Saxenda and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Week 8 on Saxenda, and I’m at the max dose of 3.0 mg, and I've lost about 10 pounds in the first 6 weeks. Fatigue is the only side effect I’ve experienced (some very occasional diarrhea). My appetite is coming back, and I am really having to use some self-control now. Still not craving sugary foods, though. No exercise yet. I’m going to refill my prescription, and I’ll update next month. My insurance covers all but $200, and with the savings card, my out-of-pocket is $50 per 6 pens."

• Moa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Saxenda almost 4 weeks, lost 18 lbs. Now I have gone up to a dose of 2.4, since then, nausea and diarrhea. I am going to go back to the 1.8 for another week to see if that helps me... love the results."

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 18, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I had a GBS [gastric band/bypass surgery?] 20 years ago. I lost 150 lbs but regained 100. Because of my weight gain, my new PCP referred me to a bariatric doctor. I was prescribed Saxenda. My insurance covered the entire cost with the exception of a $35 copay. I administered my first dose (0.6) on 3/14 and my second on 3/15. I had no appetite, nor did I even think about food. I had already lost 2 lbs. On 3/16, I held off on the third dose until after I spoke with my doctor again. I was really worried about the cancer risks. Later that day here come the side effects: diarrhea, intense stomach pain, and nausea for two days and counting. I've taken Immodium, which seemed to do the trick, but when it wears off, the side effects begin again whenever I eat something. I'm on a very restricted diet, so it's not that. I just completed my first month on a diet program and lost 15 lbs without meds. I'm about to try Pepto Bismol and fluids because I'm now dehydrated. Yes, I lost 2 pounds in 2 days, but was it worth it?"

• Slo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 18, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Saxenda for 3 weeks, going into my 4th. Just started on my 1.8 dose. I started off at 198 lbs and am now at 186 lbs. 12 lbs in 3 weeks isn’t bad. Exercising about 2-3 times a week. But stay physically active at work all day. Eating pretty much the same stuff when I do eat. Suppresses my appetite so much that I have to remind myself to eat sometimes. I had 1 night of vomiting about a week ago. But other than that, no real side effects. I do have a little diarrhea here and there. I see it as a good thing though, cleaning out the bad stuff. Pretty pleased overall. My insurance covers all but $20 of the script, so that is good too. Will continue to update. Hope to lose at least 26-31 more lbs."

• 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."

• 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."

• MTo...
• March 9, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I waited 18 months to review. I started 09/2017. The first 6 months I lost 8 lbs, from 198 lbs to 190 lbs (5'8). 3 mg. The side effects were all there: diarrhea, nausea, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, nausea. Did I mention nausea? In 0/2018, I stopped eating meat and meat products and went on a plant-based diet. After one particularly side-effect day, I lowered the dosage back to .06, and I did not inject every day. I thought if I wasn't losing weight, why stay sick? From Feb until 07/2018, I lost 12 more lbs. I had a hysterectomy in 07/2018. I have started eating meat, but my appetite has slowed down. To date, I've lost a total of 30 lbs in 13 months, down to 168 lbs. Size 10, 31' waist, and 4 lbs from not being considered 'overweight.' I had to do something to get things moving. When I made that change, I went from size 14 to a 10. I still only inject .06 a day, I don't inject every day. I still tend to get nauseated, but it only lasts for about 5 minutes, and I keep gum near my bed, which helps."

• Lau...
• March 7, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "The first 2 nights on Saxenda, I was extremely ill and woke up suddenly projectile vomiting. No warning signs, I spent the whole night with my head over the toilet. The 3rd day, I started bleeding heavy. I haven't had a period in a year, and my appetite had gone, and I lost 6 lb in 5 days without exercise. I wondered how great it would be when I stopped bleeding, oh, and stopped the diarrhea. Yep, the diarrhea. Anyway, a few days passed, but still feeling sick, but not vomiting, still bleeding, and still diarrhea, and the burps came constantly like rotten eggs. This continued into day 7 when the bleeding settled. The feeling of sickness settled. The burps continued, the crippling stomach cramps continued, and the diarrhea continued to the point I was bound to bed or a toilet. It's quite worrying to be reduced to tears by the stomach pain. Never ever have I had hemorrhoids-now I have. And guys, it hurts. I have lost weight, but I cannot keep a bite of food in my body, not even water. And all this happened on the lowest dose."

• Mam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Saxenda 1.5 weeks ago, and the explosive diarrhea I've had this week is the worst. If it doesn't subside, I'm going to have to stop taking it because I can't be more than a few feet away from the bathroom. Sorry if it's too much TMI, just want people to know they aren't the only ones if this is happening to them."

