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Liraglutide and Sick: What Users Say (Page 3)

Brand names: Victoza, Saxenda

Reviews for Liraglutide

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Dis...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 5, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Saxenda for 9 weeks and have lost 12 lbs. I barely eat because when I do, I get incredibly sick for up to 24 hours. Like food poisoning, debilitatingly sick. My Dr. wants me on it for 12 weeks before stopping. Never hungry, though, but very tired. After reading other people's weight loss stories, I am very discouraged."

6 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • October 16, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "My husband took Victoza and metformin together as recommended by his diabetic nurse. He had always been on metformin, but as soon as he started taking Victoza, my husband started feeling sick, stomach cramps, and getting eggy burps. This would happen once a month for the whole year he took it. He'd take time off work being sick because of the sickly symptoms. I'm so convinced that this is what gave my husband cancer of the upper stomach and esophagus. His life was taken away from him too soon (42 years old), leaving behind a broken and devastated wife, a 2-year-old, and at the time, a 6-month-old baby. Did anyone else have experience anything like this?"

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • July 24, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Ok, I have only been on it for 5 days. I have metabolic syndrome and am taking it to reduce my insulin (I also take Metformin and Actos), and I have gained 30 lbs I can't get rid of no matter what I do. I have gastroparesis. Prior to this, I take six times the normal dose of a prescription laxative. I have been so sick on the 0.6 mg. I didn't take the shot today. I have been so bloated, had heartburn (I take a prescription for that for the last 18 years), disgusting burps, on the verge of puking but never do. My tummy hurts so bad, and even with my laxative, I can't go to the bathroom. I have a headache, but I suffer from chronic migraines. Food, the thought makes me sick. I feel so crappy I can't even drink fluids. Down 3 lbs in 5 days."

2 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • 55 ...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 27, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This is the first week of trying this. Only felt sick once and lost 4 pounds. My appetite has reduced, and I feel very positive. Reading some of the reviews, I understand people have different side effects. I, however, am happy to continue with this on my journey to lose weight."

9 / 10
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  • Nan...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 8, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Jan 26th and lost 24 lbs. I use 'My Fitness Pal' and keep track of everything I eat and drink. At the max dose, I have had some mild side effects. I took the shot at night before bed. I felt sick a little. I now take it around dinner time and do just fine. If you do feel a little sick, try some saltine crackers, they are only 60 calories for 5 crackers. I have cut down from 3 cups of coffee a day to barely 1 cup, and I still put 2 teaspoons of sugar plus regular half and half. The one thing I have noticed when I got to the max 3.0 is having a hard time eating 1000 calories a day. I am going to start back at the gym soon but wanted to see how my weight loss would go before I start back on my cardio, which will help with toning. Just so you know, I am 5'4 and was 257 lbs, 54 years. Stay positive and make sure you focus on everything you eat, even spices, weigh yourself every day around the same time and don't give up. For those who are not losing, try My Fitness Pal. Good luck!"

10 / 10
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  • MBD...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 27, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "Just started this med 2 weeks ago. I feel awful: generally ill feeling (like a cold or flu), severe headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramping (feels like I've done a massive workout and let the muscles cool down without stretching), muscle weakness (where it's a chore to lift arms and legs... skin pain, too), trouble sleeping, I can feel my heart pounding and hear it in my ears, coughing, and I don't know what else. I have spoken to my doctor and been told this will go away, but I'm concerned. My vision wasn't great before, but seems worse now. Not sure what to do..."

4 / 10
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  • Wei...
  • November 1, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started this for weight loss, which exacerbated other health problems. In the last six months, I’ve gradually gone up to 3 mg per day. My weight was 155 kg and is now 130.6 kg. I had some sickness at the start and slightly when I increased the dosage. It’s changed my eating habits, as I feel less hungry and the amount I can eat has gone down. To be honest, the beginning was slightly tough but worth persisting with, just keep the faith."

8 / 10
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More FAQ

  • Lau...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 22, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Victoza, 0.6 mg, only 3 days ago. I immediately felt nauseated, weak, and had no appetite. I did not want to eat, I could scarcely make myself eat. On day 4, before I had taken my 4th dose, I got severe lower abdominal pain and burning diarrhea. I felt very ill and sat on the toilet all day. I took Prilosec, Imodium, sips only of water, and felt really horrible. I will speak with my doctor about this, but I will not take this medication again."

