Alcohol on Wegovy or Saxenda

Can You Drink Alcohol on Wegovy?

Yes, generally you can drink alcohol when taking Wegovy. There is no known interaction between Wegovy and alcohol, so drinking is not prohibited. However, alcohol may worsen some of Wegovy’s side effects such as nausea and vomiting, and may reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

Wegovy works by slowing gastric emptying, which means that food and drink stay in your stomach for longer. This will change how your body absorbs alcohol and how it affects you. Some may notice that they feel intoxicated faster, whilst others notice that the effects last longer.

Wegovy also 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, slowing your weight loss journey.

If you choose to drink alcohol whilst on Wegovy: - Do not exceed the government limit of 14 units per week - Try to spread your intake over a few days - Eat before drinking - Stay hydrated - Choose lower-calorie drinks so it does not affect your weight loss progress significantly

Can You Drink Alcohol on Saxenda?

Whilst there is no direct drug interaction between Saxenda and alcohol intake, it is recommended to limit your consumption.

Saxenda contains the active ingredient liraglutide which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. 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. The combination of alcohol and Saxenda may worsen side effects, namely nausea, headaches and low blood sugar.

Unlike Wegovy, Saxenda is a daily injection and is available at Quick Meds for weight loss.

Does Alcohol Affect Mounjaro Too?

The short answer is yes, but in moderation. Mounjaro isn't known to have direct interaction with alcohol, but it is strongly advised to limit your intake.

Mounjaro contains the active ingredient tirzepatide which is a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Mounjaro 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.

The main factors to consider if alcohol is safe with Mounjaro are:

• The aim of Mounjaro treatment - Will alcohol interfere with how the medication works?
• Its effect on your health - Will alcohol worsen the condition you are trying to treat?
• Side effects - Do Mounjaro and alcohol have similar side effects? If so, will the combination be detrimental to your health?

Whilst there are no official guidelines on drinking alcohol with Mounjaro, as a general rule you should aim for a reduced intake, lower than even the recommended limit of 14 units per week. Always speak to your healthcare provider for advice specific to your individual circumstances.

Both Mounjaro and alcohol consumption can cause the same side effects, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. The combination can increase your risk of these side effects. Additionally, alcohol dehydrates the body. Mounjaro treatment recommends an adequate water intake to reduce the risk of headaches and also kidney problems.

Why Does Alcohol Interact with GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 agonists change how your digestive system and metabolism behave - essentially, they slow gastric emptying which may change the way that alcohol is absorbed when you drink.

1) Slower emptying of the stomach changes the way alcohol is absorbed - GLP-1s will slow down the emptying of food from the stomach. Think of your stomach like a sink draining through a plughole - GLP-1s partially ‘shrink’ that plughole and the sink starts to drain slower. - Alcohol is absorbed through the stomach and small intestine. So when your stomach emptying slows, alcohol may stay in your stomach for longer and enter your bloodstream at an altered rate. This may make the effects of the alcohol less predictable and you may feel effects later than usual or even stronger than normal.

2) Overlap of side effects - Both alcohol and GLP-1s can irritate the digestive system and each can cause: - Nausea - Vomiting - Reflux - Stomach discomfort

When these combine, the effects can stack up, which may make you feel more sensitive to alcohol after starting treatment.

3) Alcohol does not align with your weight loss goals - Alcohol contains calories but little nutrition and can be referred to as ‘empty calories’. Regularly drinking alcohol may undo some of your progress.

4) Risk of pancreatitis - A heavy intake of alcohol can irritate the pancreas. As GLP-1s already carry a rare warning for pancreatitis, combining these two stressors on the pancreas intake can increase the risk.

5) Dehydration - Alcohol is a diuretic which can lead to fluid loss. The side effects of Mounjaro, such as vomiting and diarrhoea, may also cause dehydration. A combination of both of these can make you more dehydrated than normal, worsening headaches, fatigue and nausea.

6) Unpredictable blood sugars - Alcohol impairs the ability of the liver to release stored glucose. This is important because GLP-1s also help to regulate blood sugars. Together they can increase the risk of low blood sugar, particularly in those who have diabetes.

Practical Tips for Drinking Safely on GLP-1 Medications

If you choose to drink whilst taking a GLP-1, here are a few smart habits that can help you stay in control and reduce your side effects:

• Eat before you drink - Having a balanced meal with protein, fat and fibre before drinking can help to slow the absorption of alcohol, help to prevent blood sugar swings and reduce stomach irritation.
• Expect alcohol to have a more pronounced effect - Many notice that they feel intoxicated faster whilst on a GLP-1. It is advisable to sip slowly when drinking and reassess how you feel after each drink.
• Choose lower-unit, lower-calorie drinks - Good choices include; dry wines, light beers, and spirits mixed with soda water or diet mixers.
• Avoid sugar, high-calorie drinks - sweet cocktails, fruit juices and syrups can cause rapid blood sugar spikes followed by sugar crashes - this can sometimes worsen nausea.
• Stay hydrated - Alternative your alcoholic drinks with water. This can help reduce dehydration, headaches and dizziness; symptoms which GLP-1s also cause.
• Nausea - if you are already feeling nauseous, it may be best to avoid alcohol entirely. If you have an upset stomach and drink alcohol, you are more likely to worsen it.
• void binge drinking - Drinking large amounts of alcohol can increase your risk of low blood sugar, dehydration and stomach upset. GLP-1 users will already be sensitive to these symptoms.
• Listen to your body, know when to stop - GLP-1 medications change your appetite and digestion, so your usual tolerance may not apply. If you’re feeling full quickly, flushed, queasy or unusually tired, it may be ideal to pause drinking or switch to water.

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