Liraglutide and Sick: What Users Say

• Joh...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 14, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Worked wonders for me. I could barely make it through the first six weeks. The sickness and nausea along with other painful side effects... but into my seventh week, which put me into my second week at a 3.0 dose, I started to feel normal again. I am into my eighth month, and I have lost 65 pounds along with Saxenda, eating right, and taking the stairs... if you are having a rough go of this, please stick it out. I am living proof this works!"

• T2D...
• February 15, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "I'm a 45-year-old woman, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 4 years ago. I was prescribed Metformin, then added glipizide, which made me gain half a pound a day until I quit taking it 30 days and 15 lbs later. Then I was prescribed Victoza. The first 3 weeks, I was sick to my stomach all day, every day. I had NO energy at all. I would get out of bed, get dressed, and then lay back down - it was really THAT bad. BUT after around the 4th week, I started feeling normal again. My A1C went from 9.2 to 5.4 in just 5 weeks. Now, I am never above 130 - even after having a can of Pepsi. Also, I lost 30 lbs in 45 days. Just amazing! Suffer through the initial sickness, don't give up on it, Victoza is a life-changer! Victoza website for a discount card. I pay $25/month."

• Sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a Latina female who is 5'4" and about to turn 39. I started taking Saxenda on May 13th at 332.6 lbs. I was really ill and started a low-calorie diet and tried to get at least a small walk in daily. I have lost almost 40 lbs already, which is just so crazy! When I first began taking the medication, I had headaches and I did feel sick and nauseated for the first few days. I almost wanted to quit, but I told myself this was very important to me, and I worked through it. Every time I upped my dosage, I had a day or two where I felt a bit queasy, but it passed quickly. I no longer feel sick from the medication, and I find it helps me to feel very full very quickly, and that it is almost like gastric bypass in a needle. I also no longer crave sugar, which is a huge deal for me. I think it is amazing, and I would recommend it to anyone considering gastric bypass. They should definitely try this first!"

• moo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 23, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have just moved on to my 3rd week and just upped my dose to the 1.8 mg. The side effects have been quite severe for me. I am feeling very dizzy when I stand up, lethargic, and feeling very sick. I have no appetite at all, so I have been forcing myself to eat. I have lost 3 kg - 6.61 pounds in just over 2 weeks. I'm not going to lie, it's not making me feel good at all. But I know it will all be worth it in the end. Working full-time probably isn't the best thing, I think it would be much easier to do this if I was at home all the time. I'm hoping the side effects will subside soon, and I can go about my day normally."

• Exo...
• March 11, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Works great, I lost 8.4 lbs in the 1st week, but at a cost. Never so sick in my life! Threw up everything but my spleen! Started out with the belching. Sounded like an old drunk. Then the bloat began. My stomach looked and felt like I swallowed a hot air balloon. Next, the diarrhea, nothing but pure liquid. At this point, I was a little concerned about becoming dehydrated. Finally, the vomiting, the violent, whatever you ate was coming out of your nose kind of vomiting. I was like, 'There is no way a medicine could make a person feel this bad!' But it can, and did! However, I still feel this could be a good weight loss solution, especially since I have high BP, and this doesn't have stimulants and is 'safer.' Reading over other reviews, some people are having great luck with it. My doctor called me in Zofran, and I'm only going to do 0.3 every other day to see if my body adjusts. If I don't see an improvement in 2 weeks, I will just accept this is not a medication for me and go another route."

• Cur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 17, 2014

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Victoza for just over a week, started on 0.6 and today moved onto increased dose of 1.2. I am also on 4 x 500mg of metformin a day. I have had some stomach ache/sickness/fatigue with the Victoza but I'm sure it will get better. I've lost just under 7lb in this first week which is astonishing and I'm very excited to continue to see weight loss. I definitely have seen a big reduction in appetite, I don't want food as often and I don't eat as much so it's a win-win for me. I have not yet built exercise into my routine yet, just because the fatigue is making it difficult for me even to do household chores at the moment but hope I can soon get back in the gym and aid any weight loss Victoza gives me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 1, 2014

"I was prescribed Victoza after developing insulin resistance after having my son. I consistently gained 10 pounds per year, despite increased activity levels. I was 5'7' and 246 pounds. I want to lose 60 pounds. When I first began Victoza, it made me incredibly sick. I had to dial my dose back to 0.1 and increase by one point every week. Even at that low dose, I experienced decreased appetite and weight loss. I have also noticed that my constant cravings have mostly disappeared. After 6 months, I'm down 45 pounds and feeling great. My blood sugars are in the normal range for the first time in FOUR years. This medicine has changed my life."

