Ozempic and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Nan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been using Ozempic for 3 weeks now. I'm down 4 lbs. And have had a little constipation the first week...and then loose to normal b.m.s. I have no headaches, no vomiting, no bad tastes. I'm using .25 for one more week then use .50. Will keep you informed."

• Sal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started with .25 for 4 weeks, then .5 after that. I don't have much of an appetite, which is good because I do need to lose weight. I cannot finish a portion of food I usually eat. I have pain, burping, and constipation daily. I am okay in the morning when I wake up and after breakfast (eggs, oatmeal, or yogurt). I usually eat lunch-supper at 2-3 pm. The real pain and burning start 3-4 hours later and last till I go to bed. If I drink water, it gets worse. When I lie in bed, the pain goes away. I have not had problems with indigestion, so I wonder if this is causing it? I worry about kidney and pancreatitis. I will see my MD this coming week and discuss all this with him. I lost 10 lbs, and my A1C went from 10.3 to 9.1. Wonder how long it takes for the A1C to get below 7?"

• Dro...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 2, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've lost about 40 lbs since starting Ozempic 11 months ago. My A1C is now within normal limits, but I still take Metformin. My non-alcohol fatty liver disease has resolved as well. I experienced nausea and vomiting early on in treatment, but that has mostly resolved. I feel hunger less and feel full longer. Constipation is a big problem, so I use an occasional stool softener or eat some prunes to keep things moving. The medication decreases the pleasure I get from food, which is weird sometimes. When I go out of town, I used to look forward to trying a new restaurant, but now it's just 'meh' no matter what I eat. I found that I have more nausea if I inject in the abdomen, so I do it in my arm or thigh instead."

• Tuu...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 23, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started with 0.25 Ozempic in November 2020 and upped my dosage to 0.5 in January 2021. My A1C is the same as when I was taking 2000 mg Metformin daily (5.1-5.3%). My doctor decided to switch me to help with weight loss and manage my pre-diabetes. I have lost 47 lbs, which is great, but it isn't a healthy way to lose weight. I met with a GI specialist and was diagnosed with gastroparesis, they had me discontinue Ozempic to see if my symptoms would disappear. That was 6 weeks ago, and my stomach is still paralyzed. I have sulfur burps, diarrhea, severe constipation, and vomiting daily. I now have to eat a low FODMAP diet and can only manage a few mouthfuls of food at a time. I have no quality of life anymore, I can no longer enjoy many of the things I used to, which has caused me severe anxiety and depression. While the weight loss benefits sound appealing, please think twice before taking this drug."

• Anonymous
• February 7, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor put me on Ozempic to lower my blood sugar and A1c, as every time I check my blood sugar it’s extremely high in the 200s and 300s. So that is why my doctor put me on Ozempic. At the beginning of the year, before the medication, my A1c was 10.8, and my blood sugar was in the 200s. Five weeks later, I went to the doctor this week and got my sugar checked, it was 72. I couldn’t believe it, plus my A1c is 8.2, and I lost 5 lbs in just a short period. I take my shot every Sunday, .25. The day after I take the shot, I do experience some nausea, headaches, and constipation, but it’s only for one day, and it’s worth it for these low numbers. I was scared to take this new drug because I already take metformin 1000 mg once a day, but I’m so happy my doctor introduced me to this medicine. If you guys can get through the side effects, keep taking it, this medicine really works."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 8, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was a 63-year-old female when I started Ozempic. 5'2", 208#. A1C of 7.2. History of stroke, cardiovascular disease, Hashimoto's, fibromyalgia, and the list goes on. At the beginning, I had some nausea, but not terribly. I have been on it for 14 months and have lost 85#! From 208# to 125#. Average about 5#/month. When increased to 2.0, I had some issues with constipation but worked through it. Now, with a normal BMI, A1C is at 4.9 and steady. Continuing at 2.0 to maintain. I would highly recommend this to anyone! Following recent labs, my endocrinologist sent a message, 'Diabetes is in remission!' Woohoo! Good luck, everyone!"

• Bre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started with the 0.25 dose & after 5 weeks went to 0.50. Side effects were minimal, mostly just an upset stomach for the first day after a shot. Pens were easy to use & directions easy to follow. My A1c went from 10.3 to 6.2 after 90 days & I lost 22 lbs. I made significant dietary changes, which were helped because overeating gave me that 'too full to move' feeling you get on Thanksgiving, even with small portions. I eat 4-5 times a day but in small portions & calories under 1200 daily. Constipation was avoided by an increase in fiber/vegetables and water."

• San...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My experience has been good on Ozempic. I haven’t been on it for six months, and I have lost 50 pounds. My side effects have been very mild. I was a little nauseous the first week, my worst side effect is being constipated. It is now under control, and the appetite suppressant has been fabulous. I do not crave for anything or overeat anymore. I am feeling wonderful, lots of energy, and sleeping well."