• Kca...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Saxenda on 2/21/19. The injections are really no big deal. The first three days at .6 I had mild nausea and then felt fine. I started the 1.2 dose and had horrible nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. My pain is sharp in the center of my chest right under my ribs. Has anyone had this similar pain? I have a strange taste and burps and feel exhausted. This is day 4 on the 1.2 dose. I don’t want to stop taking it if this is something that will pass but cannot continue if this is going to last. Has anyone else had this experience? I have absolutely no appetite, maybe eating 400 calories the last few days."

• Ama...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started using Saxenda for weight loss 7 days ago. I chose to take it at bedtime as I’d read about people experiencing nausea and diarrhea soon after taking it. My starting weight was 224.6 lbs. The first couple of days I had to remind myself to eat as food and hunger did not enter my mind. Towards the end of my first week, I noticed I was starting to feel a bit more hungry - but I am coming up to doubling my dose to 1.2 mg. Anyway, my loss after one week was 6.6 lbs. I am over the moon. Saxenda is successful for weight loss. I’ve had no negative side effects apart from a little bit of fatigue. My daily calorie intake has been approximately 1000-1200. I will attempt to give an update on a weekly basis. I am really happy so far."

• 50...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Saxenda last Friday, with only a mild headache and fatigue being my side effects. Unfortunately, that changed on Monday. I work 50+ hours a week, so the loss of appetite is not a hindrance; however, I found that if I ate any more than a small protein bar or drink anything other than water, the results are not good. Vomiting and diarrhea, lasting most of the next day, and abdominal cramping join the list after any type of food. I hope others have a better result, but my doctor and I agree this is not right for me."

• 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."

• Jop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 20, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This medication was like poison to me, causing extreme vomiting and diarrhea."

• 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."

• 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.."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Saxenda on November 16, 2018. My doctor warned me I might experience some nausea at first, but if I could tolerate it, to keep taking the medicine. Boy, that was an understatement. During the first week of taking Saxenda, I felt like I was going to die. I had extreme nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. I had absolutely zero energy and had to take off from work for the week! But after the first two weeks, the symptoms subsided. Currently, I am eating around 1,000 - 1,200 cal a day. I have zero appetite and zero cravings (which is new for me). I am down 25 pounds in two months. Although I'm still very fatigued, I will continue to take Saxenda and feel that the side effects in the beginning are worth it if you have a substantial amount of weight to lose."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started using Saxenda on Oct 31st, 2018. I had gotten a sample of it to see if I would like it. Took it for 3 weeks and lost 18 lbs. Had issues getting a prior authorization through my insurance, and it took me a week and a half to get it approved. Gained 2 lbs back while waiting. Got back on it 5 days ago and already lost 5 lbs! I get nauseated after eating, especially anything sugary. I get the runs a lot, especially after I eat. At work, I drink a yogurt shake which is 90 calories. If I eat solids, I'm running to the restroom within 10 minutes of eating. So I only eat 'food' at home. The cravings for salty and sweet foods have gone, and I never really feel hungry anymore. I started at 260 lbs and now at 239 lbs. I'm 5'10'. I try to walk 6-7,000 steps a day to keep losing, sometimes I even get to 10,000 steps. So basically, I've been on the meds 4 weeks and lost 21 lbs! Happy with my progress!"

• Jax...
• November 29, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started at 0.6 as instructed. Every week I increased by 0.6. My pen ran out by the third week, so I needed a second one before reaching the full dose of 3.0. The cost with the discount card is $50, plus $30 for 90 needles. I’m tracking my meals with LOSE IT (app), weighing every Saturday and doing Bikram Yoga 2-3 times a week. I started at 177.4 three weeks ago and weighed 173 this morning. I eat 1200 to 1300 calories, and I am so full (just with the 1.2 dose) but could do 1400 calories easily on the 0.6 dose. I highly recommend limiting coffee, carbonated drinks, or rich/spicy foods. I am extremely uncomfortable or even vomit/experience extreme diarrhea if I eat as I am accustomed. At 5'6”, I feel best at 144 lbs. After several consecutive life stressors, I gained 40 lbs in the course of three years. Saxenda is the only course of action to assist me with chronic cravings and feelings of hunger or deprivation."

• 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."

• 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!!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 29, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Awful! Took Saxenda for 4 days. The side effects were terrible. Severe diarrhea, nausea, headache, no energy, zero appetite (literally had to make myself eat some fruit and crackers just to have something), lightheaded, dry heaves, dizzy. No more. I quit."

• 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! :)"

• Kat...
• October 6, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have lost weight so far. I've been on it about a month, and I have lost 12 pounds. But the diarrhea is awful! I can't eat without getting it. There are some days I purposefully don't take it so I can eat the next day, but even then. There has to be a bathroom in sight at all times if I choose to eat. I get stabbing pains as well after eating. I've talked to my doctor, she said the only thing to do is quit taking it if I choose to. I'm going to take it for a little longer to see how much more I can lose, then quit."