Victoza and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Pyr...
• December 30, 2013

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Victoza for quite a long while now. I was between 278 and 287 pounds when I started, and my blood sugar was not good. I have been taking the Victoza well over a year now and am down to 215 pounds, quite amazing really, as the medicine makes you not want to eat and you feel full with only a little food. However, the nausea is the worst, and getting accustomed to the medicine is the hardest part. Yes, you should not take Victoza on an empty stomach. I had started taking it in the early mornings. But sometimes, even though I ate a little something, once the nausea started, then up came everything I had ever eaten in my life. It happens really fast! Just don't give up the fight, the good is better than the bad!"

• Ner...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "I know it's a bit early, but thought I could always update as I continue on my Victoza journey. I started with the 0.6 dose on Dec 28, 2015. My blood sugars were continually averaging between 8.0 and 15.1. I noticed right away my blood sugars were down in the 8's and 7's after meals and in the morning. After reading a lot of reviews on different sites, I was terrified to take this. Side effects so far: mild nausea, not all the time, just here and there, a bit itchy at the injection sites, a bit bloated, and mild constipation. You have to be careful not to overeat because you do feel full quickly. Blood sugar in the morning 6.7, five pounds lost. Will update."

• red...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 4, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "Me again! I am now completing my second week of Victoza. My blood sugars are down around 102 after being at 200-250 most of the time! Amazing! I have had some nausea side effects, though. I can barely eat, it's work to put anything into my mouth, and I am a huge foodie. Love to think about, look at, and eat food, but I just can't do it. It's really weird. I have lost 4 pounds from when I started this medicine, and I can tell I will lose more because it is a struggle to eat. There have been 2 days that I have had to go home from work, though. Those 2 days, all I could do was sleep, and I just felt miserable. Yesterday was one of those days, and I had a horrible headache that wouldn't go away with Advil. I'll report again in a few weeks!"

• keb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 1, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Victoza less than a week, and at first, my sugar went down from 160s to 109. Then it started increasing, back up to 160s. At the same time, I started getting severe abdominal and back pain (maybe pancreatitis). I also have severe nausea, and just the thought of eating makes my stomach sick. I'm not giving up, but have to make a trip back to the doctor."

• vlh...
• March 30, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am going into my 4th month. The first 3 months, I was only on .6 injection and had a monster sinus infection, huge doses of antibiotics and prednisone during the first 2 months...not Victoza related. The prednisone required me to up my dose to 1.2 to keep my blood sugar levels below 100 and stable. I lost a few pounds at the beginning, but I was seriously monitoring calorie intake, so not sure that it was Victoza related. Like another rater, I get nauseated if I eat greasy foods...I am learning what the triggers are for that and just don't eat them. I am also Celiac, so a touchy gut is not foreign. Plain, healthy foods are much more appealing. I have lost 18.5 lbs over the last 4 months. 5 of those pounds in the last two weeks...I am happy."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2013

For Type 2 Diabetes "When I first started Victoza, I got very sick. I waited a week and tried it again. This time I made sure I had very light food. I had bought some pudding and jello (sugar-free). I also had some ginger ale on hand because that settles my stomach. Started with the 0.6 and had nausea for the first 4 days. Then felt fine. Then went to the 1.2, again nausea for 4 days. Now I am doing the 1.8. I have lost 13 lbs in 6 weeks, and I feel great. I also have been drinking a lot of water to help with the constipation. Thank you, Victoza."

• fos...
• September 5, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was warned of the nausea, but after a few days, that did slow down. I find eating smaller meals and taking some ginger Gravol pills help, it's the non-drowsy kind. I am surprised how fast it started working because I tested myself last night and hit a seven. I haven't seen a seven in ages, it agrees with me. Not had those other symptoms, just the nausea for a bit. I take the ginger Gravol or drink a ginger beer, and I'm good usually."

• mar...
• April 12, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on it for 3 months. I started with the smallest dose and went up to the highest. At the lower dose, I started seeing my fasting numbers go down significantly. At the middle dose, they leveled. At the higher dose, I was sick to my stomach with anything I ate. I was a zombie for a few hours. The first two months, my A1C went down significantly. The interesting thing about the med is that I never got the diarrhea, instead, it has given me constipation. I haven't lost any weight. I'm on the middle dose now. Another interesting thing about the med is that at the middle and higher dose, I am hungry all the time. I feel like I'm eating more than before. My fasting numbers are back up. I don't think it's working for me."

