Ozempic and Bloating: What Users Say

• Con...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic in late December at 0.25 injection. I also take 500mg metformin per day. Soon after I started Ozempic, I had decreased appetite and my sugars improved, but I had reflux, gas, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea. After 4 weeks, I started 0.50. 2 weeks in, I have bouts of painful constipation then diarrhea, nausea, bloating, gas, reflux, and cramping. I've almost vomited a few times. When I eat, it feels like the food just sits and sits, barely moving through my gut. My doctor wants me to stick with it, saying that these side effects usually improve, but it's been pretty miserable. I'm thinking I'm going to stop taking it. While Ozempic has been effective in regulating my sugars and losing weight, I don't think it's worth the suffering that I've been enduring on this medication. I understand that studies showed it causing thyroid cancer in mice, but no one knows if it causes thyroid cancer in humans. I don't want to be the guinea pig the drug makers use to find out it does."

• Nw2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started April 1, 2021, on Ozempic low dose. 3-week intervals it was increased. Side effects were constipation (went on laxatives to help), pain in my back (severe), bloating. Week 11 increased to 1mg, the side effects were major bloating, diarrhea, sounds in my stomach (crazy), nauseous, feeling under the weather. My appetite has decreased to the point that I only eat 2 meals a day that are small. My sugar levels have decreased from 7.1 to 5.2 A1C. I’ve noticed that I have been kept awake some nights like I’m nervous for some reason. In the first 3 weeks, I’ve lost 15 pounds. Haven’t checked since I want to wait but can feel a difference. The pains in the stomach are really uncomfortable, and the bloating I will try gas-x for relief. When I try to eat more than I should, my body tells me that I’m full. If I go beyond that point, I get severe pains in the stomach for hours. But depends on what I eat. Going to stay with smaller portions/healthier foods."

• Ret...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 25, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "Take my comments for what they are worth since I changed many things in my life at the same time, but I think Ozempic is great. After 5 months, it reduced my A1c from 9.7 to 5.9. I lost almost 25 pounds. I am at 0.5mg, and it has drastically reduced my appetite. Between a smaller stomach and this drug, I often push my plate away before finishing, rarely a desire for dessert. Little to no side effects overall. Some stomach issues like constipation and bloating, but I can't rule out dietary changes being the cause as well. I went on a low-carb diet and really stuck to it for once and increased exercise a lot. The use of the Freestyle Libre Sensor really helped too! Being able to learn how things affect your blood sugar in real time is a great motivator to do the right thing, combine carbs with protein, etc. I am hoping to lower other meds I am on when I see my doctor next month. Once a week, a tiny needle (virtually pain-free) is a far better system than taking pills every day."

• Typ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 16, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am on my 3rd month of taking Ozempic. No decrease in A1C as of yet. Weight loss, none. Ease of use, I find handling the needles cumbersome. The needles are smaller than Trulicity and less painful to inject. Less bruising at the injection site. Current side effects: nausea, stomach pain, stomach discomfort, swelling, bloating, increased constipation, increased hunger, sour stomach, headaches. I find I am forced to take additional medication/supplements in attempting to eliminate some of the side effects. I've taken stool softeners and laxatives in order to improve constipation with limited success. I am taking a pain reliever almost daily for headaches. I am also taking medication to help ease the nausea with limited success."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 4, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Two days after the injection, I get a pretty bad headache, indigestion, and a bloated feeling that lasts the day. This week (6th shot) has been different. It’s the second week the dose was raised from .25 mg to .5 mg. I felt like I had to throw up. The indigestion, burping, constipation, sore muscles, aches, and heavy sweating all felt like I had a horrible flu. I stayed home from work. I went back to work today, when I normally get the headache, and had heavy sweating, burping, indigestion, cold clammy skin, bloating, diarrhea, and depression and anxiety (years since I had either one). Tonight I still have bloating, wrists and shoulders sore, and indigestion with burps. My neck is really stiff. The normal headache has started with a little dizziness. I am still debating what to do as this has been an effective medicine. My blood sugar has gone from 290 to 90 to 140 when I check it. I have lost weight as well."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 4, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Two days after the injection, I get a pretty bad headache, indigestion, and a bloated feeling that lasts the day. This week (6th shot) has been different. It’s the second week the dose was raised from .25 mg to .5 mg. I felt like I had to throw up. The indigestion, burping, constipation, sore muscles, aches, and heavy sweating all felt like I had a horrible flu. I stayed home from work. I went back to work today, when I normally get the headache, and had heavy sweating, burping, indigestion, cold clammy skin, bloating, diarrhea, and depression and anxiety (years since I had either one). Tonight I still have bloating, wrists and shoulders sore, and indigestion with burps. My neck is really stiff. The normal headache has started with a little dizziness. I am still debating what to do as this has been an effective medicine. My blood sugar has gone from 290 to 90 to 140 when I check it. I have lost weight as well."

