Liraglutide and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• Anonymous
• December 11, 2010

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Victoza since July 2010. As of December 2010 (5 months later), I have lost 50 lbs. My appetite has still not been much since I've been on Victoza. My blood sugars have been in the average of 140s, 2 hours after I eat, and I feel great! I hope this keeps up because it does help me with the weight loss issue as well as my type 2 diabetes! When I first was on Victoza, I had really bad headaches, nausea, and some diarrhea. But that lasted about a month to a month and a half, and since then, I have not had any issues with side effects. I highly recommend this prescription for those who have tried everything under the sun to keep their sugar in control, and the only possible next step was going to be insulin. I would recommend giving this medicine a try."

• Car...
• July 1, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Ok, I am so excited! Started taking Saxenda injections for almost 4 weeks now. I am down 20 lbs. However, I am still at the lowest dose, and OMG (this is going to be TMI), I got the worst, I mean the worst, explosive diarrhea ever! Every 10-15 minutes, I barely made it to the bathroom. My appetite was non-existent, and other than the severe side effect, I would recommend this to anyone who wants to lose weight. Imodium and Metamucil help greatly, and I will continue with my 30 lb more weight journey. I hope those won’t be put off by my experience, it’s just that it is my experience. My reaction was a very severe one, but it is controlled."

• Tad...
• July 23, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "Didn't do bad on 0.06 the first week, but still had a strong urge to eat. Had diarrhea and headaches. Then I started 1.2 two days ago, and today I was so nauseated I prayed to vomit. Then I started vomiting, and it won't stop. I take medication other than Victoza every night at bedtime, including Metformin, and a few minutes ago, I threw up most of my pills from last night still intact but swollen. The food from 4 days ago smelled like roadkill. I fear how long it will be before someone dies of an overdose from old medication in their stomach not digesting in time for future doses. It's been more than 20 hours since I ingested anything but water and a vanilla breakfast shake. I will not be taking my regular meds tonight. Victoza is out!!"

• Pat...
• July 8, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking Victoza for 4-5 weeks. Seems to keep my sugar in line. Was 190 - 240 range, now 71 - 117 range. I was a little nauseous the first week at .6 dose, BS 110-138. Next week, went up to in between .6 and 1.2 dose. Some headaches, but experienced a full day of diarrhea (it was hell for that day). Stayed at that dose for almost 2 weeks, blood sugars were 91 - 135, mostly below 120. Testing 6-8 times a day. Increased dose at about the 3rd to 4th week to 1.2. Blood sugars are mostly normal: 71-122. Although fasting, morning BS is 135-155. Yet I test in the middle of the night, my BS is 99-107 (I am experiencing insomnia). I have been experiencing loose bowel movements and diarrhea for the last 2 weeks. I hope to go back to normal."

• Pat...
• July 8, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking Victoza for 4-5 weeks. Seems to keep my sugar in line. Was 190 - 240 range, now 71 - 117 range. I was a little nauseous the first week at .6 dose, BS 110-138. Next week, went up to in between .6 and 1.2 dose. Some headaches, but experienced a full day of diarrhea (it was hell for that day). Stayed at that dose for almost 2 weeks, blood sugars were 91 - 135, mostly below 120. Testing 6-8 times a day. Increased dose at about the 3rd to 4th week to 1.2. Blood sugars are mostly normal: 71-122. Although fasting, morning BS is 135-155. Yet I test in the middle of the night, my BS is 99-107 (I am experiencing insomnia). I have been experiencing loose bowel movements and diarrhea for the last 2 weeks. I hope to go back to normal."

• 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."

• 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."

• BJa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 8, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I had been on Byetta and Metformin for twelve years and had maintained an A1C in the mid-5 range. I had suffered no diabetic-related complications. My treatment was successful. Then, my insurance insisted I change to Victoza. It did not work, and I had severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The diarrhea was so severe I was constantly dehydrated, and then my vision began to change. My A1C jumped to the high 7's. The drug was a disaster for me. I had to move heaven and earth to get back to Byetta, and my A1C is coming down, but the Byetta doesn't seem to be as effective as it was prior to taking the Victoza. I have to wonder if the Victoza has left some residual problems with the pancreas not responding as before."

