Victoza and Vomiting: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Sud...
• December 5, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am on day 3 of Victoza at 0.6 mg and am miserable. Repeated episodes of nausea, vomiting, and watery diarrhea all day. Can hardly get out of bed except to go to the bathroom. We will see if I make it through the night without a repeat, but I am stopping the med. It is not worth it. I did note an immediate decrease in appetite from day one and can see how it would help my weight if side effects weren't so bad."

• RBe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 27, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was at my wits' end when my PCP prescribed Victoza, and all I can say is, what a game changer. However, the side effects have been horrendous, starting with diarrhea, proceeding into a migraine, and then unbearable nausea. Week one on 0.6 started this way, but had nearly resolved by day 7. When I upped my dose to 1.2, the symptoms started all over again, exact same pattern, only this time the nausea was extreme and led to vomiting on day 8. I’ve had to miss 4 days of work and would have missed more, but I work three 12-hour shifts a week. I finally went back to 0.6 on day 8. Feeling pretty defeated, feeling like I stuck with it, missed work, and suffered all the ill effects for nothing. I was seeing great results, FBGs ~116, even had a BG of 75, but that really didn’t count since it was when I couldn’t hold any food down. Postprandial BGs ~140. This was all without insulin. I do still take 1000 mg of metformin nightly, though."

• cra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started Victoza 2 months ago. I was great at first. Got up to 1.8 mg. After 3 weeks, got so sick, ended up in the hospital with 2 bags of saline and anti-puke meds. Told to lower dose then go back up, so I did. And 4 weeks later I'm back to cramping and puking and diarrhea, burps that smell like rotten eggs. The first time this happened, I thought it was because of salad. Tomatoes tasted like rotten fish. Now, come to think of it, the salad and seafood. And this time I just ate seafood again. I guess better not do that anymore. I would love a bullet in the head right now, the pain is horrible. Lost 23 lbs so far. I'm hoping I can hang on for a few more months with no serious effects of it. Getting the gastric bypass..."

• Lis...
• October 25, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have tried taking Victoza 3 times now, and I get so sick (headache, nausea, and vomiting) that I have to stop after 2 days each time. I have taken a lot of different meds in my 51 years, but nothing has ever made me that sick. I was hoping to lose about 35 lbs, but I can't stand being that sick."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2013

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started Victoza .6 mg dose yesterday and have had a headache, have been sleepy, no appetite, and have had vomiting. Is it worth it? We'll see. Blood glucose levels have already improved. Think I'll try dosing at night so the side effects aren't severe at work. Will post again when I know more."

• Art...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2013

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was put on Victoza as a stand-alone med by my endo for type 2 diabetes and weight loss. I am about 200 pounds overweight, and she felt like this would finally help me get started with the weight loss. Third week, I had lost 8 pounds, and sugars were great, but got sick as a dog after eating certain foods. We are talking projectile vomiting and serious cramping that almost sent me to the ER several times. I think the idea behind this medicine is a good one, but for some people, like me, the delayed gastric emptying is going to cause too many problems to reap the long-term benefits. What a bummer."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 8, 2012

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking Victoza 1.2 mg for about a year along with 1000 mg Metformin 2x per day. When I first started it, I was on the 0.6 mg dose, and I had zero side effects, but since upping to 1.2 mg, I have had constant nausea and very little appetite. I occasionally will get powerful sulfur burps followed by vomiting. The medicine does keep my sugar under control, my last A1C was 6.0."

• Mam...
• December 23, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Victoza 0.6 two weeks ago. I learned the hard way how to avoid being sick. I gave myself the first shot and didn't realize the dial goes back to zero. I gave myself another shot thinking I didn't get the first one. Yikes. I got so, so sick. Vomiting all day and early evening... my doctor had me go to the ER for fluids. My doctor says he sees far fewer side effects when patients go up slowly. Now I am going up 1 click when I feel good enough from the last click. Also, I have to say eating too much, especially late in the day, is not good. I have had no side effects but am taking it even slower than my doc suggested. Amazing, even on this small dose, I am not hungry. How does anyone take Saxenda at those high doses?"

