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Saxenda and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 3)

Reviews for Saxenda

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • She...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 10, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started on Saxenda 2-6-17. Started with injections about noon. First day was fine. Second and third day I was nauseated bad all day. Could not eat but made myself eat crackers. Today I am over the nausea but did have some diarrhea. But now feeling fine. I work at a medical office. The nurses told me to hang in, and it would get better. They were right. They also said to stay on .6 until I felt better, not to up the dose. It just takes time for your body to adjust to it. Did also drink 7 Up to help."

7 / 10
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  • Rus...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 14, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was on Saxenda for a total of 31 weeks. Mild side effects at first; mild constipation, headache. They wore off soon. I was slow to increase my dose - staying at 1.2 mg and 1.8 mg for many weeks before increasing. Could not tolerate 2.4 mg - vomiting, sulfur gas, diarrhea. Went back down to 1.8 but never felt right again. 28 lbs lost in 34 weeks. Average weight loss 0.8 lbs per week. Pros: It helped control cravings and made me feel less hungry. Cons: The side effects. Not bad until I went past 1.8 mg. Then it was unbearable. I also found it inconvenient to take. I don’t hate needles, but it was a process. Also expensive. My insurance covered it (otherwise I wouldn’t be on it at all), but not the needles or the swabs. Traveling with it was annoying."

6 / 10
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  • Tar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 28, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Saxenda because 4 or 5 years after my sleeve surgery, I started gaining weight back, and I didn't like that. I am now three weeks in and on the full dose. I get nauseous but not to the point of vomiting. I feel very tired during the day after a full night's sleep of 8 or more hours. I'm not sure if this is a side effect of Saxenda or not because I seemed to be tired a lot before the medication. Since I do feel very nauseous on the full dose, I am thinking about decreasing my dose back down to the first dose. I don't eat much at all with this medication. By 'don't eat much,' I mean maybe 4 to 5 small bites of something, and I am so full. I love that side effect of the medication. No constipation, not as much as before the medication. I did get diarrhea maybe 3 times in the last three weeks."

8 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Lis...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 16, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 3 days in on the 1.2 mg dose. 4 nights ago, I consumed spicy/greasy food (which did NOT taste right). A few hours later, horrible boiled egg smell burps, abdomen distention, loose stools, and severe nausea! Thought I had picked up a stomach bug. Last night, I ate a piece of pepperoni pizza (again, just did NOT taste right). This morning, boiled egg burps are back. I have come to the conclusion that I need to avoid spicy/greasy foods. :( I really love spicy foods! However, getting back to a healthy weight is more important. I have NOT weighed yet, waiting until the end of the 1.2 mg dose."

8 / 10
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  • 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...."

6 / 10
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  • CEK...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 20, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started on the 0.6 with no side effects. Lost 4 kilos in a week. Definitely no desire to eat. Made sure I drank lots of water. Increased my dose to 1.2, and by the next day, I had the most severe diarrhea I have ever had. I couldn’t go to work for 4 days. I have needed to stop my dosage just so I can get back to work but plan on going back on the lowest dosage tomorrow. I am hoping I can stay on this lowest dose and still lose weight. I have lost 6 kilos in 2 weeks, and I intend to continue. Would love to hear back from anyone that has stayed on the lowest dose and still continued to lose the weight."

7 / 10
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  • Sal...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 12, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’m on week 5 and still not managed to get to the full dose as the side effects have been severe. I started well in the first couple of weeks, losing 3 lbs a week, feeling very positive with no side effects. Then I started with severe diarrhea and very bad stomach cramps, feeling very fatigued, and I haven’t lost any weight in the last three weeks. I am presently on the 2.4 dose. I have experienced bad itching, redness, and discomfort at the injection site, and this has gotten worse as the dose has increased. I have decided to use the pens that I have purchased and not to continue, it would appear I am one of the 15% who do not suit Saxenda."

2 / 10
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More FAQ

  • 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! :)"

6 / 10
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  • Cyn...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 12, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've only been on it for one week, but so far, so good. It really seems to be reducing my appetite, and I have lost a couple of pounds. I am not so sure that the benefits are going to outweigh the costs. I have had none of the side effects that I had on other prescription weight loss drugs: no drowsiness, no nausea, no vomiting, no diarrhea. So that is a plus right off the bat."

