Liraglutide Side Effects
Liraglutide is a weight loss injection that is an effective medication that has helped many on their weight loss journey. However, like any medication, Liraglutide can cause side effects in some people. It is normal to experience side effects when first taking liraglutide, which can vary in type and intensity from person to person.
Our guide to liraglutide side effects will help you understand the most common side effects, how long they last, and how you can manage and avoid them.

Medically reviewed by
Dr Brenda IkejiLast reviewed: 06 Jan 2025
What's on This Page?
- 1. What are the side effects of liraglutide?
- 2. How long do liraglutide side effects last?
- 3. Do liraglutide side effects get worse as I increase my dosage?
- 4. How can I manage liraglutide side effects?
- 5. What should I do about serious liraglutide side effects?
- 6. What makes liraglutide side effects worse?
- 7. Will side effects go away if I stop taking liraglutide?
- 8. FAQs
- 9. Sources
What are the side effects of liraglutide?
Liraglutide can cause a range of side effects, which are most common when you first start taking this medication. Most liraglutide side effects are mild and usually go away on their own as your body gets used to the treatment.
What are the common side effects of liraglutide?
Very common side effects, which affect more than 1 in 10 people who take liraglutide, include:
- nausea or vomiting (feeling or being sick)
- diarrhoea
- constipation
Other common side effects of liraglutide that may affect up to 1 in 10 people include:
- dizziness
- weakness
- decreased appetite
- fatigue or tiredness
- low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
- heartburn and indigestion (gastrointestinal discomfort)
- wind (burping or flatulence)
- irritation or soreness at the injection site (bruising, itching, or rash)
- gallstones
- insomnia
- headache
- dry mouth
- toothache
- altered sense of taste
What are mild side effects of liraglutide?
Liraglutide side effects are often mild. This means that they can be managed at home with or without treatment and should not make you too uncomfortable.
The mild side effects of liraglutide include:
- nausea
- heartburn
- injection site itching or soreness
- constipation or diarrhoea
- headache or toothache
There are ways to treat these side effects at home and you can find more information on managing them further down the page. If you find that these mild side effects become unmanageable, you should speak to a doctor.
What are the serious side effects of liraglutide?
Liraglutide side effects that are serious are uncommon or rare but can potentially be life-threatening.
Serious liraglutide side effects include:
- dehydration
- low blood pressure
- palpitations (feeling your heartbeat)
- thyroid disorders and/or an increased risk of thyroid cancer
- kidney problems (reduced function or failure)
- pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas causing severe abdominal pain)
- a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – signs of this include breathing difficulties (breathlessness or wheezing) or swelling of the mouth, throat, tongue, face or lips
You should seek medical help or advice if you experience these side effects – speak to your doctor straight away or call 111. Call 999 in an emergency, such as if you’re having a serious allergic reaction.
“As there are some serious side effects of liraglutide, you must get a prescription from a registered medical doctor. A doctor can make sure your medical history or current medications do not increase your chances of side effects, and they can adjust your dose and help you manage side effects if you do get them.”

How long do liraglutide side effects last?
Liraglutide side effects can last for a few days or up to a few weeks after you start taking it. The side effects are usually mild and whether or not they last a long time will differ from person to person. Some people may experience very few side effects while others may have them for weeks. Liraglutide side effects usually get better with time and go away on their own.
When do liraglutide side effects start?
Most people experience side effects within the first few weeks of starting treatment as their bodies adjust to the medication.
Can liraglutide cause long-term side effects?
Liraglutide does not usually cause long-term side effects and its side effects will stop within a few days or a few weeks after you stop taking it.
Although liraglutide does not cause long-term side effects, some side effects could cause long-term health problems, especially if not treated early. This includes symptoms of:
- pancreatitis – nausea, fever, diarrhoea, and rapid heartbeat
- gallstones – pain and tenderness in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, pale stools, dark brown urine
- low blood sugar – dizziness, headaches, confusion, seizures
- dehydration – caused by severe vomiting and diarrhoea
- bowel obstruction – constipation
- kidney impairment or failure – urine changes (more frequent or less often), swelling, tiredness, itchy skin, discoloured urine or blood in urine
If you notice symptoms of any of these conditions, let your doctor know straight away. You will likely need treatment for these conditions and in some cases, you may need to stop taking liraglutide.
Do liraglutide side effects get worse as I increase my dosage?
Yes, some people find that side effects can get worse when they move to a higher dose of liraglutide. This is because the body is getting used to the higher dose of the medication, and will gradually adapt to these changes.
