Liraglutide and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Ner...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "I know it's a bit early, but thought I could always update as I continue on my Victoza journey. I started with the 0.6 dose on Dec 28, 2015. My blood sugars were continually averaging between 8.0 and 15.1. I noticed right away my blood sugars were down in the 8's and 7's after meals and in the morning. After reading a lot of reviews on different sites, I was terrified to take this. Side effects so far: mild nausea, not all the time, just here and there, a bit itchy at the injection sites, a bit bloated, and mild constipation. You have to be careful not to overeat because you do feel full quickly. Blood sugar in the morning 6.7, five pounds lost. Will update."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I'm a 35-year-old woman with PCOS, prediabetes, and high resistance to weight loss. Started Victoza 7/14/17. Sugars now in normal range, and I've lost 16 lbs so far! Side effects included some stomach pain/cramping at first that has now eased up. I eat less and stay away from heavy/greasy foods to avoid side effects. I find that I always feel full. Never hungry. Occasional constipation, nothing too bad. Overall, I'm very pleased to finally be losing weight and getting my sugars under control! I started at .6 ml and now am at 1.8. I find the dosing easy and painless. I'm excited to see how this affects my A1c, thrilled the scale is finally moving in the right direction! I'll update in a few weeks."

• 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!"

• Pet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 15, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 54-year-old female that was diagnosed with pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, and my blood pressure was starting to climb also. I gained a lot of weight after menopause and even more during Covid. My self-esteem was low, and I was very frustrated with myself. My doctor started me on Saxenda. And what a blessing it has been. I am in my fifth week right now and have lost 11 pounds so far! My biggest side effects are constipation and occasional dizziness. Other than that, I feel great. I am on 1.2 mg still, and my appetite has decreased dramatically! I can still enjoy a little chocolate and an occasional glass of wine! I’m very pleased with the results so far and wish to lose another 20 pounds. I will then have my blood work repeated to see if my A-1C and my cholesterol are starting to drop! Fingers crossed!"

• San...
• February 28, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Saxenda on Feb 1, 2016. Minimal side effects, no issues with constipation. Only able to tolerate small portions and must eat every 3-4 hours during the day. If I don't eat, I get nauseous. Worst time for me used to be around dinner time when I could not stop snacking, now those cravings are gone. YAH! 10 lbs lost in 4 weeks, just what I wanted: slow and steady. Insurance does cover, so will be continuing until goal weight of 150."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2013

For Type 2 Diabetes "When I first started Victoza, I got very sick. I waited a week and tried it again. This time I made sure I had very light food. I had bought some pudding and jello (sugar-free). I also had some ginger ale on hand because that settles my stomach. Started with the 0.6 and had nausea for the first 4 days. Then felt fine. Then went to the 1.2, again nausea for 4 days. Now I am doing the 1.8. I have lost 13 lbs in 6 weeks, and I feel great. I also have been drinking a lot of water to help with the constipation. Thank you, Victoza."

• TJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been consistently losing an average of 2 lbs. per week. This is an extremely healthy and successful rate! It's been about 3 weeks, and I am down 6 lbs. There definitely are side effects to this medication. The one I struggle with the most is the constipation. I am increasing my water intake and taking Colace (an OTC laxative) to manage it. My appetite has decreased significantly, almost without me noticing. I do have some nausea and belching as well. When you make the decision to take prescription drugs to help you lose weight, you have to expect to compromise, though, right? As long as these symptoms remain tolerable and the lbs. keep dropping, I am sticking with it. Hopefully, I won't grow a third leg or grow any thyroid tumors. Day by day."

• Vet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Saxenda on 12/14/15, weighing in at 210 pounds. As of today, 01/15/16, I weighed in at 193... 17-pound weight loss! I have been doing 30 minutes of cardio 4 times a week. The downsides I have experienced are constipation. I have found the only way I am able to go to the bathroom is by taking a liquid laxative on the weekends. I have also experienced some nausea that has been pretty bad at times. Overall, I am really excited about my rules and hope to reach my goal weight of 160 by the summer! Saxenda rocks!!"

• Jos...
• January 6, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm in my second week, and since I have upped the dosage, I have noticed constipation and, for the last day, moderate abdominal pain and diarrhea. I definitely don't eat near as much as I used to, and I am very happy about that. I did have headaches the first week, nothing that Motrin couldn't take care of. I am 5'5", I weighed in at 230 pounds, and I have lost 5 pounds as of the first week, not sure today. I am very concerned about the possible side effect of cancer in the thyroid since I do have Hashimoto's disease. But I was considering the gastric sleeve surgery before this medication and really want to give it a shot because I don't want a large portion of my stomach taken out. I'll check in and update you all."