7 / 10
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  • Ang...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 5, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started 2 weeks ago, and tomorrow night I will start my 3rd week and will increase my dosage again. I have slight nausea and a little diarrhea, but that could be because I had my gallbladder out. The most side effect I have had is heartburn. Rolaids work good for it, though. The only thing I've really noticed is, at the beginning, I was hungry all the time!!!!! I have a very slow metabolism, so I'm thinking it was finally working again. I've lost 5 lbs so far. The injection site burns a little when first injected, but that goes away within minutes. I'm not snacking like I did and not eating as much. A lot of people say they were not hungry at all, I haven't felt that way yet. Hoping when I increase the dosage I will feel like that. I will keep you updated!!!"

4 / 10
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  • Pol...
  • May 16, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Saxenda a little over a month to lose weight, and I've lost almost 15 pounds, which I'm happy about, but most of it has been due to the side effects - nausea, heartburn, and diarrhea. The feeling of hunger is gone and replaced with daily nausea, so that I have to remind myself to eat. The diarrhea and excessive gas that has produced loud, uncontainable belching have made me reluctant at times to eat at all, so as not to have to bolt for a bathroom while chaperoning a field trip, for example. I am extremely nauseated and sleepy in the afternoon, which I haven't experienced since pregnancy (14 years ago!). I have both Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which have complicated my dietary choices while on this drug. I am exercising regularly and trying to make good food choices. Despite the side effects, I'm planning on staying on this drug for another month or so in hopes that the side effects will eventually subside."

7 / 10
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  • pud...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 24, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Saxenda for 3 weeks and just got to the 3.0 dose. These first 3 weeks have been hard, with stomach pain and diarrhea, but I have had almost no appetite. I am 6'8 and was 269 lb when I started. This morning on the scale, I weighed 260 lb. I feel like once the side effects fade, then I can start back walking. I think this drug might be the answer to my weight loss. Everybody will respond differently, but don't give up. I found that in reading some of the side effects, I somehow started to develop them! Be safe and listen to your body. No greasy foods, sodas, or alcohol. Best of luck to all of you."

7 / 10
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  • Dre...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 19, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Saxenda in January 2019, worked my way up to 3 mg, and now I have diarrhea and burping, and the smell of the burps is terrible. I cut back to 2.4 and still have those side effects, then to 1.8 and still burping. Going to cut back to 1.2 and see if the side effects stop. If they don’t, I can’t keep taking it. That is sad because in the month and a half I have been taking the medicine, I have gone from 342 lb to 327 lb. I really need to lose the weight, and Saxenda has worked, I just can’t live with those side effects."

6 / 10
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  • CSa...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 12, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm 58 and started Saxenda at 286 lbs at the end of May 2018, stayed at 0.6 mg for a month. No side effects and lost 18 lbs, appetite suppressant effects worked great, even felt more energetic. Doc said I was a 'fast responder.' Felt great - increased gym classes to 3X per week. Month 2, went up to 1.2 mg, weight loss slowed (2-5 lbs), some burping, if I ate a fatty or spicy meal, I had instant diarrhea. Went up to 1.8 mg a few weeks ago, had 2 days of mild to moderate nausea, burping, headache, but it went away. Weight loss has slowed, appetite suppressant effects fading, though I am sticking with the gym and walking and am more active, which is great. Doc said weigh only once a week, focus on how to feel, track carbs and protein, not calories. Sticking with it! Expect to go up to 2.2 at the next doc visit. Has anyone gone off and started at 0.6 again? I'm a little worried about diarrhea effects and traveling."

9 / 10
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  • Yom...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 16, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started yesterday. Didn’t feel a thing doing the injection. Was super confused if one click equals 0.6. I don’t know, but that’s what I did. Well, today I pooped myself. It was even on the floor. It was like a sludge. So bizarre, came out of nowhere. I’m sure it’s the drug, as this has never happened before. So be mindful of this. It can happen without you even knowing. I ate a crazy lunch yesterday, then didn’t want dinner. Had a sweet craving and did some sugar-free chocolate as I’m on keto also. Today I don’t want to eat any at all. Cost me $150 AUD for two 3 mg pens."

8 / 10
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  • Ema...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 28, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This was a really bad experience. Took Saxenda for 3 days, only a dose of 0.6, and ended up with side effects of severe nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, stomach ache, headache. Could not even drink water due to severe nausea, got dehydrated. Stopped the drug, and the side effects lasted for 5 more days! Would never recommend this drug to anyone."