However, these side effects are typically mild and short-lasting. If you do find that the side effects become severe or uncomfortable, you may be able to reduce the dosage until they improve. You should speak to your doctor if this happens and they can create a treatment plan tailored to you.
How can I manage liraglutide side effects?
Most liraglutide side effects are mild and you can manage them from home. Many side effects will get better on their own but here are some ways to help you relieve and manage them.
Nausea
Nausea is one of the most common side effects. You can manage it by:
- getting plenty of fresh air and taking deep breaths
- drinking or eat ginger
- drinking cold water in regular sips
- avoiding greasy, fatty foods
- not eating or drinking too quickly
- not wearing tight clothes around your stomach
Constipation
Constipation is also a common side effect. You may find it helps to:
- drink plenty of fluids
- gradually increase the amount of fibre you eat
- increase your physical activity
- try a laxative if necessary, following the advice of your doctor
Dehydration
To decrease the risk of dehydration if you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea you must drink plenty of fluids, even if you cannot eat much or at all. If you get severe vomiting and diarrhoea for more than a couple of days, speak to your doctor.
Gastrointestinal symptoms
You can treat gastrointestinal side effects such as heartburn and indigestion with over-the-counter medication like Rennie or Gaviscon.
It can also help to avoid foods and drinks that could worsen these symptoms, such as:
- alcohol
- caffeinated drinks
- carbonated drinks
- fried foods
- processed foods
- spicy foods
- fatty foods
- dairy products
- citrus fruits
Injection site reactions
To reduce irritation and soreness at the injection site, you should try to choose a different section of your skin each time you inject liraglutide. You may find that a certain area of skin is more sensitive to injections and if so, try to avoid this area.
You can also take an antihistamine tablet or use an antihistamine cream before injecting, but you must let your doctor know if you’re getting irritation at the injection site that does not settle down.
Tiredness, weakness, and low blood sugar
To treat fatigue, weakness or low blood sugar you should ensure you are eating enough. Liraglutide helps to lower calorie intake but you must make sure that you gradually decrease your calorie intake (what and how much you eat) by a safe amount so your body can adjust.
Remember, if you experience symptoms that are bothersome and do not go away, or they start to affect your day-to-day life, speak to your healthcare advisor (a doctor, nurse or pharmacist). They should be able to advise the best resolution.
What should I do about serious liraglutide side effects?
Liraglutide can have some rarer and more serious side effects that you will not be able to manage at home as they may require treatment from a doctor.
If you experience rare, severe, and long-lasting side effects, you should stop taking liraglutide and contact your doctor. They will be able to advise you on whether you should change the dosage of liraglutide or try an alternative weight loss treatment.
There are some serious side effects of liraglutide that you must not ignore if you experience them, including:
- pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which can cause severe and consistent pain in the stomach and abdomen, nausea and/or vomiting
- allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which can cause breathing difficulties (breathlessness or wheezing) or swelling of the mouth, throat, tongue, face, or lips
Both of these can be a medical emergency. Stop using liraglutide and speak to your doctor, call 111, or 999 in an emergency.
What makes liraglutide side effects worse?
Certain activities or conditions can make you more likely to experience liraglutide side effects and can also make these side effects more severe. For example:
- drinking alcohol
- eating certain foods
- taking certain medications
- taking liraglutide incorrectly
What medicines can you not take with liraglutide?
Medications that may interact with liraglutide include:
- anticoagulants to treat blood clots, such as Warfarin
- prescription treatment for diabetes, such as insulin or metformin
If you have diabetes and you are already taking medication to lower your blood sugar, taking liraglutide could result in hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). Speak to your doctor about liraglutide as they will be able to adjust your dosage accordingly or discuss possible alternative treatments with you.
When you request this treatment, a doctor will make sure that liraglutide is the right treatment for you if you have other health conditions you take medication for.
What foods should I avoid on liraglutide?
When taking liraglutide, try to avoid or cut down on foods that:
- are high in fats (especially saturated fats)
- are fried or greasy, such as fast food and ultra-processed food
- are high in sugar, such as sweets, chocolates, and cakes
- contain lots of carbs, such as chips, crisps, potatoes, and rice
- come in large portions, such as restaurant and takeaway food
You could also limit or avoid fizzy, sugary, or sweetened drinks.
Instead, try to:
- eat smaller portions gradually
- prioritise protein, fibre, and fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables
Following a healthy and balanced diet and doing exercise while taking liraglutide will allow you to see better weight loss results and may help you manage the common side effects of liraglutide like nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation.
