Which set of side effects is associated with semaglutide?

• A. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle mass loss, gallbladder disease, bone density reduction
• B. Hypertension, tachycardia
• C. Hair loss, nail change
• D. Drowsiness, confusion

Answer: (A)

Semaglutide acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, and its adverse effects mainly reflect its effects on the gut and metabolism. The most common and characteristic side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially when the dose is being titrated. These occur because GLP-1 receptor activation slows gastric emptying and reduces appetite.

Another notable risk with GLP-1 therapies is gallbladder disease, including gallstones, which is linked to changes in bile flow and the rapid weight loss that often accompanies treatment. Weight loss itself can also influence bone health, so reductions in bone mineral density may be seen over time with these agents, particularly with sustained weight loss.

Muscle mass loss can accompany noticeable weight loss, but it’s not as characteristic or as consistently reported as the GI symptoms, gallbladder issues, and potential bone density changes. The other options list effects like hypertension, tachycardia, hair or nail changes, or drowsiness—these are not typical profiles for semaglutide.

Therefore, the set that best aligns with semaglutide’s adverse effect pattern includes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gallbladder disease, and possible bone density reduction.