• lou...
• July 13, 2012

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Victoza a week ago, and I have lost 10 lbs. I think it's brilliant, but the only thing is the sickness. Every time I eat, I vomit, but hopefully that won't last much longer. I was an insulin taker until I stopped at my own accord after piling on the pounds, which is very dangerous. I think this medicine is the best ever. I have tried everything to lose weight, and this is all that worked, and plus my blood sugars are perfect since I started, which they were all unbelievably high. I would say this is a lifesaver."

• Hea...
• February 8, 2013

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was on insulin but couldn't get my A1C down. It was 8.9, so she put me on Jentadueto and Victoza. The first 2 days, I was really sick. 3rd day (today), I vomited so bad I was about to give up, then decided to try taking the Victoza at bedtime instead of morning. Will see if it works. The first day, I didn't eat a thing. It totally makes you not want to eat ANYTHING. I actually had to force myself to eat a banana this morning, and that's when I vomited. I hope these side effects go away because I think this is the right medicine for weight loss. I'm still taking Novolog once a day if my blood sugar is over 150. Will update soon."

• DDa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've started Victoza almost 2 months ago. Was doing well the first few days. Then, about 4 days in, had a bad night of vomiting. Didn't really eat the next day, then it seemed to subside. I don't have any appetite and have been eating mainly veggies and some fruits. Increased to 1.2, and again, about 3 days in, had the vomiting and this time diarrhea. Again, only 1 day, and it went away. Tried increasing to 1.8, but can't handle it. My doctor said to just continue with 1.2 for now. Been good for about 2 weeks until last night. I have been vomiting and really bad diarrhea since about 10:30 pm. It's now 1:30 pm the next day and still diarrhea. I can't even keep water down. I've lost about 20 lbs so far, but this isn't worth it. Not sure I can continue taking this and getting sick..."

• Bar...
• June 17, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "Did well on the 1.2 dose, but the 1.8 dose gave me significant side effects, and they are just getting worse. I had to have prescription medication for vomiting. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, indigestion, sore throat, tiredness, diarrhea, dizziness. It has been almost a month at 1.8, and I feel horrible. The side effects outweigh the benefits in my case. I will have to go back to the 1.2 dose and try to increase it by 0.1 every week."

• Ell...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2023

"I started Victoza 0.6 mg 3 weeks ago. In the first week, the sugar cravings stopped immediately, they are absolutely gone. Bingeing and overeating completely stopped too. I increased it to 1.2 mg the second week, and I had nausea, vomiting, loose stools, constipation, and headaches. In the third week, dosage was increased to 1.8 mg. You feel so full after eating very little that I have cut down portion size by more than half. I have lost 6 lbs so far. I am enduring the side effects, but some days they are intense. I have not done any exercise. I am definitely going to continue taking Victoza. My start weight is 207 lbs, current weight is 200 lbs. I have struggled with diets that give me no results, and this medication is helping me to be healthier."

• 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..."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2013

For Type 2 Diabetes "The first three days on Victoza, I had no problems. Day four brought the sulfur belches, dry heaving, diarrhea, and dizziness. I was so dehydrated I needed to go to the ER, and this was on the lowest dose. My DEC said it would be a great thing for me, and the side effects were minimal. Not so for me. Decided to give this up and stick with the Metformin and Glipizide. I will also be going back to Weight Watchers and start exercising."

• 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."

• Shm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "This stuff at 1.2 dose is pure poison to me. Started 0.6, and my blood sugar (BS) looked a lot better, no side effects. Increased to 0.6 + 5 clicks, appetite decreased, weight loss, even better BS. Asked if I could stay at that dose, was told no, increase to 1.2. Dr's goal is to get me off Lantus. Three days on 1.2 and I am puking every 2 hours and diarrhea even though I haven't eaten in 2 days. This is my 2nd attempt with Victoza. There will not be a 3rd. Nothing in the world is worth feeling this bad. Had to miss work yesterday and can barely stand today. Terrified to drink, as I can't even keep water down. Dr insists my side effects are 'rare.' Clearly she hasn't read any of the forums or reviews."