• Dke...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I had high hopes for this drug and stuck with it as long as I could, but it caused severe constipation, stomach cramping, and fatigue. I started out with .25 mg for 4 weeks, then .50 for 2 weeks. I didn’t lose weight, so my doctor increased the dose to 1 mg, but I just couldn’t tolerate the side effects at the lower doses, so I didn’t even try the 1 mg."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "T2D 15 years, morbidly obese. At the 3rd week at a dose of 0.5, I was unable to keep water down or take other medications. Other side effects were sulfur belching, burning acid, and pain in the stomach and up the throat, brown water vomit. Unable to sleep more than 2 hours at a time. Blood sugars as high as 345. Lost weight because I couldn't eat, but no appetite anyway. Constipated for days. Then had a bowel movement and horrible effects eased. Started at 325 lbs, lost 22 lbs. Couldn't handle any more and stopped taking it. Consulted the doctor and restarted after 3 weeks. Manageable up to the 3rd injection, and horrible symptoms started again. Going through all the same dramas again. Will quit for good now! Weight loss not worth it!"

• Anonymous
• November 9, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking Ozempic now for three months. I started at 0.25, felt somewhat nauseous, not terrible. Then increased to 0.5 and again, not terrible. I also take Synjardy. I then went to 1 mg and that’s when the trouble started. I was at first getting sick maybe twice a week. But I lost weight and my A1C came down. But I noticed I was, after a while, getting bad stomach pains and constipated and/or the opposite. The worst was how many times I was getting sick. It went from possibly twice a week to two or three times every other day. And without warning, I would be driving, and it would hit me. So I called my doctor and asked to be decreased back down to 0.5. I did not want to get off it because I know it’s been helping. I do still get nauseous and sick sometimes, but not nearly as bad as at 1 mg. My appetite has decreased a lot to where I might only eat twice a day."

• oze...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2020

"I have been on Ozempic for 5 full months to help me lose weight. In that time, I have lost exactly 60 pounds (I had about 100 to lose). I was on 0.25 mg for 6 weeks, moved up to 0.5 mg thereafter, and have been on 1 mg for the past 4 weeks. I certainly experience stomach pains, headaches, absolutely no appetite, severe constipation, feel full almost immediately after eating more than 3-4 bites, and I am not sleeping as well. As of right now, the benefits are outweighing the negatives. I do not plan to stay on Ozempic long term because the possible thyroid cancer/tumors scare me. I am nervous upon stopping Ozempic that the weight gain will come right back."

• mew...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’m 63 F with T2 diabetes, and I started on Oz mid-May 2024. Symptoms: nausea, fatigue, GERD, sulfur burps, stomach cramping from severe constipation, constipation, feeling like I need to vomit, ringing in my ears has increased significantly, loss of appetite, reduction of inflammation, occasional migraines, feeling “off” most days, bouts of dizziness, and feeling faint, but blood sugar and blood pressure are normal, improved blood sugar readings, weight loss of 13 lbs. There are some perks: rheumatoid and osteoarthritis inflammation has lessened, though I still feel pain daily, it’s more tolerable. I take no painkillers but will take CBD as needed. Loss of appetite has led to a loss of 13 lbs so far, blood sugar improved so I’m confident that my A1C has improved also. I struggle with what to do: stay on for the inflammatory reductions, weight loss, and blood sugar improvement benefits, or quit because I feel sick most days, so I have no real pleasure in life anymore. No, I’m not depressed."

• Shy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I always had some side effects of Ozempic. Mainly exhaustion, nauseous, occasional throwing up after eating, constipation. As month 3 came and the dose increased to 1 mg, I ended up in the emergency room. I was vomiting and had liquid diarrhea for 4 days. My heart rate was elevated, and my potassium was dangerously low. At the time, I thought it was a stomach bug-until the next injection caused the same effects. I've been on anti-nausea medication since. I can see why it takes the appetite away-being exhausted and nauseous 24/7 is terrible. Potassium is still not where it should be. Hoping this gets out of my system fast."

• Ama...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 24, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I have been battling hypoactive thyroid and autoimmune disease for several years. I gained weight with hypoactive thyroid (apparently it can happen to some people) and even more with all the medication and medication side effects. My doctors decided to put me on Ozempic to aid with the uncontrollable weight gain. I have just started, it is day 6 for me and so far no side effects apart from some constipation, but this can be attributed to eating way less. I am going to be on a low dose for the first 4-6 weeks, so we started with 0.25 mg. Already a couple of hours after the injection, I had lost my appetite, I suddenly view sweets and white bread/pastries/pasta as inedible plastic, I have zero cravings, I can drink just a half a glass of water OR have just a couple of olives OR a small piece of goat cheese and I feel full (as if my stomach has shrunk into a tiny one) and do not want to eat for hours or at all, so I have reminders set that I need to have a bite. It feels amazing."

• 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."