• jay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 11, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been using Victoza for 3 months now. 1.6 for a few weeks then 1.8. I had one night of sickness at the beginning and another recently, but in general, it's more like the thought of eating food that makes me feel sick. My bowel and stomach feel a lot like I need to have an evacuation, but I've not had diarrhea. As for weight loss, I've gone from over 17 stone to 14 st 7 lbs in 3 months without doing anything. My HbA1c has dropped from over 25 to around 7. So everything is pretty amazing. I'm lucky that it's free for me in the UK, but it did take a few years to get it prescribed by my diabetic specialist nurse. I don't know if there are any long-term side effects, but at present, I believe it has changed and saved my life."

• MO-...
• April 22, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took Victoza for well over a year, and it improved my blood sugar readings tremendously. My A1C had been as high as 9, and it got down to 6.9 with Victoza. However, I was sick SO MUCH! Constant diarrhea, burping (the nasty, boiled egg kind), and extreme nausea and vomiting. I finally started tracking my sick days, and in one month, I was sick 4 days. And by sick, I mean throwing up every few minutes, all day long. I had several tests done, and the only thing discovered was that I digest food slower than normal, which is what Victoza is designed to do. I decided it was probably the Victoza making me so sick. I stopped taking it completely and have not been sick for over a month. Blood sugars are not good now, so waiting to see my doctor."

• Caj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 11, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "The first week was the worst, started at 0.6. The diarrhea was bad. Even worse, the weird belching, the burps were gross. It was like my body was getting rid of actual dirt in it. By the time the second week rolled around and I had to increase my dose to 1.2, most of the 'dirt' was out of my system. The belching still continued, and BMs were better. Lost 4 lbs. I'm at a 1.8 dose now. The adjustment seems to get smoother to the increases of doses. I agree with the other comments that it's strange how I don't think about food or wanting to eat. I'm hoping that prolonged thinking (or lack of thinking) will help change my relationship with food. Plus, I feel better on the inside, physically. If that makes any sense. Hoping for more and continued positive changes. I'm glad I stuck with it through the onset reactions."

• Del...
• October 5, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Saxenda because I had polycystic ovaries, and the only way of fixing that is weight loss. I started the treatment in August 2018, and every week I upped the dosage by 0.4. I took the shot in the morning and felt nauseous every night. On the third day, I barfed all night. It sucked. I started taking the shots at night before bed, and it helped a lot. I would only feel slight nausea in the morning, but then lunch and dinner would be fine, and I could eat. The nausea did get better as time went on. I almost don’t ever feel nauseous anymore. I’ve been at 3 for almost a month now, and I have lost 12 kilos since April (5 kilos by myself and 7 with Saxenda). I had a bowel accident recently, I pooped myself. I constantly have diarrhea. I feel like my appetite has gone back to normal because I do get hungry, which is something that didn’t happen in the first two months. I feel like I’m losing weight, and the only price to pay is diarrhea and slight discomfort or nausea."

• Ran...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 17, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Saxenda two weeks ago and 4 kg down. No hunger at all. Side effects: slight dehydration and diarrhea. Changed to having the injection at night, and since then, no more diarrhea. Private health coverage has been a help in covering the expense."

