Can You Drink Alcohol on Saxenda or Wegovy?

Wegovy and Saxenda are prescription medications that are used in the treatment of weight loss. They are an important part of the weight loss journey alongside modified lifestyle changes to help you reach your weight loss goals and a healthier BMI.

Drinking alcohol is a part of many individuals' daily routines and can also be drunk socially at events such as birthdays or weddings. However, alcohol can interact with certain medications and must be avoided at times to allow the medication to exert its intended therapeutic effect.

The most common side effects that occur with Wegovy and Saxenda are nausea and vomiting, headaches, diarrhoea and constipation. These drugs should not be used in pregnant women or in women planning a pregnancy as they can cause foetal harm.

In this article, we will be exploring how drinking alcohol affects weight loss treatments, Wegovy and Saxenda.

Understanding Wegovy and Saxenda

Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist which works by lowering blood sugar levels. It is a once-weekly injectable drug which makes you feel fuller, quicker and for longer, helping you lose weight safely and effectively. Whilst Wegovy is licensed for weight loss, a similar product, Ozempic, contains the same active ingredient but is licensed for type-2 diabetes.

Before Wegovy was launched, many patients were safely taking Ozempic solely for chronic weight management. It was prescribed off-label as a licensed equivalent was unavailable at the time.

Saxenda contains the drug liraglutide, which is also a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It also is an injectable medicine but is injected daily rather than weekly. The dose is slowly titrated up on a fixed regime to a maintenance dose. It works similarly to Wegovy and thus, also makes you feel fuller, quicker and longer. Saxenda, like Wegovy is licensed for weight loss whereas Victoza, a similar product, also containing liraglutide, is licensed for its use in type-2 diabetes.

Both are prescription treatments available at Quick Meds to support weight loss in patients meeting the clinical criteria. This includes how much weight you start with, whether you are taking other medications and if there are any potential risks we need to consider before initiating on your treatment plan. If you have been taking Ozempic, we will consider your medical history, and whether you have experienced any serious side effects such as hypoglycemia or any other risk factor present before advising on the most appropriate treatment.

How Does Alcohol Affect Diabetes?

For diabetic patients, only moderate alcohol consumption is acceptable as drinking too much can lead to high blood sugar levels. Alcohol stimulates the appetite leading to overeating and making it difficult to lose weight. Gaining weight can increase your risk of developing type-2 diabetes.

Alcohol contains 'empty calories' without essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients required for the normal functioning of the body. Excess alcohol intake can thus lead to a risk of nutritional deficiencies as the empty calories fill you up, negating the need to consume nutrient-rich foods. This again can lead to gaining weight and diabetes.

Alcohol is broken down by the liver which is also responsible for maintaining blood sugar levels. If the liver is busy breaking down alcohol, it cannot manage blood sugar levels. This can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), characterized by dizziness, hunger, sweating or trembling. It can also reduce the effectiveness of insulin, the primary hormone involved in controlling blood sugar.

As can be seen, there are several paths through which alcohol can interfere with your blood sugar levels, potentially leading to diabetes. If you are going to drink alcohol, keep in mind the following tips:

• Only drink in moderation

• Avoid binge drinking

• Do not drink alcohol on an empty stomach

• Check your blood sugars before and 24 hours after drinking - as it can cause hypoglycemia up to 24 hours after.

• If you are diabetic and going out to drink, carry hypo treatments and wear a medical ID.

• Drink plenty of water

If you are concerned about how much alcohol you are drinking, contact your healthcare provider for in-depth advice and guidance.

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Saxenda?

Whilst there is no direct drug interaction between Saxenda and alcohol intake, it is recommended to limit your consumption. This is because the combination can lead to worsening of Saxenda's side effects, namely nausea, headaches and low blood sugar.

Saxenda works by delaying the time it takes for food to empty out of your stomach, this is known as gastric emptying. Due to this, you may find that alcohol affects you in a way different to normal. Side effects of Saxenda include nausea, vomiting and headache which are also common side effects of excessive alcohol use. By combining the two, you will feel extremely unwell.

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Wegovy?

You can drink alcohol while taking Wegovy, however, there are complications. Wegovy works by regulating blood sugar to keep it at a safe level in those suffering from diabetes. If you drink alcohol in excess whilst on Wegovy, this can cause low blood sugar levels and may lead to a medical emergency in some cases.

If you are taking Wegovy solely for weight loss, you must limit your alcohol to maximise the beneficial effects of the medication. Drinking too much alcohol can be linked to overeating and can therefore lead to weight gain, affecting your weight loss journey.

How to Manage Safe Alcohol Consumption?

Excessive alcohol consumption is not advisable even if you do not have any medical conditions or do not take any medication. If you have a personal or family history of certain medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, you should be mindful of your alcohol intake.

Adults have an alcohol limit which should be adhered to as it can prevent the development of chronic diseases and serious issues including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver problems, kidney problems and digestive system issues. Drinking alcohol should not exceed 14 units per week for an adult.

The NHS guidelines for alcohol limit is 14 units per week, which should be spread out over a few days.