• mar...
• April 12, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on it for 3 months. I started with the smallest dose and went up to the highest. At the lower dose, I started seeing my fasting numbers go down significantly. At the middle dose, they leveled. At the higher dose, I was sick to my stomach with anything I ate. I was a zombie for a few hours. The first two months, my A1C went down significantly. The interesting thing about the med is that I never got the diarrhea, instead, it has given me constipation. I haven't lost any weight. I'm on the middle dose now. Another interesting thing about the med is that at the middle and higher dose, I am hungry all the time. I feel like I'm eating more than before. My fasting numbers are back up. I don't think it's working for me."

• Gre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Saxenda on Jan 21, 2016, with 0.6 mg, and I weighed 222. The first three days, I could not eat, when I did, it was very little. I always felt sick, but after the three days, I felt better. No cravings at all, actually no desire for food, I just eat to eat and give me energy. I always used to eat sweets after every meal, I have not had one sweet since doing the injections. Today, it has been 13 days on injections, I am up to 1.2 mg and am down 9 lbs, to 213. I feel good and barely have any symptoms. I read that the number one side effect is constipation, so I started taking magnesium citrate, and I have had no issues with that. I have also started going to the gym. I take the medication right before bed around 11-11:30 pm."

• CMB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 25, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This is an update: I am officially down 14 lbs. I am 5'5" and started at 225.7 (home weight) and I am down to 211.7 since beginning on February 4th. The negative side effects have seemingly subsided, except for being a bit backed up. Though I imagine that the decrease in food intake has changed my personal regularity. I will increase to 2.4 today. I am more positive about seeing the scale under 200. It will be a first in over 5 years. I don't crave food at all. For the first time, in a long time, I am able to look at food as something I have to do instead of something I constantly need to do. The next two to three weeks are crucial for me, as I generally sabotage myself and stop being consistent with my healthy ways after about a month."

• Cha...
• May 13, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am on Victoza now for 2 months. Was on it before for a month. Had some side effects in the beginning, but now it's fine. My blood sugar levels are under control, as well as my high blood pressure. Do experience some constipation. Very good drug. Pray my medical aid will consider it for chronic meds."

• Wil...
• July 5, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Saxenda 5 weeks ago. Was lucky that the drug plan covered it. My pharmacy doesn't stock it, so I have to order a couple of days ahead. Down 10 lbs, I believe, and 2" off my waist. Walking every night. A step counter or Fitbit really helps with this. Getting treatment for sleep apnea as well, which has really made me feel better and have more energy to exercise. Will start more vigorous exercise soon. Some nausea when I went to 1.8ml, but only for a day. At full dose of 3ml per day at dinner. Some constipation, but trying to drink lots of water. The drug makes you feel full after small meals. I haven't finished a lunch in a restaurant in weeks."

• Ama...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Victoza for weight loss and appetite control. As everyone, I started at 0.6, then 1.2, and I wanted my max to be 1.8. I’ve lost 15 lbs in 3 weeks with the use of the pen and dieting. It does control my cravings and appetite, but not to the point where I have zero appetite. The first week, I had some mild generalized body aches and felt tired, but it didn’t interfere with my day-to-day life. The second week, a couple of episodes of nausea - nothing drastic. The third week, a couple of dull headaches and still slightly tired. At baseline, I have constipation issues, so it's difficult to say if this drug is contributing to that. I will say my nausea is worse when I exercise. I’ll feel fine before, then exercise, and I’m nauseated the rest of the day - again it’s manageable. I take the injections each morning. All in all, it’s working well for me, although I’m always paranoid and on the lookout for further symptoms of more serious issues, but this will not be a long-term drug for me."

• now...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 14, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Okay, so after day 32 (and only day 2 on the full 3.0 dose), I had lost 21 pounds. I am seeing the doctor every 2 or 3 weeks and only get on the scale there. I'm at day 40 and feel that when I go to see her in 2 weeks, I will be down another 5 or 6. In addition to Saxenda, I've adjusted my eating -- mainly smaller portions, more veggies, fruit, protein, less carbs, pretty much no frozen or pre-prepared foods. My energy level is good, and the only real side effect I am still dealing with is constipation, but I am increasing water intake, and it seems to be helping. My blood pressure has gone down, too. I'm going to try and add in some light exercise next ... need a knee replacement, so that rules a lot of things out."

