How Long Does Semaglutide Stay In Your System?
You’re ready to stop taking semaglutide. Has the medication helped you reach your goal weight? Are you able to manage your weight without medicine? Have you had lingering side effects from semaglutide that are making your daily life difficult?
There might be several reasons you’ve decided to stop semaglutide. Like any medication, it might not mesh with your body or lifestyle. Even if you saw results, you might have had digestive issues that made you choose to change course and try a different weight loss medication.
Whether you’re anxious to start another medicine or want to know when you can expect the side effects to fade, you’re here to find out how long semaglutide takes to leave your system.
What Are The Side Effects Of Semaglutide?
Most of the side effects of semaglutide impact your stomach or other areas of your digestive system. They can range from mild to moderate. Side effects sometimes interfere with your day-to-day routines. These symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Abdominal bloating
- Flatulence
- Belching
- Indigestion
- Acid reflux
Can You Have Withdrawal Symptoms When You Quit Taking Semaglutide?
Taking semaglutide lowers your blood sugar. When you stop your doses, you may experience an increase in your glucose levels. This can lead to a few withdrawal symptoms, including:
- An increase in blood sugar levels
- Weight gain
- Elevated blood pressure
- Appetite increase
- Feeling less satisfied after meals
As your blood sugar regulates you might also notice a few temporary symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). This can cause:
- Dry mouth
- Sweet-smelling breath
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Vomiting
How Long Will Semaglutide Stay In Your Body?
Each injection of semaglutide is active in your body for 7 days. It can take over a month for your body to adjust to the medicine when you start your injections. It will take roughly the same amount of time to see the effects of the medicine fade once you stop taking it. After 4 to 5 weeks of not receiving injections, your system should be clear of semaglutide.
How Can You Decrease Withdrawal Symptoms?
There are a few things you can try to limit withdrawal symptoms when you decide to stop your semaglutide injections.
One method is to let your body adjust to being off semaglutide. Start by slowly lowering your dosage. A gradual change versus an abrupt withdrawal can make all the difference in helping you have a smooth transition.
Another way to help your body prepare to part ways with semaglutide is to plan ahead. Simple changes like adding more protein to your diet will help you feel fuller after meals. This way, you won’t be tempted to reach for a snack an hour after lunch or dinner. Keeping your exercise routine in place will work with your body to prevent unwanted weight gain as you come off semaglutide.
Lastly, but most importantly, always talk to your provider before you stop taking semaglutide–or even before you begin easing yourself off it. They can give you more insight into what to do and how to help with any withdrawal symptoms you may develop.
Allure Esthetic: The Answer To Your Weight Loss Questions
The truth is that everyone’s body reacts differently to weight loss medication. If semaglutide hasn’t worked for you (or the side effects have been too much to handle), reach out to Allure Esthetic. Our providers are trained to help you find the best weight loss program while focusing on your unique needs. Call or text (206) 209-0988 to learn more today.