Liraglutide and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 5)

• 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! :)"

• 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."

• 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!!!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• GAN...
• September 22, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am on day 4 and had nausea and diarrhea on day one and two. Yesterday was better, but today seems great, hope it stays that way. Lost 3 lbs. Waking numbers have improved, but still aren't where they need to be."

• Sci...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 25, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am a research scientist and am very knowledgeable on insulin devices and diabetes 1. I got diarrhea a lot and for an extended time 2. About 12% of the pens shipped do not work. Express Scripts refuses to replace defective pens. 3. My A1c levels began to climb linearly as soon as this drug replaced original therapy; i.e., drug failure."

• 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."

• DDa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've started Victoza almost 2 months ago. Was doing well the first few days. Then, about 4 days in, had a bad night of vomiting. Didn't really eat the next day, then it seemed to subside. I don't have any appetite and have been eating mainly veggies and some fruits. Increased to 1.2, and again, about 3 days in, had the vomiting and this time diarrhea. Again, only 1 day, and it went away. Tried increasing to 1.8, but can't handle it. My doctor said to just continue with 1.2 for now. Been good for about 2 weeks until last night. I have been vomiting and really bad diarrhea since about 10:30 pm. It's now 1:30 pm the next day and still diarrhea. I can't even keep water down. I've lost about 20 lbs so far, but this isn't worth it. Not sure I can continue taking this and getting sick..."

• Bar...
• June 17, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "Did well on the 1.2 dose, but the 1.8 dose gave me significant side effects, and they are just getting worse. I had to have prescription medication for vomiting. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, indigestion, sore throat, tiredness, diarrhea, dizziness. It has been almost a month at 1.8, and I feel horrible. The side effects outweigh the benefits in my case. I will have to go back to the 1.2 dose and try to increase it by 0.1 every week."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Bak...
• October 3, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I'm giving this drug a solid 5 because it's really terrible yet really good. It has the worst side effects of anything ever. It has caused some of the worst pain of my life. Mainly I get very severe stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea. The other side of this drug is that it's excellent at controlling blood sugar. I take insulin and metformin also, and I don't think they are greatly effective on me. Victoza makes them work. One other benefit is appetite suppression, physically and mentally (if that's a thing). I actually went on this drug first for weight loss. It makes it so that I don't think about food at all. I don't get as hungry either. This naturally helps to lose weight. Those two things are good enough benefits for me to endure the absolutely horrific side effects. A side note: the nausea got better after a couple weeks for me, but I still get cramps and diarrhea."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Ell...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2023

"I started Victoza 0.6 mg 3 weeks ago. In the first week, the sugar cravings stopped immediately, they are absolutely gone. Bingeing and overeating completely stopped too. I increased it to 1.2 mg the second week, and I had nausea, vomiting, loose stools, constipation, and headaches. In the third week, dosage was increased to 1.8 mg. You feel so full after eating very little that I have cut down portion size by more than half. I have lost 6 lbs so far. I am enduring the side effects, but some days they are intense. I have not done any exercise. I am definitely going to continue taking Victoza. My start weight is 207 lbs, current weight is 200 lbs. I have struggled with diets that give me no results, and this medication is helping me to be healthier."

• Anonymous
• November 28, 2010

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Victoza for a little over two weeks now. This is miracle medicine. My appetite is greatly diminished. I started with 0.6 mg for 2 weeks and then increased my dose to 1.2 mg 3 nights ago. I can only eat a small portion before feeling completely full. My last 2 fasting blood sugars have been in the 70's. I have lost 8 pounds in two weeks. The side effects have been very mild for me. Very little nausea at first, none now. Some diarrhea and cramping though. Not sure if this is due to the Metformin I have been on for about a month now. I would highly recommend this medicine, especially for anyone who wants to lose the weight. So far, the benefits highly outweigh the risks."

• 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."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2013

For Type 2 Diabetes "The first three days on Victoza, I had no problems. Day four brought the sulfur belches, dry heaving, diarrhea, and dizziness. I was so dehydrated I needed to go to the ER, and this was on the lowest dose. My DEC said it would be a great thing for me, and the side effects were minimal. Not so for me. Decided to give this up and stick with the Metformin and Glipizide. I will also be going back to Weight Watchers and start exercising."

• 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!"