• fem...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Began last year and took for 4 months successfully. Lost about 12 to 16 lbs easily. Victoza suppressed my appetite by the means explained in the literature; apparently, my stomach contents are slow to pass through to the small intestine, so the sensation of fullness remains. Constipation is my main problem. When titrating up, I experience GERD and some discomfort; this has probably kept me awake 2 or 3 nights total. After discontinuing in 2016, I restarted again this July 2017 with the same successful results (I had gained weight back through my own carelessness). I have lost about 10 lbs in 2 weeks, not a healthy rate, perhaps, but it reflects my appetite suppression. Be careful when titrating up. I am back at 1.8 now."

• Tal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 22, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I began taking Saxenda on January 8th. The first month had a few side effects (acid reflux, nausea, injection site discomfort, and constipation). This all subsided over time. I've been going strong for 4 months and have lost a little over 30 pounds. I started at 246. Since my appetite has been suppressed, I eat smaller portions 5 to 6 times a day. Prior to Saxenda, I would eat large quantities for lunch and dinner, never breakfast, and certainly snack at night. So, it's forced me into better eating habits. I also try to eat whole grains, turkey, salads, etc. It's changed my lifestyle."

• MDL...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started taking Saxenda and initially saw some limited results. Side effects were minimal, I had some heartburn and constipation, but nothing else. Lost approx 7 lbs in conjunction with a 2000 kcal p/d diet. However, was unable to lose any more weight despite consistently being in a calorie deficit. Also discovered that Saxenda really didn't help very much with hunger/cravings as it was supposed to. I haven't binged while on it, but remained constantly hungry. Ultimately, a disappointing result."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 26, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been using Victoza for 3 weeks. I followed protocol exactly to increase the dosage to 1.9. I've lost 10 lbs, but the side effects are so severe, it's not worth it. I have alternating constipation and diarrhea with painful cramping. I am nauseated all day with little appetite. Most food tastes terrible, so I am eating very little. I also feel tired with little energy all the time. I've tried taking Victoza in the evening, but nothing seems to help. I'm prediabetic, but I think I may have to try something else."

• Bai...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 22, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve been on Saxenda for 6 months and lost 40 lbs in the first 3. Since then, I have maintained the weight loss. I just started working out on it and hoping I will lose my last 25. In the beginning, I felt a little nauseous, constipation, and had some minor headaches, but it subsided after the first month. About 6 weeks in, I had terrible sulfur breath and burps. It lasted about 3 weeks, but I was able to control it with chewable Pepto Bismol. I have had a great experience, but if my plateau doesn’t break, I’m hoping my doctor will increase the 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."

• flo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 26, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Thursday, Aug 29 will be 3 weeks on Saxenda. I have lost 10 lbs so far. My side effects have been mild constipation, extreme thirst, and dry mouth. Bad breath and nausea. I am currently taking the 2.4 dose. I will be going up to 3 this weekend, hoping to lose more. Eating very small things several times a day. Spicy is not good while on this drug, it is best to eat bland foods. For me, anything greasy or too much spice in it gives me a lot more nausea. I have a 3-month amount. I will definitely do it until then to see if I lose any more weight, but after that, I am not sure. Good luck to everyone who thinks this will help them. It has helped me so far."

• Tor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Yesterday I was three months on Saxenda. Starting weight 194 lbs (I am 5’2”). Today I’m 160 pounds. Very mild side effects in my first week, until I switched the administration time from morning to bedtime. No more nausea. Constipation is still a problem for me, still working hard to manage this. Injection site also has become a little challenging, but because it’s summer I don’t want to use my arms or legs, so I stick with my tummy area, which has become very itchy and lumpy. My fitness pal app also helps with watching my cals, I am not exceeding 1000/day. It works for me, and my life is getting better every day."

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 15, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "After insurance (which covers it) and Nova Prescription Card, the cost is $30/month. On Saxenda: 6 weeks now (was already dieting before Saxenda). Lost 5% of body mass on Saxenda (11 pounds) so far. Plan to lose 10% or more while on this. Food cravings have ceased, and food tastes better while eating it, and satiety is quicker than before. If it continues like this, achieving health and weight goals will be easy. Like others, went from having diarrhea before to normal or mild constipation on Saxenda. My feet and hands sometimes feel cold now, don't crave food. If I do not diet, I will not lose weight even with Saxenda. But Saxenda makes the fight to lose weight easy. Very easy to use too, was surprised by that."