Victoza and Upset Stomach: What Users Say

• NKa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 6, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I did my research on this medication and to be honest, I was kinda nervous to take it. My Dr. prescribed me this 'cause my blood sugars were so out of whack. Morning BS were running anywhere from 250-270. I started this medication 2 1/2 weeks ago. At first, didn't really get any side effects just a little nauseous here and there. I started out at 2 clicks and gradually made it up to 0.6. My BS morning reading is around 160 which I love, didn't think this medicine would work so quickly. I've lost 6 lbs already, starting weight was 167. I do have more energy and don't feel so sluggish like I used to with the high BS all day long. It curbed my appetite, I don't have any cravings for any sugar. Eat small portions 'cause I get full so easily. I actually noticed food that is too greasy gets me nauseous or stomach ache. I want to continue to share my story as weeks or months go on :)"

• Anonymous
• November 28, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "Actually, I'm pre-diabetic and have polycystic ovarian syndrome. I've been on Victoza since Aug. 2014. I dialed up to 1.8 over two weeks. Was a little sick on my stomach for about a week. Prior to starting, I was on 2,500 mg of metformin with no change in weight or blood sugar. As of November 15, I was down 35 pounds. I'm still on metformin, and my doctor and her staff are amazed. I'm very seldom hungry. Sometimes I experience a weird feeling in my stomach and not sure if I hadn't eaten enough or ate the wrong thing, and nothing makes the sensation go away except for sleeping. I've lost over 10 inches in my stomach and am complaining because I'm losing so fast that people think I'm sick/clothes are falling off. I've struggled with my weight for years and finally this has worked. At 173 lbs."

• Anonymous
• November 28, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "Actually, I'm pre-diabetic and have polycystic ovarian syndrome. I've been on Victoza since Aug. 2014. I dialed up to 1.8 over two weeks. Was a little sick on my stomach for about a week. Prior to starting, I was on 2,500 mg of metformin with no change in weight or blood sugar. As of November 15, I was down 35 pounds. I'm still on metformin, and my doctor and her staff are amazed. I'm very seldom hungry. Sometimes I experience a weird feeling in my stomach and not sure if I hadn't eaten enough or ate the wrong thing, and nothing makes the sensation go away except for sleeping. I've lost over 10 inches in my stomach and am complaining because I'm losing so fast that people think I'm sick/clothes are falling off. I've struggled with my weight for years and finally this has worked. At 173 lbs."

• 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."

• 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."

• pur...
• September 27, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "Victoza is a wonder medicine. I've been on it for two weeks and have lost about ten pounds. (With many more to go!) I am rarely hungry at all anymore, and when I am hungry, it doesn't take much food at all to make me feel full. In between meals, I sometimes get a slight stomachache, but I much prefer that to feeling ravenously hungry all the time. Victoza also seems to be controlling my blood sugar in conjunction with Glumetza and Lantus. I've been able to stop Novolog and hope to decrease or eliminate the Lantus. I hope it continues to work so well for me."

• Bra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 25, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been a type 2 diabetic for 10 years now. I tried Victoza in May 2016. As of today, September 24th, I have lost 45 pounds. I'm down to one Metformin a day, and my A1C is great! The side effects are minimal, mainly sour stomach, but that can be controlled mostly by diet. Low-starch foods help a lot. I'm so glad after trying a few newer meds that I found Victoza!"

• moo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am a 70 yr. old diabetic and have been type 2 for 15 yrs. Started Victoza last week. I immediately felt better, no more headaches, and my morning blood glucose is under 100 for the first time in years. I am running 3x a week and eating a low-carb diet, about 45 carbs per meal, as directed by the doctor. I am losing weight, about 2 pounds in the first week. I have not noticed any negatives with Victoza other than some flatus and stomach rumbling. My cravings for sugar are diminishing, and I have a lot of energy. I would recommend any reader to go to a doctor who specializes in endocrinology and get a diabetic nutritionist to set up a meal plan for you. Also, key is to exercise daily and stay positive. Even though you are a diabetic, by taking care of your body."

