Saxenda and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 46 years old, 5'3", and have a BMI of 41. I just injected the first dose of Saxenda after watching YouTube tutorials and reading reviews all day. I have struggled all my life with my weight. I have PCOS and have been gaining weight steadily for the past 4 years. I have worked with a dietician, done WW, and other diets. I also have fibromyalgia, so it is imperative that I lose weight and get moving... My plan is to increase my dose slowly and have healthy snacks around to nibble on to stave off nausea. I am also going to go back on Metamucil twice a day to help with either diarrhea or constipation. Here goes nothing...."

• Sli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 13, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Side effect: constipation. 10% body weight loss in 2 months."

• Pal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 39-year-old 5'6" female and started at 295 pounds on May 30, 2019. Today was my last day of the 2.4 mg dose (starting 3.0 tomorrow) and so far, so good. I am down 9.5 lbs. in 4 weeks, and this is including a 10-day vacation with lots of eating out and drinking. I have noticed that I will suddenly feel full when eating and can just push the rest of the food away. Before, I felt like I was NEVER full. I have experienced some mild sphincter of Oddi spasms and really mild constipation (improved with fluid intake and activity). I have also had a few headaches, which are normally rare for me. The worst side effect has actually been pain at the insertion site and mild bruising. I've tried two types of nano tips and am skilled with injections (hospital RN), so this has surprised me. Overall, I am really pleased and have high hopes for continued progress."

• Lot...
• May 13, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Saxenda in early February. Initially, the nausea and fatigue made me wonder if it was all worth it, but after losing 7 pounds the first week, I decided to stick it out. The best part, I have zero sugar cravings. My first month, I drank vegan smoothies and small amounts of veggies and grains because that was all I could tolerate. I lost 30 pounds in three months. Every week, when I would increase the dose per directions, I would have three to four days of horrid nausea and fatigue. I had to force myself to eat or drink anything. About 3 weeks into the treatment, I started burping like a frat boy beer-bonging. They stunk too. Painful and embarrassing. Stool softener will address the constipation, but be careful, that can turn to the opposite on a dime. I also added a probiotic to help with regulating. Now that it's been about a month or so on the full dose, I am getting used to it, and I am functioning near normal. Bottom line: This drug is like gastric surgery in a needle."

• Jay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 10, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "One week on Saxenda completed, and I have lost 2.2 kg. Have used my reduced appetite to help make slightly better food choices (salads, porridge, bananas, etc.), though I haven’t had to make huge changes as I eat relatively well. The only side effect I have noted is constipation, but other than that, no side effects whatsoever. Worth noting that I have been diagnosed with MODY (mature onset diabetes, not type 2), and this is a treatment option that some researchers recommend for MODY as opposed to me taking it as a pure weight loss treatment, so I don’t know if this changes the way that it works with my body."

• Son...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 49, perimenopausal, with hypothyroidism and just recently found out I also have prediabetes. For the last 6-7 years, my weight has been increasing regardless of what I do. I was training 4 times a week and walking 5 times a week. Still, an increase to 88kg and on the rise. I was upset, so after some discussion with my endocrinologist, I started Saxenda. That was 4 weeks ago, and today I am 82.2 kg. It does suppress appetite. I am still training 4 times a week, not walking so much. It's impressive with the weight loss. The downside effects for me are fatigue and nausea, as well as a bit of constipation, but that seems to have settled a bit. I have kept myself on 0.6mgs, as I am a bit scared to up the dose, as I don't want to get any more tired. I get those 3pm droopy eyes and weariness, that seems really hard to shrug off some days. I'm losing weight, so there doesn't seem to be a reason to increase the dose when I have the required effect with less of the drug."

• LAB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 22, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Saxenda stops food cravings. Sweets can make you feel sick as well. I have lost 16 pounds in 6 weeks, and my calorie intake ranges between 1,100 to 1,800 calories per day. I'm 5'6" tall, and my starting weight with Saxenda was 185 pounds. I will admit that I have not been exercising, and I clearly need to each day, as my weight loss could have been much greater than what it currently is. Side effects of Saxenda (for me) were nausea, slight headaches, the feeling of nausea when eating anything sweet, and severe constipation. My provider advised me to take one capful of Miralax with 8 oz of water each day to keep the constipation at bay. No constipation after beginning this daily regimen. The PCP that I see is taking blood and running full panels at the 8-week mark to make sure my body is handling the Saxenda, as it does cause cancer and other complications. My labs will be drawn on 4/2/19, and I'm very hopeful that everything looks GREAT!"

• Cou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I began using Saxenda in October 2018 for weight loss. While I'm not obese, I've put on a few pounds over the last several years, and it's been hard to shed them due to an underactive thyroid. After trying other weight loss methods, my doctor suggested Saxenda. I lost 10 pounds in the first month. It's the end of March, and I'm down 16 pounds. I had severe side effects the first week, but due to the tech incorrectly teaching me, I had increased my dose too quickly in the first week. I reduced the amount and slowly worked up to the 3 mg. I haven't had many issues. The worst was the constipation, but I offset it with psyllium husk fiber. I have to limit alcohol to once a week. I never ate fatty foods, but now I basically cannot eat high-fat foods. I also found that drinking more water helped ease symptoms, especially constipation. I track my food with Weight Watchers. I can track any symptoms to what I ate during the day. I am pleased with Saxenda and recommend it to anyone having trouble with weight loss."