• Pat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2024

"I have been on Metformin for many years and A1C kept climbing. MD prescribed Ozempic. Started 0.025 1x per week for 4 weeks. Really decreased my appetite. Continued 2nd month on 0.50 with no side effects. Now on max dose of 2.0 mg per week for the last 4 months and have lost a total of 25 lbs. Main problem is constipation, but once taking 1 dose of Miralax per day, eat Raisin Bran and fruit, and more veggies and lots of water, it improved. Has cleared that up. Also got the doc to prescribe Zofran for nausea, and all is great! Take the Zofran in the am and you prevent it altogether! I have never read a review where anyone said they took steps to help their side effects, so thought I'd let you know what works for me! I have gone down 2 pants sizes after losing just 25 lbs. A1C is down from 6.4 to 5.7, cholesterol and triglycerides normal. It's a game changer, just get what you need from your doc to prevent the nausea and constipation, and you will be amazed!"

• boo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 15, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Working with a board-certified obesity physician who suggested I try Ozempic. I am not diabetic but was pre-diabetic in 2015 and was on 1,000 mg Metformin until February of this year. I LOVE Ozempic. I feel like a normal human who doesn't think about food constantly, who can now leave food on my plate (because of Ozempic) and not pick at other people's plates. I've lost 32 pounds in 19 weeks!! I never had any gastrointestinal problems with the exception of being constipated, so I take something for that a couple of times a week. It is much better than the diarrhea I had with Metformin. I started on .025 mg for the first four weeks, then went to .05 mg and plan to stay on that as long as it works. BUT PLEASE BE AWARE, you have to cut down on carbs like breads, pastas, and sweets. I don't have a craving for sweets anymore. My doctor said Ozempic doesn't work as well if you keep eating those kinds of carbs, and I have noticed that when I cheat. I'm 74, something about 'old dog new tricks'"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "2024 I am 75 years old and my doctor prescribed Ozempic for me. My A1C was 7.6 and climbing. I was overweight and could not keep the weight off even with exercise. My first dose was 0.5 mg, which I injected into my stomach. I was very sick after that - nausea and just feeling sick. So, I Googled the medication and found out I could inject it into my thigh, so I did that the next time - no symptoms this time. I have been on it for about 5 months now. My last A1C was 6.3, and I have lost weight. At times, I still have symptoms of nausea and constipation, but they go away. The worst one is low libido, and that's hard to fix. Also, muscle wasting - you must exercise to keep your muscles strong. Loss of energy might be due to eating less. I only eat small meals throughout the day. I hope this review was able to help."

• 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."

• M J...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I started with 0.25 at 170 lbs and was hopeful. 1st and 2nd injection, no problem, I thought, but I had gained 2 pounds, very constipated. 3rd injection, everything changed, less than 12 hours, the worst stomach cramps ever, on the stool every 20 minutes for the next 10 hours, bearing down so hard it was like labor pains. I started passing blood, and my urine became so dark it looked like apple juice. I took the last injection on Friday, that problem did not clear up until late Tuesday afternoon. I did call the doctor, he put me on antibiotics. There is no reversal for this medication. It was not for me."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 15, 2024

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Ozempic has greatly reduced how much I eat. I feel full earlier. I do snack between meals but choose healthier foods like raw nuts or fruit. The only side effects I have experienced are constipation (relieved with Senna Plus) and a bit of indigestion, especially if I eat beyond being satisfied. I have been taking the medication for about 7 weeks and have lost 23 pounds. I'm very happy with how well the medication is working for me. The cost is a concern because my insurance refuses to cover it if it is being used to reduce weight and cardiac risks. But to me it's worth it."

• SBP...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I am using it for weight loss, and so far after three months, I’ve lost 10 pounds and have really lost belly fat. I still suffer from some heartburn occasionally and some constipation, but mild compared to at the beginning. Before this, I tried everything to lose the weight I put on going through menopause, including the keto diet, intermittent fasting, and a vegan diet. I also was doing high-intensity interval training 4-6 times per week. Nothing worked until my specialist put me on Ozempic. My one concern is in regard to my fingernails, which have become quite discolored (a dark yellow) since being on the medication. Has anyone else noted this side effect?"

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "25-year-old female taking Ozempic for PCOS and insulin resistance. I take Ozempic along with a strict paleo diet and workout regime. Started on 0.25 for 3 weeks with severe nausea and flu-like symptoms for the first 1.5 weeks. Felt terrible. Only remaining symptoms are constipation and upset stomach if I make a bad food choice. I have been taking 0.5 since May, Dr. not upping my dose to 1. Started taking Ozempic in April 2019 and was 193 lbs and last week weighed in at 177.4 lbs. Lots of people seem to have very severe symptoms, but I have been lucky and have not had any issues with ongoing problems or anything serious enough to skip work or end up in a hospital."

• Pri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Ozempic for about a month, and the only problem I have is constipation, and I take stuff for it. I love my blood sugar level, it never reaches the 200 and higher range, and I love how I can't eat much anymore because before Ozempic, I would eat, but after each meal, I still would be hungry and eat some more. But since Ozempic, I can't eat a whole lot. My meal portion really went down. I no longer can eat a whole chicken breast, half of one with a small serving of cooked vegetables, and if we have a T-bone steak, half or even smaller size, I cut off and eat the rest the following day as two meals. I've lost already 15 lbs, and I feel wonderful, and I have energy again too. Can't wait to see what my A1C is next month."