1 / 10
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  • cor...
  • November 10, 2010

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started on Victoza 10/10/10 on 0.6 for one week, then 1.2 for the second week, and finally onto 1.8 the third week. Also, whilst taking Victoza, was taking metformin 2x500g twice daily, pioglitazone (Actos) 60g twice daily, gliclazide 160g twice daily. Have found that I have had some weight loss, but not that much, maybe 12-15 lbs, but cannot afford to lose the weight as I am now down to 11 stone or thereabouts. Side effects: not sure if this is just because of the Victoza or because of all the medicine I am taking together: sickness, vomiting, headaches, lots and lots of gas. Burps really stink of eggs, find that this happens mostly at nighttime, waking me up and then eases off during the day. Blood sugar not too bad, but not great."

7 / 10
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  • dee...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 31, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Saxenda for two and a half weeks. I lost 4 lbs the first week, 3 more the next week, and now I'm down a total of 13 lbs! I really didn't think it would work for me. The first two weeks were really hard, and I felt sick. I'm doing a lot better. My portion sizes are a lot smaller. I don't work out, which I know I need to, and the weight will come off even faster. My goal is to lose a total of 50 lbs, but I will still be obese at that. Another thing, I am bulimic. I have not forced myself to throw up since I have been on this medication."

10 / 10
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  • He-...
  • March 8, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I took two doses of Saxenda. The first day was great! By the second day, I was so sick I couldn't move. I threw up for 20 straight hours. I thought I was dying. I was really hoping this would work for me, but after that experience, I am very apprehensive to take it again. I did lose 5 lbs vomiting. :("

1 / 10
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  • Col...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 28, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Victoza 12 months ago. I felt very sick at first, but I got used to it. I was 72 kgs, I am now 59.4 kgs. I have lost almost 20% of my body weight, my doctor is very pleased with my results, as I am."

9 / 10
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  • Fat...
  • May 2, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was excited to have Anthem Blue Cross cover this medication. I'm 42 years old, 5 feet 6 inches tall, and 175 lbs. I always take the latest diet craze and have had mixed results, but never side effects like this. It is debilitating, and I'm not sensitive to new meds. Man... I don't think I can hang with it at all! It's just me and the dogs, and I'd really need someone to take care of me if I was going to take this awful drug. Of course, you lose weight. You're too damn sick to take a sip of water, puke your own spit, and your head hurts like a mix of a migraine and allergies all in one. I can't recommend this drug to anyone at the dose recommended. I am a glutton (LOL) for punishment and carbs, so I'll probably try to take a super low dose as soon as I get my ducks in a row to be able to take care of myself and my dogs in the event the side effects are just as bad as they were on the recommended dose."

1 / 10
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  • Maz...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 11, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started using Saxenda 3 days ago. I was nervous, but it’s been not so bad. Day 1, I felt a bit weird and felt a bit sick and hardly any appetite. I didn’t realize I had gone all day without eating anything, so good news. Day 2, I was belching a lot, no sickness or tiredness, but felt dizzy, but again no appetite to mention. I’m now at the end of day 3. I feel a bit snappy, but nothing else. I feel like me with no appetite. I have had a small meal, and I feel satisfied. I have also lost 3 lbs, so here’s hoping that’s the end of the side effects. I think so far this has been better than I thought it would be. I recommend Saxenda. I take my injection in the morning, same time each morning."

10 / 10
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  • Zea...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 20, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Saxenda makes me feel sick. It reminds me of morning sickness when pregnant. Also, it gives me dizziness and acid reflux. I tried it for several months and didn't lose a pound. Very disappointing. Also, the side effects never went away."

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  • Anonymous
  • November 14, 2011

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Victoza for three weeks. I started at 0.6 and after two days felt nauseous, but that passed. Then, on the second week, I was increased to 1.2 and felt slightly ill, can't eat a normal meal. I never feel hungry, just eat minimal amounts because I know I have to. I lost 6 lbs. in three weeks. I have been walking for the last year, 5 miles a night, and could not lose an ounce. Once the nausea lifts, I will love this medication."