• Bjm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I suffer from thyroid, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and respiratory issues like asthma and bronchial issues, which makes it extremely hard to lose even 1 lb. I took 1.8 Victoza, and it really made me sick. No hunger whatsoever, thirsty, coughing, really cold, and the tiredness at the end of the day is terrible. I cannot sleep. So that whole week I didn't take it. I was 210 pounds, and from one day of taking it, that whole week managed to drop 9 lbs. Incredible and amazing is this. I'll suffer through awful side effects because physically the weight loss is wonderful."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 5, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Saxenda since December 9, 2019. I have upped my dose according to my doctor. I have now lost 17 lb. I am now on full dose since the beginning of January. It's only now that I am suffering really badly with sickness and diarrhea. I am waiting to hear from my doctor to decide a way forward. I really don’t want to stop taking it as I feel it generally works for me and my lifestyle."

• Ali...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on it for 2 weeks and lost 20 pounds already. I started at 4 click in, now I'm at .6. But you do feel sick and very tired. It's constant and I burp all the time. My doctor said take it before bed because the worst part will be finished by the time you wake up. I don't really like food that much after or anything really, sugar not even my Pepsi :( and I would just eat because I'm bored. Now I don't even feel like it. I was 280, now 260. I hope to be at 170 one day."

• Jen...
• October 22, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Just started taking Saxenda on Sunday, October 14. My start weight was 112.2 kgs (247 pounds). I weighed myself on Sunday, October 20, and the scales really shocked me, it said I was 108.4 kgs (239 pounds). I have been overweight and dieting all my life. I was recently diagnosed with PCOS. Losing weight has been very hard. I track my steps and calories, I have been reducing the size of my meals. I had half a tuna sandwich and had to stop eating. The drug works on suppressing appetite, but the side effects are also very high for me. I have had diarrhea, constipation, lack of energy, headaches, feeling sick, and vomiting. I have dry mouth and am taking Hydralyte to compensate for the lack of fluids I can keep in my system. I am in two minds about this drug, I don't know if I am going to continue it after I finish the 5 pens in my first box. The drug costs so much, $389 Australian, and can't claim anything back on my private health."

• Hay...
• April 25, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "After reading hundreds of reviews, I was very nervous about the side effects, and I'm gonna be completely honest, they're the worst I've ever known. I've never felt so ill in my life, BUT it did only last 5 days on 0.6 and 2 days when I doubled to 1.2, so stick with it. If it's getting you down, I promise it is worth it!!!! I take my dose at 11 am and find I can eat fairly normally throughout the day until about 6 pm. Then I have a tiny dinner and feel full to the brim. Also, I am finally getting a full night's sleep as I'm not up every hour needing the toilet. Today I had my review, and I'm over the moon. I've lost 16 lb with no effort at all... I highly recommend."

• Win...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I wrote a review previously after a few days of taking Saxenda. I am now on my 4th week (2.4 mg), and so far, I have lost 18 lbs! I am so happy. This is based on minimal exercise and just eating healthily. As many people have said, it does curb your appetite. I could normally eat a full plate, but now my body lets me know when I am 'full,' and I can literally not eat more than half a plate. Any more than that, and I will start to feel sick. I also stay away from fatty foods; again, trying to eat this will also make me feel sick afterward, so I have been on grilled salmon and vegetables most nights for dinner. I get incredibly thirsty, so I have a liter water bottle with me everywhere I go. This also helps me feel less hungry."

• Rob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 8, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started on Saxenda on February 14, 2017. My weight was 295 lbs, I am 6'3" tall and 55 years of age. Today it is March 8, 2017. When I began using this product, I experienced some sickness, itching, and I was very tired, however, the appetite suppression effect was immediate. As such, I modified my diet to include more healthy and 'weight loss friendly' foods. I also upped my doses every 4 days instead of every week as recommended. I am very pleased to announce today that all of the symptoms except the itching have resolved themselves. I have been on a full 3.0 dose since March 2nd. At this time, I am 281.2 lbs, which is down about 14 pounds. My goal is a 50-pound weight reduction, and I feel that, with Saxenda, this is a very realistic goal."