Can I drink alcohol on liraglutide?
Yes, you can safely drink alcohol while taking liraglutide. Although you can drink alcohol when you’re taking liraglutide, we recommend that you try to limit or avoid it.
Drinking alcohol when taking liraglutide can:
- make you more likely to experience side effects and it can make your side effects more severe
- increase your risk of getting low blood sugar
- worsen some of liraglutide’s side effects, especially nausea and dizziness
- affect your weight loss results, as there are often a lot of calories in alcohol
Will side effects go away if I stop taking liraglutide?
Your side effects should go away if you stop taking liraglutide, but you should speak to your doctor before you stop taking it.
It takes around 3 days for liraglutide to leave your system. The medication has a half-life of 13 hours meaning it will take your body 13 hours to get rid of half of a dose.
It is not possible to get liraglutide out of your system faster than 3 days. If you experience any side effects that you cannot manage at home within this timeframe, speak to your doctor straight away.
FAQs
Is liraglutide safe?
Yes. Liraglutide is safe when prescribed by a doctor or a regulated doctor service like ZAVA. Your doctor will make sure liraglutide is safe and appropriate for you before prescribing it, depending on your medical history and current medications.
Although liraglutide has some side effects, they are usually mild and manageable. In a clinical study of 2,487 patients who took liraglutide the most frequently reported side effects were mild or moderate nausea and diarrhoea.
Many people will not experience side effects on liraglutide, or they may only experience them for a few weeks. Serious side effects are rare.
Does liraglutide have worse side effects than Wegovy?
Not necessarily. Liraglutide and Wegovy share many of the same mild side effects and serious side effects from both medications are rare. Side effects from Wegovy and liraglutide are often gastrointestinal (relating to the digestive system and the stomach). This is because they both belong to the same medication group: glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists and so work in the same way.
Some people may tolerate Wegovy better than liraglutide but everyone responds differently to different treatments. If you are wondering about whether to switch from liraglutide to Wegovy or vice versa, our doctors can provide advice suited to your personal health needs.
Does liraglutide have worse side effects than Ozempic?
No. The side effects of liraglutide and Ozempic are often similar and mild in nature, and serious side effects from both medications are rare.
One study actually found that more people stopped taking Ozempic due to its side effects than those who stopped taking liraglutide because of side effects. More research is necessary to confirm this, however.
Does liraglutide have worse side effects than Mounjaro?
No. Liraglutide and Mounjaro share many of the same mild side effects. Serious side effects with both medications are rare.
Most side effects for both Mounjaro (semaglutide) and liraglutide are mostly gastrointestinal (relating to the digestive system or the stomach) and patients have been found to experience similar levels of these side effects with both treatments
This table shows a few of the most common side effects that Mounjaro and liraglutide share:
Mounjaro | Liraglutide | |
---|---|---|
Nausea |
✔ |
✔ |
Constipation |
✔ |
✔ |
Low blood sugar | ✔ |
✔ |
Diarrhoea |
✔ | ✔ |
Vomiting | ✔ |
✔ |
Stomach pain |
✔ |
✔ |
Dizziness | ✔ |
✔ |
Injection site reactions (soreness, or itching) |
✔ |
✔ |
Everyone responds differently to different treatments. If you are wondering about switching from liraglutide to Mounjaro our doctors can provide advice suited to your personal health needs.
How long does liraglutide stay in your system?
Liraglutide stays in your system for around 3 days. It has a half-life of 13 hours, meaning it will take your body 13 hours to get rid of half of a dose and around 3 days for liraglutide to leave your system completely.
Last reviewed: 06 Jan 2025
Sources
Side effects of liraglutide, BNF [Accessed 12 December 2024]
Nausea, NHS [Accessed 14 December 2024]
Constipation, NHS [Accessed 14 December 2024]
Fat: the facts, NHS [Accessed 16 December 2024]
Liraglutide: clinical pharmacology and considerations for therapy, (2011) National Library of Medicine [Accessed 16 December 2024]
A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management, (2015) The New England Journal of Medicine [Accessed 16 December 2024]
Efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide 1.0mg vs once-daily liraglutide 1.2mg as add-on to 1-3 oral antidiabetic drugs in subjects with type 2 diabetes, (2020) National Library of Medicine [Accessed 17 December 2024]
Effect of Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Daily Liraglutide on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity Without Diabetes: The STEP 8 Randomized Clinical Tria,l (2022) National Library of Medicine [Accessed 17 December 2024]