• Cau...
• March 3, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took .25 for about 6 months and thought this was a miracle drug. Caused slight constipation, but I dealt with it. When they increased me to .5 mg, I started violently vomiting the next day. No one could figure out what was wrong with me. Pancreatic enzymes were high, but not high enough to diagnose pancreatitis. I could barely eat for two months. Gas, bloating, side pain, back pain, stomatitis pain, non-stop burping, constipation, nausea, vomiting off and on. My food perpetually felt like it was backed up into my mouth. They had to take me off of the drug, and now my sugars are higher than ever, and no one can help me. They were okay before, but now doctors consider me as failing two types of drug classes because of this, won't give me my old meds back, and I may have to go on insulin. I am gaining weight like never before and am so tired that I can barely function. They now believe it gave me gastroparesis, and I can't get better. I would recommend this medicine to no one."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been using it for about 1 1/2 months and have lost 14 pounds. I don't have much of an appetite, but some of the other side effects are bloating, constipation, diarrhea, throwing up, and feeling very tired. I love the weight loss, but the side effects are too much!"

• Ver...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 24, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Ozempic for about 3 months. At first, it was great. I wasn't hungry and felt so much better. Increased to 0.5, and I feel terrible. I've gained 15 lbs, I'm bloated and sick, constipated, exhausted, elevated heart rate, ventricular tachycardia, my period was on point every month, but now it's messed up. I feel full but hungry, and it never stops. Have Dexcom, sugar between 250 and 390 always, but my A1C has dropped from 8.4 to 6.4 (I don't understand that). I hate milk, but since I've been on Ozempic, I crave it and have become addicted to it. I drink a gallon a day. Literally. On the 0.25, I was very hopeful and thought this would be great for me, but it is not. I see my endocrinologist soon to discuss other options. Overall, I'm exhausted, sleeping all the time, elevated heart rate, weight gain, milk addiction, messed up period, constipation, increase in physical pain and depression, headaches for days after injection... just not worth it to lower A1C only 2 points."

• Glo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 21, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started taking Ozempic .25 mg 6 weeks ago, and I moved up to .5 mg two weeks ago. I had constipation at first, but it stopped two weeks ago, and now I don't have any side effects other than feeling bloated if I eat too much. But, let's face it, if you have type 2 diabetes, then that is a good thing. I have lost some weight. I was on 1000 mg metformin ER for 12 years, and I started aspirating almost every time I ate, so I switched to Ozempic, and it has only happened twice since the switch. I love just taking one injection a week, you do not feel the needle at all, just a slight burn when the medicine goes in. If you are thinking about trying it, I'd say go for it, not everyone has a bad experience with it, mine has been great."

• rav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I experienced severe stomach bloating and constipation after the first dose. I started injecting into the back of my arms and, with each subsequent dose, side effects lessen, though I still experience moderate nausea and fatigue after taking my weekly dose. On the positive side, my appetite has been reduced by at least 1/2, with 15 pounds lost. My fasting blood sugars are in the 80's and my post-meal levels rarely top 130. Even after eating small amounts of carbs, sugars fall to the nineties within an hour."

• Cpa...
• July 1, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking Ozempic for six weeks. I'm experiencing a lot of the same side effects as everyone else. No nausea, but definitely the cramping, bloating, sore stomach, and constipation. Had to do two fleet routines already. Weight loss has been fantastic, but I'm beginning to worry now. Twenty pounds so far and still dropping. .25 mg dose. Sugar numbers have been great. Don't think it's worth all the side effects. Going back to Farxiga. Much more predictable."

• Gro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 26, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Have been on semaglutide for 8 weeks and am presently on a 1 mg dose. First, the positives. I have lost 16 pounds, my intake of Novorapid has decreased significantly, and my blood glucose has dropped from 7.9 to 6.8. Negatives: mild constipation, bloated feeling, slight nausea, reflux acid, lethargy, and wind (burps and farts). I feel the positives outweigh the negatives at the present time, but only time will tell."

• Bar...
• February 27, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started on Ozempic in January 2021. I started on 0.25 mg and then in February went up to 0.50 mg. My A1C has come down from 8.5 to 6.9, which is brilliant. My fasting sugar levels are below 7 in the morning compared to 8-10, and I find it’s below 7 during the day. Bloating is awful and constant, my stomach is blown up like I’m 6 months pregnant. I haven’t lost any weight. My digestive system feels off. Although my appetite is surprising, I wonder how good this is if you're not eating and getting all the nutrients your body needs. Constipation and diarrhea are extreme. I’m always really thirsty, and normally if I drink water..."