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 29, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My starting weight was 344 lb, and I am down to 336 lb. I am starting on my third week, 1.8. I am having to force myself to eat. I am only craving water. I get sick when eating. Some days I am worn out, and other days I have a burst of energy."

6 / 10
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  • Ash...
  • May 2, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started taking Saxenda on Friday, so only 3 days in so far. However, every time I eat, I feel ill. Now I am experiencing stomach pain. Not for sure if it's built up gas or constipation. I don't want to be plus size, so I guess I will lose weight."

8 / 10
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  • Sun...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • July 8, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Just went off it. Was on it a little over 6 months. First month worked great except feeling sick. I just kept on .06 for an extra week. Got to dose 3, and as everyone here has stated, it works in the short time. I stopped losing weight, still had some side effects. If I miss a day, then headaches. Overall weight loss 209 lbs to 183. I don’t feel the cost is worth it, even with insurance paying. If you need something to kickstart you, then try this, but it is not long-term use effective."

2 / 10
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  • Lad...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 5, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Victoza for about 2 months and been a diabetic for over 20 years. I take 2 oral diabetes medications, and Victoza is a miracle drug. I lost ten pounds in two weeks! My A1c has always been 10 and 11. I can’t wait to go to the doctor. I was sick for a whole week, couldn’t get out of bed after the first week of doses at 1.8 in the early morning! But now 1.2 in the evening, no sickness, and I can eat a little instead of not eating at all. I don’t exercise because of my work schedule, but I’m eating better."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 15, 2012

For Type 2 Diabetes "Have been taking for about a week and a half. Have had nausea and stomachache the whole time. Got very sick one day, think I ate too much. Weight was 195 when starting, haven't checked since starting. Just moved to 1.2, will see how it goes with my blood sugar. Has not changed, around 200, and on the very sick day was 340. I am hoping it will start to drop. Have tried every medicine out there for type 2, and nothing has worked. Do not want to go on insulin. Medicine like metformin has brought my blood sugar down, but it makes me very sick. Hope to give good news down the road, time will tell."

7 / 10
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  • ADC...
  • June 13, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Saxenda for 5-6 weeks. I have not been eating much, and I have been on my 3 mg daily. I have not really had any side effects except maybe once or twice (I got sick but felt better soon after). I have not noticed any significant weight loss. Paid over $700 and sad about it not working. I might have lost 2-4 pounds in 6 weeks, and that’s it."

4 / 10
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  • Jin...
  • June 16, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started a week ago using this drug. I have 28 lbs to lose. I work out 5 to 6 days a week. I had to stop using it, as I had whole body aching, like having a fever, feeling sick, sore throat, dull pounding headaches, but worst of all, palpitations, especially at night. I haven't slept a full night since I started. So I stopped. It's a shame, as I lost a few pounds."

2 / 10
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  • bcs...
  • January 8, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "On it Nov 28, 2017. I was 200 pounds, and as my doctor did not have samples, I started on the 0.06 lowest dose. I felt sick all the time for the full week, was not hungry. I would start to eat but was full quickly or just felt sick. Also suffered heartburn. I didn't move up my dose, and I stayed on the lower dose for another week. I am now (Jan/18) on 3. I feel not that hungry. On Dec 28, I weighed 192 lb, and today I am 188. I don't feel sick all the time, just have bouts. Got through Christmas goodies. I feel I am hungry, but when I go to eat, I am full quickly. I still have heartburn. I hope I have the success as others did. Just keep going...I take it in the morning and in the stomach, but it's getting sore even with little injections."

7 / 10
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  • Wal...
  • August 12, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am on week three of the medicine at 1.8 mg. I've been feeling extremely nauseous in the evenings, to the point of having to take an anti-nausea medicine. I started at 215.7 lb, and I am down to 205.5 lb now. That's 10.2 lbs in three weeks. I hardly ever have an appetite. The only thing that is really appealing to eat is fruit and popsicles. I'm eating around 400-600 calories a day because if I force myself to eat when I'm not feeling hungry, I get extremely sick and throw up until it's bile."

8 / 10
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