• Div...
• September 8, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started taking Victoza on March 25th, weighing 318 lbs. Experienced mild side effects - loss of appetite, upset stomach, constipation. I have now lost 30 lbs, and this drug has drastically changed the way I eat and view food, and I no longer have any day-to-day side effects. I am eating much less at meals, no snacking, and it has changed my cravings for junk food and sugar. Most peculiar of all is the fact that I am unable to drink beer anymore! I love beer, but after 1, my stomach turns inside out and I feel sick - not good for my love of beer, great for the health benefits of not drinking beer. :) I have hit a few plateaus, but then the weight loss begins again. I have gone down 2 pant sizes - this is a miracle drug for me!!"

• Mad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 30, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "I lost 8 lbs in 7 days, but by the time I upped the pen to the middle dose, I had no appetite, and even when I tried to eat, I gagged. I had to drink Boost to get something in me and was very weak, shaky, and my heart was racing. I waited about a month and tried again, planning to stick just to the lowest dose. By day 7, I had lost another 5 lbs and again was weak and could hardly eat. Started having stomach cramping as well. I will not take this no matter how bad I want to lose weight or control my type 2 diabetes."

• Bob...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 14, 2012

For Type 2 Diabetes "I changed doctors. The one I was going to did nothing for me no matter what we tried. I'm a 64-year-old male who was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes about 4 years ago. Started seeing my new endocrinologist July 20th, 2011. The first thing he did was stop me from taking Actos. The second thing he did was put me on a testosterone gel, and the most important thing, had me start Victoza. My headaches and upset stomach were minor and ended about 10 days after starting. I'm about 5'4" tall, weighed 280 pounds. Since then, I've lost 70 pounds. Went from a size 48 waist slacks and jeans down to 38's. Most importantly, I went from having sugar levels in the 350's and 400's to 120's, 110's, even at times mid 90's. The doctor and this medicine have saved my life."

• Ner...
• January 27, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "4-week update: Well, I'm a bit disappointed. I started Dec 28th, 2015, and was doing well until the past couple of weeks. Brutal constipation and upset stomach. Gastritis attacks. That was on a 1.2 dose. Dr. told me to stop it for a week and then try again at 0.6. I am going to do this as I really like the med. It lowered my blood sugars from 13 to 5.7, and I am losing weight, and the appetite suppression is great. I tried to forge through the side effects, but my stomach was too bad, and I was missing work. I don't want to scare anyone about this review. Just give it a try. I was scared at first. Will update again when I re-start."

• Wat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "The side effects are everything that has been described. For me, headache, stomach ache (mild), but with each dose increase, they return and then subside as my body adjusts to the dosage. Very tired but can't sleep more than 6 hours. But the real success: 21 lbs in three weeks... amazing. I am also following intermittent fasting (16/8) with this, only a small amount of carbs, 25g in the morning, and then fruits, veggies, and protein for the remainder of the day. Blood sugar better. NOTHING ELSE has worked for me. I love Victoza!!!"

• Hou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Victoza for 4 weeks now. I started at 0.6 for a week, then went up to 1.2 on the eighth day. Side effects the first couple weeks included nausea, sore back, headache, sour stomach, etc., though none of them were unbearable, and the results have been worth it. I have lost nearly 20 pounds, and my blood sugar readings have dropped dramatically. I am often in the normal range before meals now. Food cravings are all gone, and I am eating 3 small meals a day. A handful of raw almonds is all I can handle as a snack."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• October 4, 2010

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Victoza for 1 week now. I have lost several pounds thus far! My blood sugar numbers have been fantastic... between 85-100. I have had some stomach discomfort (i.e., loose and frequent bowel motions and queasiness). It's like my brain is finally telling me when to stop eating! It's amazing... I've never known this!"

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 28, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Victoza 1.8 ml dose on 5/22. 5 days later, I have lost 10 lbs. A little nausea and stomach ache, but nothing I can't handle. I have absolutely no appetite and no desire for food. Love Victoza so far."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 4, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was on this medicine for 10 days and had all the side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, was a big one, back pain, upset stomach, painful urination, and difficulties. I was on this medicine 8 years ago and never had a problem with it. This time it was so horrible having a reaction and not knowing what to do to feel better. The doctor told me it had to run its course and get out of my system, and I would feel better. It took about 3 days when I started to feel better."

