Liraglutide and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Victoza last week. So far, it has caused me to be nauseous and throwing up. I don't know about weight loss yet, but my glucose levels are still high even though my appetite is gone. I can't hardly eat anything because everything has a horrible taste now. I have bad diarrhea since taking this medicine. I also stay thirsty, so I drink lots of water. I have no energy, and I have lots of dizziness. I hope the bad side effects go away, but I hope the loss of appetite stays because I need to lose about 100 pounds."

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking this Saxenda for two months. I haven't had much nausea. I did have diarrhea for the first couple of days. I don't really have any side effects, that being said, I haven't lost any weight either. I have been on a full dose for just over a week. I do get full faster, which is good. I am still hopeful. Hoping that after being at full dose I will notice more results."

• Fir...
• March 23, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Day 1 - 0500 Morning (fasting) BS 154, injection (effortless) 0.6 dose. No side effects. Day 2 - 0530 BS 206, 0.6 dose. Nauseous all day, diarrhea all night. Day 3 - 0600 BS 168, 0.6 dose. Nauseous, but functional. Dehydrated, tired. Nausea worse by evening, very little to eat during the day. Black licorice (Wiley Wallaby Beans) ONLY thing that helped the nausea. Day 4 - 0600 BS 174, 0.6 dose. Day 5 - 0530 BS 152, 1st day increased dose to 1.2. By 6 pm, had a screaming migraine. Day 6 - 0900 BS 126. Nearly 30 hours straight migraine. Called Dr. said to go back down to the 0.6 dose tomorrow. Day 7 - 0515 BS 164, 0.6 dose, no headache and had enough energy by evening to go for my 30 min walk. Day 8 0600 BS 161 0.6 dose, nausea, diarrhea, lethargy to the max, and xero appetite. Even water tastes terrible. Day 9 - 0600 0.6 dose - Begin 72 hours of EXTREME itching head to toe. Skin feels raw, sunburned, my throat, eyes itchy, swollen. Day 11 - Depression. $300 in unused pens."

• 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?"

• Lab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 32 yrs old, started at about 330 lbs. I've been on Saxenda for about a month now. I have lost some weight so far. I have also been using Weight Watchers to help me track my food and activity. I had some issues with diarrhea the first week, but that resolved. I've been increasing my doses slowly because the GI side effects have been very uncomfortable. I've been having some issues with nausea, indigestion, headaches, and even chills a couple of days. This started when I increased my dose to 1.8. The drug works great for the appetite suppressant effect, but I may stop taking it due to the awful GI side effects. Haven't really noticed fatigue, but I also have multiple sclerosis, so I am always fatigued to some degree. Gonna touch base with my doctor today. Good luck to everyone."

• Spa...
• October 27, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started taking Victoza in February 2015 at the smallest dose, 0.6. My A1C level was over 15. By March, my A1C level went down to 10. By May, my A1C was 8.9, in September, my A1C level was 8.1. Today, October, it is 8.0. I lost a total of 15 lbs from January to now. At the lower dose, I had some nausea and diarrhea that subsided. By June, I was at the highest level of Victoza. This caused serious diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, eggy burping, and severe gas. I got off Victoza, and symptoms went away, but sugars increased. I'm now trying Farxiga, let's hope this med does just as well without side effects. I loved what Victoza did for me, but side effects were too severe. One other note: I also have IBS with diarrhea, which contributed to the severe diarrhea episodes."

• Mau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm a 43-year-old woman, 5'6. Originally, I weighed 210 pounds. I started Saxenda 30 days ago. I now weigh 193 pounds. I am currently injecting 1.8 and still have 10 days left on that dose. Not much side effects, just a little nausea. I did get diarrhea a few times after I consumed carbohydrates. I have no appetite and am never thirsty, so I need to remind myself to hydrate. A few times I didn't hydrate enough, which led to constipation. I also try to walk 3k every evening, getting my 10,000 steps in a day. It is definitely working for me."

• 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."

• Dis...
• June 5, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started on Victoza 0.6 for the first two weeks, experiencing some nausea and diarrhea about every 4th day. Week three, upped the dose to 1.2 for the next two weeks, again experiencing the same issues but not quite as bothersome. My appetite is definitely diminished, and at times I will feel queasy before eating. I have lost 7 pounds in the four weeks. My energy level is good, I continue to work out 6 days a week, and my blood sugar readings have dropped significantly. Going into week five (started on 1.8 this a.m.), my morning readings are averaging 127, and that's down significantly from my average of 163 before starting this medication."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 4, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was on this medicine for 10 days and had all the side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, was a big one, back pain, upset stomach, painful urination, and difficulties. I was on this medicine 8 years ago and never had a problem with it. This time it was so horrible having a reaction and not knowing what to do to feel better. The doctor told me it had to run its course and get out of my system, and I would feel better. It took about 3 days when I started to feel better."

• Lee...
• November 25, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Victoza in September 2017 and have lost 40 pounds. I'm thrilled with the weight loss, however, I continue to experience vomiting and diarrhea. Anything with red sauce is a big no for me. Can anyone recommend foods that they find are easy to manage? Any feedback is helpful. Thank you for your time..."