• MRB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started on Victoza 11 days ago. I'm 36 years old, 5'10, I weighed 210. I'm down to 200 right now. So 10 lbs gone. I had tried other diets such as keto and Weight Watchers. They would work for a bit, but with my schedule, they were hard to stick to. I also have PCOS. This drug has taken all those cravings for sugar away. I eat now not out of joy but out of necessity. I am not restricted. That was always my biggest downfall with other weight loss programs. I started on .6 for one week. I'm on 1.2 now. Saturday I'll go up to 1.8. I haven't had many side effects. Just nausea if I haven't eaten before my shot and if I have a big bunch of sugary foods. Lack of appetite is considered a side effect, but that's why I'm taking it, so I don't list it. I have Medicare, and they would not cover Saxenda but didn't have issue with Victoza."

• 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?"

• siv...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 16, 2012

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I need to be put on the list for a lung transplant, and my pulmonologist said that I must lose 10 kg in 3 months to have an evaluation. I have been on Victoza for 1 month and have lost 4 kg. I started on 0.6, then increased to 0.10, and now I'm on 1.2. Only once did I have nausea and a slight headache. I do not feel hungry, and I believe that Victoza works. I was on diabetes medicine tablets and insulin. I am still taking the tablet but have stopped the insulin. And now I'm slowly, very slowly finding the courage to exercise. Keep a positive mind and try to focus and do things that will complement weight loss and a happy life."

• Anonymous
• May 4, 2012

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I took only two days at 0.6, and by the second day I was totally confused, weak, nauseous, acid reflux, ears ringing, circulation issues, the works, etc. It really curbed my appetite, but I literally caved under the side effects. I stopped for two weeks and started again this week at two clicks, which is about 0.1. The side effects are still there, but more bearable, however, my appetite is not fully curbed, only a bit at lunchtime, and not really at night. I will increase the dose slowly to curb appetite more, despite the remaining side effects. I really hope to lose weight gained in a year because my adrenals/hormones gave me huge cravings at night because of deep fatigue. It's worth it to stop and try again at a different dose."

• Jug...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2013

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Victoza about 5 weeks ago. Now I have seen about 20 lbs come off and moved the belt notch from the middle notch to the last position (and will need a new belt soon). Nausea has only happened about 3-4 times and was mild to moderate. Blood glucose level has settled from 170 to 130 over the last 2 weeks. Eating behaviors have changed dramatically. Most meals are 4-5 bites and I push the plate away, being fully satisfied. It has been quite a shock learning how to eat more wisely and that I can 'push the plate away' instead of feeling compelled to finish everything on the plate (Yes, I raised 4 kids). I am hoping to lose about another 35-40 lbs."

• Tip...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 27, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "A1C runs around 6. On 1.2 mg Victoza. Have lost 22 lbs since began late Aug. 2015. Some occasional nausea or indigestion. Tums fixes it. Have used Weight Watchers plan for years but have never lost weight like this. Anxious to find out new A1C this first week of Dec. I feel so much better. Snacking is non-existent lately, and I do not overeat due to controlled recommended portions that are now filling."

• 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."

• Dob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been on Victoza for 2 weeks. Started with 0.6 mg for 1st week, then up to 1.2 mg now. Some nausea and headaches, but not bad at all. Glucose levels are way down, anywhere from 75-119. Before Victoza, glucose was in the 270s. My only complaint is fatigue. I just want to sleep and lay around. Difficult to go to work every day. I hope this passes soon. I would like to stay on it because of the improvement in blood sugar, and appetite is down. Anyone else have this issue?"

• 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."

• Lou...
• February 20, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm postmenopausal, so losing weight is almost impossible. On Victoza, I'm down 45 lbs. without any dieting or exercise. I was so sick from side effects for the first month or so, which was when I lost the most weight. At first, it turned me off food completely so that I just couldn't eat. In time, the headaches and nausea subsided, and I could eat normally, except the feeling of fullness made me eat less. Slowly, I've lost weight. I tried to stop taking it to rev up the weight loss again, but I put weight back on, so I'm not stopping until I feel like I've got my weight completely under control. It's a crutch for me, but it slowly works without dieting or exercise. If I can lose another 30 lbs., exercise should be easier, which will help."