• mov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 23, 2024

"I am a 47-year-old woman taking Ozempic for 4 weeks now. .25 doses. I started at 300 lbs at 5.7'. Week 1 and 2, I had no side effects, week 3, I was a bit bloated and constipated. But I increased my water intake and walked for 40 mins 3 times a week, and it was gone within a few days. I lost 5 lbs in week 1 and 2, nothing week 3 (I assume due to the bloating and constipation), and another 5 lbs in week 4 for a total of 15 lbs in 4 weeks! I am very excited and motivated. I have always struggled with my weight, I was never a huge overeater, just very bad choices due to a lack of willpower! But since taking Ozempic, although I still get very small cravings, I find it so much easier to control. I can have a bag of chips in the house and just have a cup for an after-dinner snack and not go back for seconds! It is amazing! I can promise I have tried this before... many times... and it never worked! I would go back for seconds and thirds until the bag was gone! Lol. So far, worth the cost (no coverage)."

• fem...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 23, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "Serious stomach issues, cramping, bloating, severe constipation, nausea, no appetite, rashes, pain in the upper and lower bowel, gas. Loss of too much weight, no taste for food. Have had previous trouble with colitis and diverticulitis but still prescribed this medication. Only have 1 kidney and now afraid it may be damaged. I have been on this drug for approximately 7-9 months. Now worried, but the doctor is not concerned enough to take me off this medication."

• Ros...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 11, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Ok, my doctor begged me to try this, and I was very hesitant after reading reviews. Here is how my .25 injection in my hip fat went over the next week. By the end of the day, my stomach was bloated. Like you ate way too much kind of bloated. I read how people were sick, so I limited breakfast to one biscuit, lunch to two eggs, and dinner to a chicken breast. I did not get sick, but the bloating burning sensation lasted five days. I had oatmeal for breakfast the next two days, with a wrap for lunch and dinner. It only curbed my appetite by making me scared to death to eat, which caused constipation. My blood sugars were slightly lower, but the fear of getting sick was not worth it for me. I also have GERD and took Pepcid for two days. I have been diabetic a long time, almost 23 years. I take insulin. I am vastly overweight at 340 pounds. My experience was mild compared to others and not worth getting sicker to lose weight or starve myself. I did not use it after the first week. No way."

• 2nd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2024

"I lost 20# in 5 months over a year ago and gained it all back in 6 mos. The top side effects then were nausea, constipation, bloating, and big hair loss, strangely starting a month after discontinuation and lasting 5 mos. Much hair grew back. I started up again a week ago and more, this time unbearable side effects. Horrible headaches at the base of my skull, acid reflux that chokes me and burns my throat at night, flashes of light and wisps of wind in my face at night, nightmares, hair coming out in swaths, erratic high BP (I have high BP, but it was under control before O.), bad joint pain (hips especially), extreme urinary incontinence (swelling down there with pee dribbling), and extremely emotional (incessant crying) just 5 minutes after injection. Five minutes after the second shot (second week), all the above that had “slightly” eased up came back full force! Husband again losing weight with doable nausea and blah feeling. *I have a lot of side effects to most meds."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 27, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "This drug is helpful in maintaining a good blood glucose level. It has helped in lowering my overall weight, which was not working before by diet. At this time, I am on a 1 mg injection, but I feel I am having reactions of nausea, dizziness, bloating, burping, some abdominal pain, and constipation."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 28, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic to hopefully lower my always high blood sugar. Even on high doses of insulin, my blood sugar stayed around 200. Ozempic not only lowered my blood sugar, I also lost about 15 pounds. Unfortunately, there was a shortage, and I was off of it, and then the dose was lowered. I gained the weight back, and my blood sugar went up. I am now on it regularly, and it keeps my sugars fairly normal. Occasionally, I do get annoying sulfur burps, and I do have bloating and constipation. My eyes and kidneys are okay."

• Mac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "1. Very good to date with stabilizing my glucose levels. 2. Unpleasant gastric conditions, i.e., bloating, burping, farting, constipation. 3. I'm taking 0.5 mg weekly and finding it very, very difficult to maintain a regular supply of the 0.025 to 0.5 mg dosage."

• Gen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 11, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "Coupled with continuous glucose meter, improved A1c down to 5.8 and lost some weight. Have experienced some apparently common moderate side effects including intermittent nausea, bloating, gas, heartburn, constipation/diarrhea, dizziness. So far, benefits outweigh bothersome discomfort. Easy to use weekly."

• joh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "Reduced blood sugar from 10 to 7.1. Killed my hunger completely, no more food cravings. Side effects became disabling, had to discontinue using. Became bloated, nausea was bad, 1st time I have vomited in 50 years, fatigue, constipation, going to the emergency room as no doctors available to help."

• Suz...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 20, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "Lower doses caused constipation, at the highest dose of 2, I experienced a full day of being sick to my stomach after injection. On these days, I ate saltine crackers and drank Coke Zero. The following days, I felt bloated and experienced burping and gas. However, I continued to lose weight, and my A1c was down to 7.6."