• Kim...
• March 15, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "So, started Saxenda Dec 31, 2018. I am 45 yrs old, 5' 3" starting weight 193 lb. It is 3/15/2019. I now weigh 165 lb. I toggle between doses. My body cannot handle 3 mg dose. I get sulfur burps, hard stomach pains, constipation, then loose stools. I am talking worse than the flu sick. I cannot drink wine or eat fatty foods. That's a good thing. If I watch what I eat and keep small portions, things are good. Mess up, and the food will sit in your stomach. Slow gastric emptying really stinks. Zofran has helped with the nausea. I will remain on Saxenda until I cannot tolerate the symptoms. I am a nurse, we make really bad patients. Listen to your body. Eat right! Good luck."

• JDI...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 2, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started 5 weeks ago, and I have lost 18 lbs. Life changer how I feel. I started at 288 lbs. I started at a low dose week one, and week two went to 1.2 dose. Have had no need to increase it. Only one issue is constipation. I take a stool softener. No headaches or vomiting for me. I am full with about 1500/1600 calories a day. I eat 3 meals. Will start exercising soon. All I can say is it works for me."

• Bad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have lost 10 kg in 7 weeks with low calories and workout. It's amazing. I do experience side effects like nausea, headaches, and constipation, but after a few days, they disappeared."

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 19, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "On Saxenda for a month and have lost 9 lbs. Pretty disappointed after reading other weight loss results, I was hoping for a much greater loss considering I cut down to 1,200 calories or even less than that some days. I am hopeful that the weight loss continues, I'd be happy with almost 30 lb weight loss in 3 months, so here's hoping. The constipation is awful, I go a few times a week now, and that might be part of the problem..."

• Anonymous
• February 19, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Had all the side effects: constipation, headaches, severe fatigue, and in 6 months, loss only 10 lbs. I was working out 4 times a week for 1-2 hours a day. Calorie intake was 1300 a day. Decided to take a break and “reset.” I was off Saxenda for 7 months. Started over at the lowest dose. Now there is no appetite suppression, no headaches, no fatigue, and no weight loss yet. Currently at 1.8 dosage."

• Msm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started using 1/5/19, and it immediately stopped any cravings, just thinking about food made me sick. So I decreased my caloric intake right away. I had nausea for the first 3 weeks, and it was awful, but I didn't care. If you're nauseous, you can't eat. I am 5'5" and my starting weight was 214 pounds. I am going into the 6th week at the maximum dose and I am down to 194 pounds. Side effects have been severe nausea, constipation, extreme dry mouth, abdominal upset, no cravings ever, and no appetite. I love this medication. I calculated body weight percentage lost, and it's 9%. I plan on increasing my activity and am trying to find out how to cut out any excess calories."

• Fin...
• February 3, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Saxenda 14 days ago and have lost 5.4 lbs in total (started at 195.2, currently at 189.8). HOWEVER, that has yo-yo'd several times a week. The constipation is awful, I finally broke down and bought laxatives because it has caused so much bloat, and I honestly can't believe I'll lose weight without passing anything that I eat. I started at the lowest dose and didn't notice it helped, so now I'm at the highest dose and considering talking to my doctor about increasing it or adding another med to combat cravings. I use a calorie tracker and try to stay at 1,200 calories a day or less, and I cut myself a break on weekends, but don't go too overboard because it makes me ill. I have to say, after reading other successes at this point, I'm pretty disappointed that I haven't lost more. I'll be sticking with it though, because I'm determined to get this weight off. Good luck to everyone on this journey, I'll be updating regularly."

• Hon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I began using Saxenda on Sept 16, 2018. My start weight was 208 lbs - 5'4'. No major side effects; some constipation. I am now down to 172 lbs. Very pleased with the results - have been approved by insurance for a total of 6 months; a review at the 6-month mark -"

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Been on Saxenda now for 2.5 months... have lost nearly 10 lbs, slow but not unhappy. I have had many side effects which started with taking the dose in the AM, vomited, and spent the whole day in bed. Switched to taking it at bedtime and added Gravol... that helped a lot. Now have headaches, constipation, and now after all this time experiencing severe abdominal cramps with days of severe diarrhea..! Have very little drive to do anything as I always seem to be tired..! I am going to persevere through this box and see how it goes.."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started 3 weeks ago. Immediately dropped to 1200 calories. Side effects include constipation, a funny feeling in my stomach, absolutely devastating fatigue. I didn't think I could make it through the day. It was terrible...my belly fat has not budged and I've only lost 1 kilo! Don't know what's happening to my body. I feel so out of sorts. The last 3 days under 800 cals and still no weight loss, only debilitating fatigue. Reached 1.8 dosage as I wanted it to work so desperately but have to face it...it's killing me! Last dose today, no more. Good luck to you lucky ones that are having great success with it!"

