Wegovy Interactions: What Are The Wegovy Interactions with Other Medications?

Wegovy, an FDA-approved medication for weight loss, has proven to be highly effective in helping people shed pounds and improve their overall health. It’s prescribed to those with a BMI of 30 or higher, or to those with a BMI of 27 or higher who have weight-related health conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure. So, if you’re starting Wegovy, chances are you’re already taking other medications to manage your health.

While each of your medications serve a purpose and may not be harmful on their own, when you introduce multiple medications there is a risk of possible drug interaction. These interactions may affect how well your medications work or could even cause unwanted—and potentially dangerous—side effects.

That’s why it’s important to understand the possible Wegovy interactions with the medications you’re currently taking.

Potential Wegovy Interactions with Other Medications

When starting Wegovy (semaglutide), it’s important to understand how it may interact with other medications in your routine.

First and foremost, due to its mechanism of action, Wegovy can affect the absorption of medications taken by mouth. In some cases, this might alter how well or how quickly those medications work.

There are some known Wegovy interactions to be aware of. Some are considered major and could pose significant risks if not managed properly, while others are moderate but still worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

For example, moderate interactions have been noted with commonly used medications such as:

Albuterol
Progesterone
Sirolimus (rapamycin)

These interactions might not always require adjustments, but your healthcare provider should be aware of them to help you avoid any issues. In addition to these, many people have specific questions about how Wegovy interacts with other common medications:

Wegovy and Insulin

Wegovy has the same active ingredient as Ozempic: semaglutide. If semaglutide is being used to treat type 2 diabetes, there is a chance you may also be taking insulin. There is a possible interaction here.

When combined, Wegovy and insulin can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). While that doesn’t prevent you from using Wegovy, your doctor may have you check your blood sugar more frequently or wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).

Watch out for symptoms of hypoglycemia as this could be dangerous for your health:

Headache
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Nervousness
Confusion
Shaking/tremors
Weakness
Perspiration
Palpitations or rapid heart beat

Wegovy and other GLP-1 medications

While there is no direct interaction between Wegovy and other GLP-1 medications—such as Trulicity, Victoza, or Mounjaro—using them together can increase the risk of side effects. These medications share a similar mechanism of action, targeting the same hormonal systems to regulate appetite, blood sugar, and digestion. Because of this overlap, “double dosing” GLP-1 hormones may amplify side effects, leading to increased discomfort or even potential long-term health concerns.

For this reason, it’s generally not recommended to take multiple GLP-1 medications at the same time. All GLP-1 medications are effective for weight loss, but some may work better for certain individuals based on their unique health needs.

If you’re currently being treated for diabetes with a GLP-1 medication but want additional weight loss benefits, consider discussing a switch with your healthcare provider. Medications like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) have FDA-approved weight loss equivalents (Wegovy and Zepbound, respectively) that are specifically designed for weight management.

Adderall and Wegovy

There is a link between childhood ADHD and BMI in adulthood. Since Adderall is a first-choice ADHD treatment and Wegovy is a top weight loss medication, it’s not surprising that so many are concerned about a potential interaction.

Thankfully, Adderall and Wegovy are not known to have direct interactions. That said, there are some things to consider:

Adderall is an oral medication, which means that Wegovy may impact the absorption.
Both medications are known to reduce appetite. While this may not necessarily be a bad thing, you do want to make sure you’re getting enough calories and nutrients to support you.

Wegovy and ACE Inhibitors

ACE inhibitors are a class of medications that help to relax the veins and arteries. They are used to treat a variety of conditions from heart disease to high blood pressure to kidney problems.

Once again, there are no direct interactions between Wegovy and ACE inhibitors. That said, ACE inhibitors can improve insulin sensitivity, which can significantly increase (three- to four- fold) the risk of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. So, there is an increased risk of hypoglycemia for those on both Wegovy and ACE inhibitors.

Potential Wegovy interactions with Other Substances

Wegovy isn’t just affected by other medications—it can also interact with certain substances, including supplements, foods, and alcohol. These interactions may influence how the medication works or amplify potential side effects.

We don’t typically think to consult our healthcare provider or check the risks of interactions when eating or introducing new supplements. This is a mistake. It is crucial that you inform your doctor of any and all medications and supplements you are taking—or considering—when you are discussing new medications.

Potential Wegovy interactions include:

Interactions Between Wegovy and Alcohol

The FDA has issued no warnings against drinking alcohol while taking Wegovy or other GLP-1 medications. In fact, semaglutide is being considered as a treatment for alcohol and substance abuse.

Alcohol can, however, impact blood glucose levels—with the potential to lead to both hypo- and hyperglycemia depending on how much you drink. While there are no direct interactions, alcohol can undermine the benefits of Wegovy. So, be wary of how much alcohol you’re consuming while on the medication.

Interactions Between Wegovy and Supplements

While there are technically no direct interactions between Wegovy and most supplements, some are classified as “moderate” interactions. This is due to their potential to lower blood sugar levels, which, when combined with Wegovy’s effects, can increase the risk of dangerous episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Supplements that may lower blood sugar include:

Cinnamon
Berberine
Chromium
Magnesium
Aloe vera
Ashwagandha
Garlic
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

If you’re taking any supplements, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider so they can monitor your blood sugar levels and adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Interactions Between Wegovy and Food

Thankfully there aren’t many Wegovy interactions with food. If you consume a large amount of green tea, you can increase the risk of hypoglycemia, so limit your intake while on Wegovy.

When it comes to garlic and cinnamon, you only need to worry about supplements. It’s unlikely that you’ll consume enough of either to pose a risk outside of supplementation.

Minimize Risks of Wegovy Interactions

The best way to minimize the risks of Wegovy interactions is to stay informed about potential interactions and work closely with a knowledgeable healthcare provider. They can help you navigate any concerns, adjust your treatment plan, and ensure your safety.

Heally makes this process easy by connecting you to experienced healthcare providers who will review your complete medical history, including all medications and supplements, before determining if Wegovy is the right choice for your weight loss journey.

Schedule your consultation with Heally today to take the next step toward your health goals.