You told us: I'm experiencing side effects
Sorry to hear that. Let’s get you some help.
Most side effects affect the stomach and bowel, and for most people they ease over time. Tell a pharmacist what’s happening and we’ll help you manage it. Please don’t stop or change your dose without talking to us.
Get medical help straight away if you have
- Severe stomach pain that won’t go away. It may spread to your back, and you may or may not feel or be sick. This could be a sign of an inflamed pancreas (acute pancreatitis), which is serious. Stop taking your medicine and get urgent medical help.
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction: trouble breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing, wheezing, a fast heartbeat, or feeling faint. Call 999.
- Being sick or having diarrhoea so much that you can’t keep fluids down, or signs of dehydration such as feeling dizzy or passing very little urine.
Call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency, or call NHS 111 for urgent advice. Don’t wait for us to open. You can also report side effects on the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Things that often help
The most common side effects are feeling sick, diarrhoea, constipation, being sick, stomach pain and indigestion. They’re most likely when you start and after a dose increase.
Smaller meals, eaten slowly
Stop when you feel full. Rich, fatty or very sugary foods can make feeling sick worse.
Keep fluids up
Being sick or having diarrhoea can make you lose fluids (dehydration), which can affect your kidneys. Drink plenty of fluids.
Don’t double up
Don’t change your dose or take extra. Your leaflet explains what to do if you miss a dose.
Also tell us if
- you have new stomach pain (gallstones and an inflamed gallbladder are listed as common side effects)
- you take the contraceptive pill, or are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
- you have an operation or procedure under general anaesthetic or deep sedation coming up
- you have diabetes and take insulin or a sulfonylurea (your risk of low blood sugar is higher)
Tell a pharmacist what’s happening
A pharmacist will review your message and get back to you to help you manage it.