1 / 10
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  • Cri...
  • August 2, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started my weight loss journey in July of 2017. I have lost over 100 lbs but was having trouble losing my last 30 lbs, so I was put on Saxenda over 30 days ago. The dosage gradually increased to the max of 3 mg at 5 weeks. The nausea, especially in the evening, is horrible. Most days, I have stomach pain in the middle of my stomach, it's nothing I can’t stand. Occasional diarrhea, but nothing to write home about. The added bonus is I’m so nauseated that the smell of food makes me not want to think about eating. I want to continue and recommend Saxenda, however, for me, my insurance company won’t cover the cost, and my out-of-pocket expense is almost 1300 dollars for a 30-day worth of injections. Way too costly to keep up on sadly."

8 / 10
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  • Hop...
  • February 24, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am on my second week, and I have lost around 2 pounds. When I first take the dose, I have really bad indigestion, sour stomach, nausea, stomach cramping, and diarrhea. Then, after the first initial dose, the symptoms calm down, and I just have indigestion."

9 / 10
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  • Hap...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 6, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started using Saxenda about a month ago - doing the increments in doses to this week at 2.4, so not quite 3 yet. First few weeks, no side effects, yay! Then last Thursday, feeling nausea with extreme (double you over) pain, so left work & hardly made it home & explosive diarrhea - left me drained, nauseous & sick the whole next day. Every day since then, extreme nausea & ill feeling coming in waves. Started at 259 lbs - down to 253. The ill feeling just won't go away. I think I might stop for a few days & see how I feel. I tried every diet, HCG too & now these awful side effects. So disappointed."

1 / 10
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  • Ros...
  • August 15, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Saxenda August 5, 2016. I have experienced every side effect thus far, lol. I still have diarrhea, I'm sorry, TMI. The dose I'm taking is 1.2 right now. I have a few more days before I start the next dose, 1.8. I haven't checked my weight yet, so curious with the side effects I've been having that do restrict me from indulging in foods I used to enjoy, lol. I will say my cravings for sweets are non-existent. Also, my carb cravings have really dropped too. I hope some of the side effects subside, I'm over the bubble guts, belching, bloating, diarrhea, and cramping. I sound like the Pepto-Bismol commercial, lol. Maybe I should try that instead of the gas pills I have been taking religiously. Anyway, remember every body reacts differently."

7 / 10
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  • Chr...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 18, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "2 days in on 0.6 mg and the nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, diarrhea, sulfuric burps have hit me hard. My stomach was so painful last night that I’ve decided to discontinue. It feels like it is bad for my body. You may be someone who doesn’t suffer from the severe side effects, but I did, and it was horrendous. An expensive mistake."

2 / 10
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  • Lyn...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 20, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Discontinued after taking for 4 weeks, the side effects are unbearable. Nauseated almost daily, multiple episodes of vomiting, and horrible diarrhea. I have lost approximately 10 pounds, however, the side effects are definitely not worth taking."

2 / 10
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  • Msc...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 28, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "41 y/o female, 344 lbs starting weight. 6 weeks taking Saxenda and I’ve lost 17 lbs. I have struggled with obesity my whole life. I’ve found this medication challenging to take, but it works, and I’m going to see it through. The nausea and headaches in the first few weeks were super rough. That calmed down and was replaced with constipation and diarrhea for several weeks, which was pretty awful at times. It seems to have leveled off now, but I do still get uncomfortable if I eat too much. I lost a lot of weight in the first few weeks and then started plateauing, but I’m trending down again. This stuff works—I find it very helpful in keeping me on smaller portions and craving healthier foods. My goal is to get into the comfortable habit of eating less and eating better and not wanting to overindulge. I’m addicted to the pleasure of food, and that is a tough cycle to break. Hopefully, the worst of the side effects are over now."

7 / 10
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  • Nan...
  • August 30, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Lost 8 kilos in the first 4 weeks and then slowly put it all back on over the next three months. Still taking the medication but about to stop because it obviously does not work for me. Chronic side effects of nausea, diarrhea, and extreme fatigue!"

1 / 10
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  • NJa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 26, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Saxenda for 3 weeks and lost around 7 kg. By the third week, I increased the dose to 1.8. A few days after, I had severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea for 4 days and had to go to the ER (and I stopped taking it). I'm not sure if this was a side effect from the medication, or I just got food poisoning somehow. I'm starting it again on the lowest dose, and plan only to increase the dose when I think it's becoming less effective. If I face the same issue again on a higher dose, I'll either stick to the lower dose, or just completely stop it."

9 / 10
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14 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.