• Ama...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Victoza for weight loss and appetite control. As everyone, I started at 0.6, then 1.2, and I wanted my max to be 1.8. I’ve lost 15 lbs in 3 weeks with the use of the pen and dieting. It does control my cravings and appetite, but not to the point where I have zero appetite. The first week, I had some mild generalized body aches and felt tired, but it didn’t interfere with my day-to-day life. The second week, a couple of episodes of nausea - nothing drastic. The third week, a couple of dull headaches and still slightly tired. At baseline, I have constipation issues, so it's difficult to say if this drug is contributing to that. I will say my nausea is worse when I exercise. I’ll feel fine before, then exercise, and I’m nauseated the rest of the day - again it’s manageable. I take the injections each morning. All in all, it’s working well for me, although I’m always paranoid and on the lookout for further symptoms of more serious issues, but this will not be a long-term drug for me."

• Zel...
• May 21, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm going on my second week now. I had some burping and an overfull bloated feeling that seems to have subsided. I also had a little nausea at times, but not bad. I had to force myself to eat the first week as well. Nothing sounded good. This coming Tuesday, I go up to a 1.8 dose. I thought I was just imagining not being hungry because I like to eat, but the fullness and overall lack of interest in food is awesome. Haven't weighed myself yet because I don't want to be discouraged, it's only been 2 weeks. Going to stick it out, here's a tip, I bought Gas-X for the belching and tummy gas, it helped a lot. Also, don't eat late at night because what you eat is really slow to digest, and it will keep you up at night. I do my shot at around 2 pm daily."

• Ms ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 20, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Metformin 500 mg 2 weeks ago and started .6 of Victoza 9 days later. My doctor gave me enough meds (Victoza) for 4 months! I've dropped 12 lbs, but I feel horrible. Fatigue, nauseated, and can't even stand the smell of food. My fasting numbers were 270s and now they're low 140s and 130s. I hope the horrible side effects resolve so these numbers will stabilize and I can drop at least 30 more pounds!"

• Rig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 27, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "Went to first endo Feb 3, 2014, wanting better control and weight loss. He gave me samples of Victoza, changed my oral Janumet to straight Metformin, and reduced my Lantus from 30 u per day to 10-12. The first week I had the expected nausea and loss of appetite on .6 mg. No headaches. The second week I was directed to go to 1.2 mg. Still nausea, but towards the end of the second week seemed to wane away. I was not as hungry, and other than occasional nausea, felt fine. The blood sugars began to lower for a time, then leveled off for a while, running around 125-135. The next office visit with endo was 1 month after seeing him the first time. Weight loss was 10 lbs in the month without serious exercise. 90-day average blood glucose is 116."

• doc...
• November 28, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm actually a physician, 6'0 -- used to be 175 pounds, but this job has caused me to stress-eat so much that I ballooned to 220 pounds. Started Victoza at 1.2 mg daily; couldn't tolerate going up to 1.8 mg due to severe nausea, so I take about 1.5 mg (intermediate click between 1.2 and 1.8) daily, and will occasionally take an additional 0.6-1.2 mg dose later in the day before a large meal or if I feel the craving for pasta or noodles or a big dinner. COMPLETE loss of cravings for snacks. The thought of sugary/carby things does not interest me any longer. I feel full after a few bites. It's only been a few weeks, but I've already lost 12 pounds. Combining this with a high-intensity diet and exercise as well, and possibly a ketogenic diet. A+!"

• Cyn...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 5, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "On Victoza for 16 mo. Prior to Victoza, I suffered severe fatigue, high blood pressure, hypothyroid, depression, Epstein-Barr, and other symptoms. Prior to my endocrinologist, I went to 5 different doctors and they all medicated me without results. After Victoza, nausea and headaches for about 2 weeks, then I felt like a new human being. Energy, no depression, lost 30 pounds. My endocrinologist and I decided to slowly come off the meds. After 1.5 weeks, I began to feel fatigue and began to gain weight. TERRIFIED... that I would go back to my old self again and of all the reports of pancreatitis, thyroid and pancreas cancer. If I go back on, am I taking a risk? Scared..."

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 3, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started on Victoza in March 2013 and lost 30 pounds by Feb 2014 despite being on some psychiatric medications that can cause significant weight gain. I was diagnosed with DM2 in 2013 and was prescribed Victoza by my endo primarily to help with weight loss. Initially, I took the injection at night, starting with .6 and gradually increasing to 1.8 to minimize nausea. I was extremely nauseated and was given Ondansetron by my endo for the first few weeks, which REALLY helped. My other doctors were a little shocked that I was given this strong, expensive anti-nausea medicine, however, I persisted as encouraged by the diabetes nurse. I recently increased the dose to 3.0 and hope I can lose more weight. I encourage you to HANG IN - it's worth it."