• tro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was on Victoza for 3 months and got really sick. Dr. took blood and my lipase and amylase numbers were off the chart. He told me I had pancreatitis. I will never take this drug again. I have never been that sick ever."

• 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."

• Deb...
• May 9, 2010

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started on Victoza just 2 weeks ago, and I was amazed. I lost 7 lbs in the first week - only problem is for the last two days I have been having 'eggy' burps, but apparently this is common due to undigested food in the stomach. Victoza gets the thumbs up from me, as Byetta made me feel ill."

• Syr...
• May 25, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am currently on week 3 of taking Saxenda. The first night was horrible. My advice is to eat very small meals the first day of taking this medication. I ate a very normal portion meal and was extremely sick my first night. After that, I was weak the next day (lack of sleep from the night before). That was the only issue I've had so far. I eat very small meals and have posted 10 pounds in two weeks. Overall, I do feel a bit tired from the medication, and I got my period 6 days early (coincidence? Maybe). Satisfied so far. Will give an update after my six-week supply runs out."

• P H...
• February 8, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Saxenda since January 10th. I went to my follow-up Dr. visit and down 11 pounds, no exercise. Along with a 1500 calorie diet, she did encourage me to start exercising. I have noticed if I even attempt to eat the wrong foods, I get sick. This medicine REALLY WORKS!!"

• Ste...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 10, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Titration period is going to suck for some people! You may be really sick like I was. Go slow, not everyone can bump up every week. If you eat bad, you will pay for it and be extremely sick the next day. I’m 6 months in and have lost 50 lbs. I don’t get sick anymore unless I eat bad, and then your body warns you with egg burps that all hell is about to break loose. If you can power through the titration period, it’s worth it and will get better! I’m down 50 lbs."

• Hal...
• September 9, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Been on Saxenda for 6 weeks and have lost 19 pounds. I was sick for the first 2 weeks, guess my body was getting used to it. Now I'm fine. I love it. I have tried so many other things. This is the best."

• gir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 1, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "The first week I took Saxenda, I felt so weak and sick, but lost 4 kilos. The second week, I felt better and lost 3 kilos. Then it just stopped working. I was back to hungry all the time and stopped losing weight. Stayed on it for 2 months nearly and still nothing. Can't afford to keep paying $400. If it was a fair price, I would have continued it."

• Ins...
• March 22, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started on Feb 11, 16. Now at 3.0 max lost 12 lbs so far. Same thing, never hungry but still have dry mouth. Still feel a little sick after shot but not too bad. Heartburn can be bad at times, but starting using an acid-reducing product. One pill works well, maybe 12 hrs, not so for Tums or Rolaids, have to take too many, plus makes me sick. Taking shot after breakfast, good time for me. My work plan pays 80%, which is great. I will continue till I lose 50. First time in my life I don't think about food, so it's worth it... Stay positive, everyone."

• Lau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "So I first took Saxenda in January, then I stopped sleeping and couldn't eat. I did lose weight, though, but the sickness was awful, and I stopped due to the inconvenience of constant bleeding as if I was on a constant period. I was so weak, then, a few weeks after, I was rushed into the hospital with abdo pain, it was pancreas and gallstones. Grrr, anyway, I started back on Saxenda 3 days ago. I inject at night, no bleeding, no sickness, and just a bit of migraine. Ohh, and acne, never in my life have I had bad skin - well, now I do. Apart from that, side effects are all good here ... however, I'm still so hungry, it doesn't seem to have curbed my appetite this time around, so I'm thinking of upping the dose earlier than prescribed. I guess I will update on weight loss in a few weeks."

• Not...
• August 10, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Having been sold it by a company that glamorizes it with celebrities like Kerry Katona, feeling a little overweight with a BMI of 27. I was prescribed this for 5 pens that worked out to £650. The side effects were really bad headaches, feeling sick, but I still managed to eat. I did more exercise and did not lose a pound. The nurse told me to stay on it, so I did for 6 months until I realized I was depressed and now owing £2000 to my bank! I was feeling worse than I ever did. Didn’t want to go to work, but I was still encouraged to stay on it as it had to work. I ended up really down, was a risk to myself, and so was told not to take Saxenda as it was a new drug and not enough was known about it. There had been 5 others via yellow card who had suicidal thoughts and a list of depression. When my mental health searched the makers Novo, it states people with a history of depression or suicidal thoughts should not take this."