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Victoza for a month now. I've not had any nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea ... but also I haven't lost any weight, and my blood sugar is the same at 13-15 mmol/L before breakfast every morning. My energy levels have dropped, and I feel more tired than I did without Victoza. I'm a lot less hungry, so I'm eating less than before, but still no weight loss and no drop in blood sugar. Have also had periods of blurred vision and odd sensations in various parts of my body. I'm baffled because it seems to be doing lots for other people almost immediately, yet it doesn't appear to be doing anything at all for me even after a month on 1.2 dosage. Any ideas?"

• old...
• August 19, 2011

For Diabetes, Type 1 "Only put on Victoza yesterday for my insulin resistance at 0.6. In only two injections, sugar levels have fallen from the high 200s-low 300s to low 100s. No vomiting. Doctor now lowering my Lantus from 265 units twice a day to 150 twice a day, and Humalog from 120 units per day to 20 units three times a day while I wait for the insurance company to approve the pump. It would be cheaper for them and give me a better quality of life. Willing to put up with any side effects for these numbers."

• GSG...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was recently prescribed Victoza. The day I took my first dose (1.8), I ended up in the ER. I was continuously throwing up and needed to be hydrated. The following week, I tried it again and I was in the ER again. This does not work for me. I have read many reviews that say it gets better after two weeks, but how can you go on with your day if you are nauseous or vomiting all day?"

• Lia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'd been on Victoza 1 or 2 years back, but with no results. This time around, I'm on Victoza and Invokana, and I've lost about 8 lbs since starting them 5 days ago. Except for a slight desire to eat in the AM, I've lost almost all appetite. I'm nauseous almost all the time, though, and had to actually vomit on the 3rd day. But, because I used Victoza in the prescribed way the 1st time around, my doctor suggested starting at 1.8, which may be why I'm so nauseous. I have to drink lots of water because of the Invokana, but after drinking, I feel like vomiting. I just realized that the nausea from drinking water has subsided since the 1st few days, so I guess the general nausea is lessening, too? Hard to tell, especially with no appetite."

• Nas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took Victoza for 3 months. The nausea was unbearable. It did little to control my blood sugar. I lost weight because I was too nauseous to eat! Then, I started vomiting, and there was blood in it. I switched to Trulicity, and the nausea and vomiting stopped immediately. My blood glucose is better controlled."

• red...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "Lowered blood glucose. Effective. However, I could not tolerate the side effects. Occasional severe nausea and vomiting, and unpredictable diarrhea, which persisted after discontinuing (I also take Metformin 1000 mg/day - known to cause nausea, but I had no symptoms until Victoza). In 2008, I had 2 brain surgeries and suffered months of nausea and vomiting. This was so traumatic for me that I can't tolerate Victoza."

• Anonymous
• October 22, 2011

For Type 2 Diabetes "I just started taking Victoza on 10/18/11, and the morning after taking it, I was sick, vomiting several times, and the nausea stayed around for a long time. Had me scared to take the second injection. I started with 0.6 and am worried if this is how I feel on the small dose, how will I feel if I ever get on the 1.8 dosage? I see that a lot of people have experienced nausea but haven't read anyone mention that they actually vomited. I feel weak from hardly eating in three days and have only taken two injections thus far. I really want this to work for me. I was prescribed Phenergan 25 mg for nausea and vomiting. Hope I'll have something better to report soon."

• Ted...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "Just started on Victoza. Have type 2 diabetes, and I am 46 kg overweight. Before starting Victoza, I gave up smoking after 50 years and eliminated all sugar and carbs from my diet. In the past, I have used Byetta but gave it up because it didn't agree with me. I eliminated all sugar and carbs from my diet and no longer take metformin, but I test myself after every meal. Taking Victoza will help as I am unable to exercise or walk far, so weight loss is hard for me. The side effects do sound bad, but the effects of being obese are far worse - I mean, I'd rather vomit or have a headache or whatever than have a heart attack. I met a woman some while ago who had been grossly obese, but when I met her, she was slender and looked fantastic. I asked her, 'How did you lose all that weight?' She just smiled at me and said, 'Because I wanted to.' With the Victoza helping with eating and blood tests, my 'wanting to' lose the weight has just solidified to 'I WILL.'"