Some people notice changes in the way their skin feels while taking a GLP-1 treatment. This may include tingling, pins and needles, numbness, burning, or skin that feels unusually sensitive to touch. The medical term for changes in skin sensation is dysaesthesia, and it can affect different areas of the body.
Changes in skin sensation are a recognised effect of treatment and are listed in the patient information leaflet. They have been reported more often with higher doses of Wegovy® injection and with Wegovy® tablets than with lower doses. Symptoms are usually mild to moderate, and for many people they settle while continuing treatment.
When could it be something else?
Numbness or tingling can also have causes that are unrelated to your treatment, so some symptoms may need further assessment.
Changes in skin sensation associated with treatment affect how your skin feels and should not cause muscle weakness.
You should get medical advice if the numbness or tingling:
- Is only on one side of your body.
- Is getting worse, spreading or not settling.
- Is accompanied by weakness, such as difficulty gripping things, dropping things or difficulty moving an arm or leg normally.
When should I contact Simple Online Pharmacy?
Please contact us if:
- The sensation is affecting your sleep or day-to-day activities.
- It is not settling or is getting worse.
- It is affecting one specific area, such as one hand or one foot.
- You are unsure whether your symptoms could be related to your treatment.
- You have diabetes and have noticed numbness or tingling in your feet.
A pharmacist can review your symptoms and treatment and advise whether you need to speak to your GP.
Do not stop your treatment or change your dose because of numbness or tingling without speaking to us first. Contact us so that your symptoms and treatment can be reviewed.
When should I see my GP?
Speak to your GP if the numbness or tingling:
- Is only affecting one side of your body.
- Is getting worse or spreading.
- Is accompanied by weakness.
Your GP can assess whether there may be another cause, such as nerve compression, a vitamin deficiency or diabetes-related nerve damage.
When should I seek urgent medical help?
Call 999 immediately if you suddenly develop:
- Numbness or weakness on one side of your face, arm or leg.
- Facial drooping.
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
These can be signs of a stroke. Do not drive yourself to hospital.
Go to A&E urgently if you develop:
- Numbness or loss of sensation around your genitals, buttocks or inner thighs.
- Loss of sensation when passing urine, opening your bowels or wiping yourself.
These symptoms need urgent medical assessment.