• Hut...
• December 5, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This is a big rip-off, four weeks, $400 out of pocket, and it doesn't work for me. I certainly won't be forking out another $800 for two more prescriptions that I am supposed to take. Side effects are nauseous, burping, constipation, rotten dry mouth, tired, loss of energy. To be honest, I am a lot worse off than what I was before - hardly had anything to eat and lost 1/2 kg - YES 1/2 KG IN FOUR WEEKS. I only have to lose 8 kg, about 17 lbs, no hope with this rubbish. Pharmaceutical company wins again."

• Lul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started this medication 4 days ago. So far, I have only experienced some belching and nausea a few minutes after injection. I have the desire to urinate a lot throughout the day. Today was the first time I felt full and had some mild constipation. I do feel a bit bloated, but I am hoping that passes. I started on the lowest dosage, and I am a 250 lb, 5'7" woman. I had my thyroid radiated over 11 years ago and weighed about 150 lbs. I gained the first 100 lbs in 6 months, and then in 2016, I had a baby, which pushed me to 270 lb. I was able to lose some of the 'baby weight,' but I am back to struggling to lose the weight I've gained since having my thyroid radiated. I am a bit concerned with the side effect of pancreatic cancer. I hope there aren't any surprise side effects that will happen when I up the dosage next week."

• Mrs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Saxenda on October 24th, so I am currently on 0.6 mg. I have definitely eaten less and not had cravings for fatty food like before. I haven’t lost any weight yet, but I also haven’t managed to pass stools. Can you take over-the-counter laxatives to relieve this? Or would this affect the medication? I have also had a bit of heartburn and so far managed this with full-fat milk. I have just bought 5 more pens, due to arrive today (£300). If I don’t see results at the end of 1,500, then I will stop, but if I lose, then I will continue. My goal is to lose 3.5 stone. Fingers crossed."

• NJM...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was just given this drug by my PCP because my obesity is out of control. I think my BMI is 47, not sure, but it's a crazy high number. I'm 5'5" and weigh about 285, size 22/24 pants, 2x/3x top. I have read a lot of the reviews, and I am kind of scared about the side effects. I can probably deal with the headaches, nausea, constipation, or diarrhea because there are times when I get that now (I have hypertension, prediabetes, and IBS). But the severe stuff, like pancreatitis and kidney problems or thyroid cancer, is making me think I may not go through with it. Tomorrow is Friday, so it might be best to start. I'll most likely try it at bedtime and see how that goes. I want to lose the weight, and I hope this works because I'm always hungry, and I hate that feeling. That also comes along with guilt, sadness, and hopelessness whenever I go shopping or when I see myself in pictures. But then again, I think that's why we have all resorted to this drug. In any case, wish me luck! :)"

• glo...
• October 15, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I lost 20 kilos through just walking every day. When I got down to 72 kilos, I couldn't seem to move any more weight. I had also been diagnosed with severe arthritis in my right hip and sciatica in my left hip and leg (excruciatingly painful!!), so I was unable to walk at all. I had been booked in for a tummy tuck, and my surgeon said it would be a good idea to lose another 10 kilos before the surgery. That's when my GP suggested I give Saxenda a go, and I love it. I lost a further 5.5 kilos in the first month, and an immediate loss of appetite. The only side effect that I've really noticed is constipation (I would have preferred the diarrhea). I do not take the recommended dose, I toggle between 1.2 and 1.8, but mainly stick to 1.2. I find anything higher than that tends to cause slight nausea. I have my tummy tuck in 3 weeks' time. I'm sure I will lose the full 10 kilos by then. The drug is very costly, $378 Australian."

• Myr...
• October 12, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Saxenda for 3 weeks. I had little side effects, the most prominent ones are constipation, light nausea, and tiredness. I read reviews before starting it, and it helped me a lot. First, I started on a Friday night. This gives me the weekend to ride out the worst of the side effects and the night to sleep through the worst of it. I usually get 2 days of side effects when I change my dose. Usually on Thursday night, I start to feel the effect of the medicine decreasing. I follow a 1200-calorie meal plan and exercise 3 times a week. I lost 13 lbs so far. I feel so much better, and I also stopped drinking alcohol entirely, and I don’t have any desire to. Saxenda is only a tool, though, if you keep your habits, nothing will change. It helps by reducing appetite and cravings, this helped me focus on eating food to nourish my body and not because I have cravings. It’s expensive, though, if you don’t have insurance, it runs at about $400/month."

• Pol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started using Saxenda on Aug 18, 2018. I’m 67 years young, 5 ft, and was 199 lbs. I lost 5 lbs quite quickly and then nothing. I’m not eating anywhere near what I was and seem to be constipated most of the time, so don’t understand why the weight loss isn’t more. Haven’t felt 100% since being on the med but just very uncomfortable with nausea, bloating, and churning tummy most of the time. Burping is also strong, and there is a very unpleasant odor along with flatulence. I have 1 more increase to take, but seeing next to no results is very disheartening. The $400+ I’ve spent on this medication is making me rethink the whole thing. Hubby keeps telling me to stick it out, but it’s hard to see why when I feel so awful."