• Sud...
• December 5, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am on day 3 of Victoza at 0.6 mg and am miserable. Repeated episodes of nausea, vomiting, and watery diarrhea all day. Can hardly get out of bed except to go to the bathroom. We will see if I make it through the night without a repeat, but I am stopping the med. It is not worth it. I did note an immediate decrease in appetite from day one and can see how it would help my weight if side effects weren't so bad."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 27, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My doctor started me on samples about a year and a half ago. In two months, I went from 260 lbs to 222 lbs. It was awesome! I felt great, had slight nausea and diarrhea the first three days, and then it was gone. Well, I fought my husband’s insurance (with the help of my doctor), and it wasn’t approved, so I had to stop. In over a year, I only gained back 20 lbs! I have a new job, and my insurance covers Saxenda. Yippee! I just started the 2.4 dose, and I’m already down 14 lbs. However, I’m having a hard time eating. I literally eat just enough so I’m not nauseous from an empty stomach. The thought of any food turns my stomach, and I’m a bit sluggish because of it. I’m hoping it will go back to the way it was before. I do love this medicine."

• 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."

• cra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started Victoza 2 months ago. I was great at first. Got up to 1.8 mg. After 3 weeks, got so sick, ended up in the hospital with 2 bags of saline and anti-puke meds. Told to lower dose then go back up, so I did. And 4 weeks later I'm back to cramping and puking and diarrhea, burps that smell like rotten eggs. The first time this happened, I thought it was because of salad. Tomatoes tasted like rotten fish. Now, come to think of it, the salad and seafood. And this time I just ate seafood again. I guess better not do that anymore. I would love a bullet in the head right now, the pain is horrible. Lost 23 lbs so far. I'm hoping I can hang on for a few more months with no serious effects of it. Getting the gastric bypass..."

• RBe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 27, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was at my wits' end when my PCP prescribed Victoza, and all I can say is, what a game changer. However, the side effects have been horrendous, starting with diarrhea, proceeding into a migraine, and then unbearable nausea. Week one on 0.6 started this way, but had nearly resolved by day 7. When I upped my dose to 1.2, the symptoms started all over again, exact same pattern, only this time the nausea was extreme and led to vomiting on day 8. I’ve had to miss 4 days of work and would have missed more, but I work three 12-hour shifts a week. I finally went back to 0.6 on day 8. Feeling pretty defeated, feeling like I stuck with it, missed work, and suffered all the ill effects for nothing. I was seeing great results, FBGs ~116, even had a BG of 75, but that really didn’t count since it was when I couldn’t hold any food down. Postprandial BGs ~140. This was all without insulin. I do still take 1000 mg of metformin nightly, though."

• 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."

• 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."

• Mir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 1, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "This drug is truly a 21st-century miracle for so many people. Like most individuals taking this medication, I am both a Type 2 diabetic and morbidly obese. Whether it's considered a diabetic drug or a weight-loss drug, it fulfills both requirements for me. I restarted this medication about 3.5 months ago because my new insurance covers Victoza at a cost of $20 per month, which is significantly cheaper than the retail price of $1,300. Since restarting, I have lost approximately 30 lbs, and my A1C has dropped an astonishing 4.4 points within a three-month testing period. The results have been absolutely shocking. However, I won't sugarcoat it; the initial side effects were incredibly difficult to endure. The nausea and fluctuation between diarrhea and intense constipation with cramping were almost enough to make me give up. However, something inside me urged me to persevere. By the time I reached the higher dosage of 1.8 mg, which occurred around the 5-week mark (and I even proceeded with the dosage changes at a slower pace than prescribed), the side effects began to diminish. Now, I only experience them when I forget and consume excessive amounts of sugar."

• 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."

• 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...."

• 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."

• 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."

• ali...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 14, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Victoza. Started at 0.6 for one week, then upped to 1.2 for the last 8 weeks. Combined with metformin and thyroid (NDT). I inject last thing at night. Lost nothing the first week, then 1 lb a day for the first week on the higher dose, then about 1-2 lbs per week (minus a gap of 6 days when I was traveling and forgot to bring it and put on 4 lbs) since then. Lost about 14 lbs in total. Never has this happened to me before, so I am very happy. Seems to have stalled a bit now, so I may need to up the dose. Side effects: craving for orange juice, eating ice cream (neither of which I had before), heartburn (bad), sweating buckets (horrible - dripping down the back of my neck), occasional diarrhea (awful) alternating with constipation (bearable), sleepiness, very mild nausea. All getting better. I'm 65, female, exercise regularly, and eat well (5 years since I have eaten gluten)."

• chi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 23, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "Victoza did lower my numbers, but the side effects were terrible. Acid reflux, nausea, and diarrhea. The reviews and information I read said to put up with the diarrhea (it was green!) for a while to see if your body would get used to it. After 2 weeks, I had to stop the medication. Now it looks like there has been kidney damage, having tests done. If you get diarrhea, don't wait 2 weeks to quit!"