Side Effects & Safety

Learn about potential side effects and safety considerations. Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns.

Demo note: The content on this page is sample safety information for demonstration purposes.

WARNING: THYROID C-CELL TUMORS

In rodent studies, Novex and other GLP-1 receptor agonists caused thyroid C-cell tumors. It is unknown whether Novex causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans.

Novex is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC and in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects of Novex include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain. These effects are usually mild to moderate and decrease over time.

Gastrointestinal

  • Nausea (most common, especially during dose increases)
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Decreased appetite

Injection Site

  • Redness at injection site
  • Itching
  • Swelling
  • Pain or discomfort

Other Common Effects

  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Indigestion (dyspepsia)

Managing Gastrointestinal Side Effects

  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals
  • Avoid high-fat or spicy foods
  • Stay well hydrated
  • Side effects often improve as your body adjusts to the medication
  • Talk to your doctor if side effects persist or worsen

Serious Side Effects

Although rare, Novex may cause serious side effects. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

Pancreatitis

Severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. Stop taking Novex and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area.

Symptoms: Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

When used with insulin or sulfonylureas, Novex may increase the risk of low blood sugar. Your healthcare provider may need to reduce your dose of insulin or sulfonylurea.

Symptoms: Shakiness, sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat, dizziness

Allergic Reactions

Serious allergic reactions can happen with Novex. Stop using Novex and get medical help right away if you have symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Symptoms: Swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; difficulty breathing; rash

Kidney Problems

In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration) which may cause kidney problems to get worse.

Stay hydrated and tell your doctor if you have kidney problems

Gallbladder Problems

Gallbladder problems including gallstones have occurred in some people who take Novex. Tell your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of gallbladder problems.

Symptoms: Upper stomach pain, fever, yellowing of skin or eyes

Who Should Not Take Novex

Do not use Novex if you:

  • Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
  • Have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
  • Are allergic to novexumab or any of the ingredients in Novex

Tell your doctor if you have:

  • Problems with your pancreas or kidneys
  • A history of diabetic retinopathy
  • Other medical conditions
  • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed

Questions About Side Effects?

Talk to your healthcare provider or contact our medical information team.

Patient Support

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Medical Information

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