• lis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 9, 2013

For Type 2 Diabetes "I began taking Victoza on December 6th, 2013. Later that day, I started experiencing some stomach cramping. Saturday, DAY 2, I was experiencing weakness, a terrible headache, nausea, and sulfur burps. All of these symptoms occurred on the starter dose. Day 3, Sunday, was a little better as far as side effects. Still suffering from the terrible headache and sulfur burps. Was unable to move bowels for those first three days. Day 4, Monday, I woke to terrible stomach cramps. I was able to move my bowels. Started dry heaving, turning into throwing up bile and almost passing out. Terrible sweating and racing heartbeat. After all that, I did feel better. Contacted Dr. He advised trying half the dose and prescribed Zofran. I currently take Victoza at 1 p.m."

• cin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 26, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor suggested Victoza. The biggest side effects are constipation and upset stomach. I burp and have gas a lot. My appetite is gone, and I can't eat as much. I fill up quickly. I have only lost a few pounds, but I am only 17 pounds overweight. I will stick with it. My fasting sugar numbers have been between 100 and 115. I will stick with it."

• cat...
• May 11, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking this medication for a month now. I walk 2 miles every day and follow the recommended diet, and my numbers are good. However, I have been experiencing bad stomach cramps. It started around the first month, but I am not sure if it's due to the medication or a virus. Has anyone else experienced cramps, nausea, slight lightheadedness, and loss of appetite? I weighed 250 pounds before starting the medication, and now I weigh 220 pounds, which I don't think is bad considering I am 6 feet tall."

• Anonymous
• March 20, 2012

For Type 2 Diabetes "When I first started taking Victoza, I got pretty sick on my stomach. So much so that I couldn't eat hardly anything. I lost a good bit of weight pretty fast, but I wasn't eating much at all. I tried taking a ginger supplement, which helped a little. Mainly, you just have to get used to it. After a couple of months, it was better as far as feeling sick. However, my 2 main goals were met - getting my blood sugar under control and losing weight. I have been on it for 9 months and lost over 35 pounds! I feel great now, and my last HbA1c was less than 6 (it had been over 11). I was able to cut my metformin in half."

• Luc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 7, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I had a hard time assigning a numerical rating. On one hand, Victoza seemed like magic in that it lowered my sugars so reliably and instantly. It almost seemed like validation that I wasn't doing anything 'wrong'-my body needed help with sugar metabolism. That earns a 10. On the other hand, I have to take into account quality of life. NEVER have I been so sick, for so many days consistently/consecutively. I am not a person who gets sick easily. I do not miss work due to illness. I function through colds, upset stomach, headaches, muscle pain-you name it. Victoza knocked me on my butt. I was sick every day for 3 weeks. All the same sx's as everybody else. There are NOT mild. I stopped it before I even got to the 1.8 dose. Not reasonable. My body said hell no."

• Mrs...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor gave me Victoza to lower my A1C, which was 8.2. She put me on a low dose of 0.6 injection plus 2000 mg metformin. I started to feel side effects after the second injection: headaches, nausea, and a lot of stomach discomfort. I don't have too much appetite, which is good. My reading dropped from 174 fasting to 120. The only bad thing is that my insurance doesn't cover Victoza, so my doctor switched me to Trulicity, and I hope I don't have new side effects."

• Fit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 1, 2013

For Type 2 Diabetes "My A1c started creeping up to 7.8 from 6.6 a year ago. My blood sugars were not dropping below 200 in the mornings. I must admit that I was not watching my carbs very well. I went to my endo, and she said that I needed to lose weight and watch my carbs. She also said that from the minute I got diabetes, my pancreas began to die. Shocking. She put me on Victoza and gave me some sample pens. I started on .6 mg for the first week. I had horrible stomach aches, especially at night. I felt bloated as if I had eaten a big meal. I didn't know that it would cause this discomfort; it would have been nice if she would have told me. I took antacids, but it didn't help. I increased to 1.2 the second week with symptoms, back to .6. We'll see what happens."