Can you drink alcohol on Wegovy?
Reviewed by Felix Gussone, MD, Ro,
Written by Yael Cooperman, MD, Ro
Reviewed by Felix Gussone, MD, Ro,
Written by Yael Cooperman, MD, Ro
last updated: Aug 25, 2023
1 min read
Here's what we'll cover
Here's what we'll cover
We spoke with Dr. Yael Cooperman, MD about whether people using Wegovy can drink alcohol.
Are you allowed to drink alcohol while using Wegovy?
There’s no direct interaction between Wegovy (semaglutide) and alcohol or any contraindication to consuming alcohol while using Wegovy according to the drug manufacturer. So while an occasional glass of wine or a beer is probably fine for people using the medication, there are a still few things to consider. First, alcohol can affect your blood sugar levels (either raising or lowering them), so if you have diabetes, you might want to opt for non-alcoholic beverages until your blood sugar is under control and stable on your new regimen. Another thing to consider is that if you’re using Wegovy for weight management, alcohol contains quite a few calories and can be a seemingly invisible contributor to your daily calorie count, possibly stymying weight loss.
Finally, if you have a history of pancreatitis or excessive alcohol consumption/alcohol misuse, you may have an increased risk of further problems with your pancreas if you’re using Wegovy. No matter what, your best bet is to speak with your healthcare provider who knows your medical history and what––if any––additional medications you’re taking, to determine whether or not drinking alcohol is okay when using Wegovy.
DISCLAIMER
If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2021). *WEGOVY (semaglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use. *Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/215256s000lbl.pdf