From the Guidelines
Semaglutide (brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) has not been widely associated with specific facial nerve problems as a common side effect. If you're experiencing facial nerve symptoms while taking semaglutide, such as facial weakness, numbness, or Bell's palsy, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately as these could indicate a serious issue requiring medical attention. The most common side effects of semaglutide are gastrointestinal in nature, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation 1. While neurological side effects can occur with many medications, facial nerve complications specifically are not among the frequently reported adverse effects for semaglutide 1. Any unusual neurological symptoms should be evaluated promptly, as they could be unrelated to the medication and might indicate another underlying condition. Your doctor might need to adjust your dosage, switch medications, or investigate other potential causes for your symptoms. Never discontinue semaglutide without medical supervision, as sudden cessation could affect your blood glucose control if you're taking it for diabetes management. Some key points to consider when taking semaglutide include:
- Monitoring for signs of pancreatitis, as it has been reported in patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists 1
- Being aware of the potential for increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, although the human relevance of this is not determined 1
- Reporting any unusual symptoms, such as facial weakness or numbness, to your healthcare provider immediately 1
From the Research
Side Effects of Semaglutide on Facial Nerves
- There is limited information available on the specific side effects of semaglutide on facial nerves 2, 3, 4.
- However, one study reported that semaglutide may cause paralysis of the abducens nerve (sixth cranial nerve), which controls eye movement, as well as other neurological side effects such as positional vertigo 5.
- Another study found that semaglutide may have neuroprotective effects and reduce inflammation in the spinal cord, which could potentially have implications for facial nerve function 6.
- The most common side effects of semaglutide reported in the studies were gastrointestinal disorders, general disorders and administration site conditions, and investigations 2, 3, 4, 5.