• Sir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 20, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’ve been on Victoza for 3 months. I had horrible reactions to Ozempic. I have a very overly sensitive stomach with other GI issues. Ozempic made me very sick, and I read better reviews on Victoza. I have been on 0.6 mg for over 3 months, and if you are having issues with higher doses, I strongly encourage keeping at a low dose. It was extremely effective for me! I tried to increase to 1.2 mg, and after 5 days, my body started feeling the same effects Ozempic did, so I went back to 0.6 mg. My A1c went from 7.2 to 6.1 in 3 months! It also had the opposite effect of the 1.2 mg, which gave me severe diarrhea, the 0.6 mg actually gives me normal BMs since I already have an ongoing GI issue with diarrhea. I honestly love it! I was told doctors don’t prescribe 0.6 mg because no clinical studies were done on this dosage, but this seriously worked great in 3 months. I’m giving it a 9/10 because I still get annoying gas and painful stomach cramps now and again, which can be annoying."

• Que...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I think I have all the horrible side effects of this drug. I have serious heartburn all day and night. Then comes the belching, which smells like rotten eggs. As soon as I try to sleep, the nausea kicks in, then to top it all, explosive diarrhea all night, so I'm not getting any sleep. Yes, I have lost three pounds a week, but the side effects are so miserable I can't live like this."

• 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."

• Doo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Victoza .6 for five days now along with 1000 mg of Metformin ER each day. My main complaint is diarrhea. I take it in the evening, and once I get up in the morning, I am in the bathroom 5 or 6 times. I've read so much information about Victoza, and I was really hesitant to start taking it because of all the side effects. I also feel like I have a brick in my abdomen. I can only eat a little bit at a time, and once I eat, I hit the bathroom again. I'm trying to focus mainly on watching my carbs because that's truly my downfall. So far, I've lost a pound a day. I really need this to lose weight and get off about 75 pounds. I've tried everything! I'm having a hard time leaving the house with this diarrhea. Is it going to ever end?"

• she...
• March 24, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "At first, the side effects were horrible: nausea, diarrhea, etc. It seemed to subside after a while. However, my doc decided to up my dose to 1.8, and during that night, I had the worst stomach pain (woke me up out of a dead sleep). I decided to take the same dose the second day, and again, the same stomach pain. I went back down to 1.2 the day after that, I could not handle the pain I was having. I will say I have lost 49 lbs since I started a few months back, but I have to wonder why my thyroid is starting to ache all the time?"

• Ban...
• July 12, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Have been taking Saxenda for about a month but haven’t been able to up my dose to 3.0 since I’ve been having horrible severe headaches and nausea, watery diarrhea, and vomiting nonstop for weeks. I have no energy. I’m miserable. I wonder, will this be worth it? :( I’ve lost about 4 kg, that’s all, and I can barely eat or do anything from how sick and weak I am. Was very excited to try the medication, but I’m so upset. Any recommendations? :("

• Sim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "I had all the symptoms on the first two doses. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. I also take metformin. I took metformin with almond milk and a probiotic along with the Victoza injection. No more chronic diarrhea. I eat small meals to keep from getting nauseated."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 20, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "From a 1-10, I am rating it at a strong 7. I was prescribed Victoza because I was borderline diabetic and to help aid in weight loss. I have been taking this medicine since late November, so far, I have dropped 14 lbs. The side effects are not always so great. Although it suppresses my appetite and I no longer get/feel hungry throughout the day, I have become very gassy, and the nausea is non-stop! My stomach will cramp up every now and again and cause some diarrhea, which then leads to migraines from dehydration. If you can handle these side effects, then I believe it can be a great medication for both lowering sugar levels and weight loss."

• Smi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 10, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve been on Saxenda for a month now and lost 12 pounds. I’ve increased my movement and lowered my calorie intake. I’m at 1.8 mg and have started feeling most of the common symptoms: nauseous, diarrhea, and vomiting. I’m hoping my body will adjust soon."

• pan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have started to take this drug on January 18, 2017. Today is February 11, and I have lost 10 pounds. I am 5'5", 235 lbs down to 225 lbs. I am at 1.8 dosage and have nausea, diarrhea, no appetite, cramping, fatigue, and newly developed belches that taste like rotten eggs! I might need to back down to 1.2. I have been moving slow with the dose increases as well. Losing weight, though, but these side effects......we will see!"

• 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."