From the Research
Semaglutide can sometimes cause paresthesias, and if you experience these symptoms, you should report them to your healthcare provider promptly, who may recommend continuing the medication with careful monitoring, adjusting the dose, or switching to an alternative GLP-1 receptor agonist like dulaglutide or liraglutide. The sensations most commonly affect the hands, feet, or face and may be temporary. According to the most recent study on semaglutide safety 1, the medication has an overall favorable risk/benefit profile for patients with type 2 diabetes, but it can induce mild-to-moderate and transient gastrointestinal disturbances and increases the risk of biliary disease.
Potential Causes and Management
- Paresthesias could potentially be related to rapid weight loss causing vitamin deficiencies (particularly B vitamins), or might indicate rare neurological side effects.
- Staying well-hydrated, ensuring adequate vitamin intake (especially B12, folate, and other B vitamins), and gradually increasing the semaglutide dose as prescribed may help minimize these symptoms.
- The study on semaglutide safety 1 highlights the importance of careful monitoring, particularly for patients at risk for deterioration of existing diabetic retinopathy.
Alternative Options
- If symptoms worsen or become intolerable, your provider might suggest switching to an alternative GLP-1 receptor agonist like dulaglutide or liraglutide.
- The choice of alternative medication would depend on individual patient factors, including medical history, current medications, and specific needs.