Victoza and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• Dai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 6, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Today is my 3rd day on Victoza 0.6mg. I’ve lost 3 lbs of water weight, I’m sure. First day just got a slight headache, second worse headache and upper stomach pain with loose stool, today oh my god, I was in the bathroom all day, and bad bloating. No headache today though. So I’m hoping the other side effects get better soon. I will try to post an update by the end of the month if I make it."

• Fly...
• January 3, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "It made me feel sick the 1st month at 1.2mg, queasy stomach, not too bad diarrhea, if there is such a thing as good? The biggest thing I noticed was food did not appeal to me at all. I just did not feel like eating anything. And when I did eat something, I felt full on a few bites. This after about 2 months led to a 36 lb weight drop and an A1c that went from 7.3 to an A1c of 5.6. I have been on it now for 6 months but no more weight loss or gain. 12hr Fasting Glucose is showing from 75-88. I never see levels above the 120's after meals, even sweets. I think the problem with Victoza is that it works almost too good! I think some people will go off their diets or cheat a lot more because they have such low A1c's."

• Rep...
• April 10, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on 0.6 ml of Victoza for 7 days now to control my type 2 diabetes. The first 5 days were hellacious, to say the least! I had debilitating nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and those horrible sulfur burps and gas that ran everyone away from me and sent me to the ER, thinking my insides were deteriorating! LOL! But by day 6, the side effects subsided. I lost 10 lbs within the first 3 days. Tomorrow, I have to increase the dosage, but I'm praying that I won't have to deal with the side effects again. So far, so good."

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started trial of Victoza from Dr. He wanted to check side effects before prescribing Saxenda. Lost 12 lbs in 2 weeks. BUT, insurance denied coverage for Saxenda, so back to Dr. Second request for authorization and gave me another trial of Victoza. Insurance denied Saxenda again. I registered for the Saxenda prescription savings card and today went to my pharmacy, $1021!!!! Talking to the pharmacist, he recommended getting a script for Victoza because insurance likes the price. Approved, and my copay is $25! I do get nausea when I increase the dose, it doesn't last. Dry mouth bad first few weeks but helped me be motivated to drink water. Diarrhea, yes, rotating with constipation. Food doesn't appeal to me. Often don't eat dinner or just a few bites. LOT of fatigue. Heartburn mild but I think it's because I forget to eat and my stomach is empty. BOTTOM LINE.... love this for weight loss. Side effects aren't permanent. I'm losing weight. BEST part? I figured out how to get insurance coverage!!!!"

• Cha...
• August 26, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "After many years of steadily gaining, I topped out at 330 lbs. I wanted the bypass surgery, but family was not on board. After changing doctors and seeing a new endo, she suggested Victoza, and I am very grateful. I just came back from my 3-week follow-up, and so far I've lost 14 pounds. My appetite has subsided, and there are many times where I know I'm hungry, but I just can't eat. Terrible gas and diarrhea, so I need to be careful from eating fruit and too much cereal. Portion control is easy because I cannot finish the plate anyway. I went up to the full dose mistakenly at the end of the first week, and that was not good. I went back to the middle dose, and I will challenge the higher dose in a couple of weeks. Good stuff. Happy."

• kar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 2, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on 0.6 mg Victoza for 2 weeks, then 1.2 for two weeks. Down about 10 lbs. The doctor said to up to 1.8 in another two weeks. He said it shouldn't help me lose all the weight I need to, so he wants to put me on Qsymia. I'm not sure I want to lose more than 10 lbs a month. I noticed diarrhea on the first day or two, then again on the first day or two at 1.2. Appetite suppressant. Less craving for sugar and carbs. Overall, a good medicine. It's supposed to help prevent diabetes as well. My blood sugar tested at 85 today. Before Victoza, I was averaging 99-105."

• Dyn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "I'm 64 yrs old, 5'2" female with an A1C of 8.1 and an average 3-month glucose of 185. My morning sugars are 160. Evenings from 170 to 290. I'm on 2000 mg of Metformin and 100 mg of Januvia. My new doctor suggested Victoza. First week had 1 day of nausea, 4 days of loose stools, and 1 day with a minor headache. All was gone by day 6. Have lost 10 pounds in 10 days. Sugars now run in the 140's in the morning and 120's - 140's in the evening. Not as hungry. Have not specifically exercised but have tried to eat at least 2x a day and -0- after 8 pm. Less thirsty too. Now to get my thyroid levels back under control, which I was just informed were off and need a higher dose (0.150 mcg) of Synthroid. But I'm THRILLED with this medicine after 10 days of use."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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?"

• 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."

• 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."

• Wld...
• March 19, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "Down 14 lbs in 4 weeks. No appetite, waves of nausea from time to time. I vomited the first week with it, and I have had two episodes of diarrhea. I am on 1.8 now for almost a week and am feeling better. This is exactly what I needed to get my eating under control. Love the fact that I'm not hungry and that food does not look or sound appealing to me at all. So now I make myself eat, and when I do, I'm choosing healthy foods."

• Kik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 30, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking Victoza for about a month. Started at 0.6 mg for the first two weeks and lost about 3 pounds. Increased to 1.2 mg after two weeks and have lost an extra 9 pounds for a total of twelve pounds the first month. My main complaint is a little upset stomach and a little diarrhea. But I can handle it for the sake of weight loss. I seriously cannot eat anywhere near as much as before. I used to be able to eat 6 pieces of a Papa John's large pizza in one sitting. Now I can barely eat 2 without the crust. I have waaaaayyyy more energy now. I don't understand how some people are having problems with the injection site. I wash my hands and use alcohol to clean the injection site before I give myself the shot."

• pol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "Tried 3 times... good news, blood sugar went from 300 to 116 in a day, and lost 5 lbs in 3 days. Bad news: severe diarrhea and vomiting after eating anything at all, hives all over, along with massive itching, and psoriasis patches flared up, and a few new patches appeared."

• Nau...
• October 3, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking the sister medicine of Victoza, which is Saxenda. OMG, for the first week at 0.6, I was very nauseated, had diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. I stopped taking it. Then, 3 weeks later, she prescribed Victoza. The first week was fine, no signs and symptoms. The second week, everything hit me at once: nausea, pain, diarrhea, and constipation. I stopped taking it. It has been 5 days, and I'm still ill. The constipation is horrible, along with still being nauseated. When will this go away? Oh, the belching will not let me sleep! I will not recommend this medication to anyone. I will never take it again!"