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- Wegovy (semaglutide) can cause itching as a side effect, particularly in adolescents aged 12 and older.
- Adolescents treated with Wegovy had a higher incidence of rash and itching (3%) compared to adults.
- Itching may be a sign of an allergic reaction, ranging from mild to severe and potentially life-threatening.
- Management of itching includes consulting a healthcare provider, using over-the-counter antihistamines or topical corticosteroids for mild cases, and potentially discontinuing Wegovy for severe reactions.
- Allergic reactions occurred in 16% of Wegovy-treated patients with anti-semaglutide antibodies compared to 7% without.
Wegovy can potentially cause itching as a side effect, particularly in adolescents aged 12 and older who experienced a higher incidence of rash and itching compared to adults.
Managing itchiness from Wegovy
Managing itchiness from Wegovy typically involves addressing the symptoms and, in some cases, adjusting the treatment plan. If experiencing itching or a rash, patients should consult their healthcare provider promptly. Mild itching may be alleviated with over-the-counter antihistamines or topical corticosteroid creams.
Discontinuation of Wegovy may be necessary for more severe reactions, especially if symptoms persist or worsen. It’s crucial to distinguish between mild itching and signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which require immediate medical attention.
Patients should also be aware that adolescents aged 12 years and older had a higher incidence of rash and itching (3%) compared to adults treated with Wegovy. To minimize the risk of side effects, healthcare providers may recommend a gradual dose escalation and monitor patients closely during the initial stages of treatment.
Allergic reactions and itchiness
Wegovy can potentially cause allergic reactions, including itchiness, in some patients. While mild allergic reactions may manifest as itchiness, skin rashes, or increased warmth and redness of the skin, severe reactions can lead to swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, potentially causing breathing difficulties.
In clinical trials, allergic reactions occurred in 16% of Wegovy-treated patients with anti-semaglutide antibodies compared to 7% of those without. Notably, adolescents in clinical trials reported a higher incidence of rash (3%) and urticaria (3%) compared to placebo-treated patients.
Patients experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction, particularly severe ones, should seek immediate medical attention and may need to discontinue Wegovy use.
Comparing itchiness in adolescents and adults
Adolescents aged 12 years and older treated with Wegovy® (semaglutide) experienced a higher incidence of rash and itching compared to adults using the same medication.
In clinical trials, 3% of adolescents reported rash and urticaria (hives), which was a greater proportion than observed in adult patients. This difference in side effect prevalence highlights the importance of careful monitoring in younger patients.
Additionally, pediatric patients in this age group showed higher rates of other adverse reactions, including cholelithiasis (gallstones), cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation), and hypotension (low blood pressure) compared to their adult counterparts.
These findings underscore the need for healthcare providers to be particularly vigilant when prescribing Wegovy to adolescents and to thoroughly discuss potential side effects with patients and their families.