
What to do
Treat new, persistent, or severe upper-abdominal pain — especially pain that bores through to your back — as a reason to seek urgent medical care, not something to wait out at home.
Stop and contact your clinician or emergency services promptly rather than taking another dose; the FDA label says the medicine should be paused if pancreatitis is suspected (a decision for your clinician).
While arranging care, note when the pain started, how severe it is, and whether you have nausea or vomiting, so you can tell the clinical team.
Bring or be ready to share your full medication and supplement list, including your GLP-1 product and dose, so the team can evaluate you quickly.
Before any medicine — ask first
Before taking any pain reliever, antacid, anti-nausea product, or supplement (including over-the-counter ones), ask your clinician or pharmacist — some can interact or mask warning signs, and not every product is right for every person.
Red flags — don’t wait
Sudden or severe pain in the upper abdomen, sometimes spreading to the back
Abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting that will not stop
Fever or chills
Fast heartbeat or shortness of breath
Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
Rapid weight loss and the way GLP-1 medicines change digestion can raise the chance of gallstones forming and of the gallbladder becoming inflamed. A stone blocking a bile duct can cause sudden, serious pain and infection.
What to do
Treat steady, severe pain in the upper-right abdomen — particularly after a meal or lasting several hours — as a reason to seek prompt medical assessment.
Seek care right away rather than self-treating if abdominal pain comes with fever, chills, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, which can signal a blocked duct or infection.
Note the timing, location, and triggers of the pain (for example, after fatty meals) to share with your clinician, who may arrange gallbladder imaging.
Do not assume it will pass on its own; an untreated bile-duct or pancreatic-duct blockage can become dangerous.
Before any medicine — ask first
Before starting any 'gallbladder cleanse,' digestive supplement, or over-the-counter remedy, ask your clinician or pharmacist first — these are not a substitute for evaluation and may not be safe for you.
Red flags — don’t wait
Pain in the upper-right or upper-middle abdomen lasting more than a few hours
Fever — even low-grade — or chills
Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
GLP-1 medicines slow how fast the gut moves. In rare cases the bowel can nearly stop (ileus) or become blocked, so food, fluid, and gas cannot pass — a surgical-level emergency. The FDA added ileus and intestinal obstruction to the semaglutide label based on post-marketing reports.
What to do
Treat a swollen, painful belly with vomiting and an inability to pass stool or gas as an emergency — seek urgent care, do not wait it out.
Do not reach for stimulant laxatives or strong stool products to 'force' things through a possible blockage; that can be harmful — get assessed first.
Stop eating solid food and seek medical advice if you have severe, ongoing constipation with cramping and a bloated abdomen, rather than escalating remedies at home.
Be ready to tell the clinical team your last bowel movement, whether you can pass gas, and your GLP-1 product and dose.
Before any medicine — ask first
Before using any laxative, fibre supplement, stool softener, or enema, ask your clinician or pharmacist — with a possible obstruction some of these are unsafe, and the right choice depends on your situation.
Red flags — don’t wait
A swollen, hard, or very tender abdomen
Severe abdominal cramping with vomiting
Inability to pass stool or gas
No bowel movement for several days with worsening pain
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea from GLP-1 medicines — most common when starting or increasing a dose — can cause heavy fluid loss. Severe dehydration can injure the kidneys, sometimes seriously enough to need hospital treatment, which is why the FDA requires a kidney-injury warning on these labels.
What to do
If you can still keep fluids down, take small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink while you arrange to speak with your clinician.
Treat vomiting or diarrhoea that you cannot keep ahead of — or that lasts more than about a day — as a reason to contact your clinician promptly, not to push through.
Watch for the warning signs of dehydration below and seek urgent care if they appear; do not simply skip fluids because you feel too nauseated.
Tell your clinician about persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea early — they may need to check your kidney function or adjust the plan.
Before any medicine — ask first
Before taking any anti-diarrhoea medicine, anti-nausea product, rehydration salts, or supplement (including over-the-counter ones), ask your clinician or pharmacist — some affect the kidneys or interact, and the right choice depends on you.
Red flags — don’t wait
Vomiting or diarrhoea that will not stop or that you cannot keep fluids down with
Very dark urine, or passing little or no urine
Dizziness, fainting, or a racing heartbeat when standing
Extreme thirst, dry mouth, or marked weakness and confusion
Signs your kidneys may be affected: swelling, sharply reduced urination, or severe fatigue
Rarely, the body can mount a severe, whole-body allergic reaction to a GLP-1 medicine. Anaphylaxis and angioedema can swell the airway and drop blood pressure within minutes and are life-threatening, which is why the label lists them as serious hypersensitivity reactions.
What to do
Treat sudden hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing after a dose as a 911-level emergency — call emergency services and go to the nearest ER.
If you have been prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector for known allergies, use it at the first sign of a severe reaction and then still call 911 — do not wait to see whether it passes.
Do not take another dose of the medicine, and tell the emergency team which GLP-1 product you used and when.
Seek emergency evaluation even if symptoms start to improve, because severe reactions can return and need monitoring.
Before any medicine — ask first
Before taking any antihistamine or other over-the-counter allergy remedy in this situation, ask your clinician or pharmacist — these do not treat anaphylaxis and must never delay emergency care.
Red flags — don’t wait
Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or trouble swallowing
Widespread hives or itching with light-headedness
Rapid or weak pulse, sudden weakness, or fainting
Any reaction that feels severe or fast-spreading — call 911
GLP-1 medicines carry an FDA boxed warning because they caused thyroid C-cell tumours in rodents; whether this applies to humans is not known. The label says these medicines should not be used by people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or the genetic condition MEN 2.
What to do
Before starting, make sure your clinician knows your personal and family history of thyroid cancer (especially medullary thyroid carcinoma) or MEN 2 — these are reasons the medicine may not be for you.
This is a context-and-screening warning, not a home-management task: there is nothing to manage at home, but a new neck symptom is worth a prompt, non-emergency clinician visit.
Report a new lump or swelling in the neck, persistent hoarseness, or trouble swallowing to your clinician so it can be evaluated.
Keep any thyroid-related follow-up your clinician recommends rather than ignoring new neck symptoms.
Before any medicine — ask first
Before adding any thyroid, iodine, or 'hormone-support' supplement (including over-the-counter ones), ask your clinician or pharmacist — these can interfere with thyroid testing and are not right for everyone.
Red flags — don’t wait
A new lump or swelling in the neck
Persistent hoarseness or a change in your voice
Trouble swallowing
Shortness of breath or a feeling of pressure in the neck