Ozempic and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Foo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I'm in week 6, and I have lost 15 pounds!!!!! Total miracle. I started out at the .25 dose for a month and last week began .5. I have absolutely no appetite. Very easy to stick to a healthy diet. Predominantly low carb but do allow some complex carbs here and there. I eat very small meals--I am full very quickly. I am a little nauseous in the morning, slight constipation, which easily was alleviated with taking daily probiotics, and after going out to dinner the other night and eating what I thought was a small meal, had really bad acid reflux. The food was spicy, and although I didn't eat a lot of it, I ate later than usual. I will never do that again. I fortunately have not had any of the other side effects others mention. I want to lose another 70 pounds, so I am hoping that at the 1 mg dose I can accomplish this. I would think the weight loss will slow at some point. I remain a little nervous about increasing the dose, although I had no ill side effects when last increased."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Taking Ozempic for insulin resistance type A and PCOS. Took 0.25 for the first 4 weeks. Side effects included: severe nausea and flu-like symptoms. Constipation is still a problem. Mild nausea when I upped the dose to 0.50, but taking a generic store-brand nausea medication has helped a lot. Appetite greatly reduced, and I find smaller meals and snacking more frequently throughout the day to be very helpful. My side effects only lasted 1.5 weeks and have not returned with increased dosage. Started at 193 lbs and down to 186.8 lbs in only 1 month. Will continue to take!"

• Suc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 26, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I've been on Ozempic for 4 months. My doctor tiered the dosage from 0.25 mg for 4 weeks, then 0.50 mg for 4 weeks, then increased to 1 mg for the remaining time. I've just gone in for a check-up and increased to the 2 mg dose beginning this week. Each dose, I experienced some stomach knots, but they resolved after the first day of the adjustment. I did initially have some very mild nausea, but all I needed to do was take a sip of cold water to take care of it. I stress, the nausea was very, very mild. I do have a bit of constipation, but I balance with stool softeners and strict keto (high fat). I've lost 21 pounds to this point, and this medication is the first thing that's controlled my appetite. I used to feel hungry all the time, but now I don't feel like I need to eat all the time. I don't snack all the time like I used to. I was doing everything I was supposed to, I was working out and strict keto. But I was stuck and couldn't lose any more weight. I've gone from 203 to 181."

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Started on .25 and now onto .5 for the next 4 weeks. My side effects have been mild nausea, a lot of constipation, slight anxiety, mild diarrhea, mild tummy ache, intermittent tiredness, and feeling somewhat under the weather. There is no pattern, it’s random. I do think it’s the medication, as prior to this, I had none of these symptoms. It is not great, but tolerable. I think the meds are really kicking in now. If I have a small snack, the nausea subsides. I have little to no appetite, probably consume 1000 calories a day. And my mind is not consumed with food, and before I had an obsession with food. For me, it’s been life-changing. I put on 15 kg during Covid lockdown. Was 85 kg, now 81 kg."

• Oz1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I've been taking Ozempic since January 2022 for weight loss. I started out with a 0.25 mg weekly injection, which was increased to a 0.5 mg weekly injection after the first pen. To date, four months later, I've lost 33 pounds, down to 265 pounds from 298 pounds. My appetite is significantly reduced, and I've implemented healthy diet changes with the help of the weight loss clinic where I'm a patient. Recently, I began experiencing constipation, which is a known side effect. My physician recommended Miralax to combat the constipation."

• 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!"

• Cej...
• December 15, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’ve always had a BMI of around 23-25, but menopause saw my appetite skyrocket, and it went to 26. I’m 5'5" and my weight went up to 166 pounds on a slight frame. My private doctor in the UK started me on Ozempic for weight loss. It cost £120 a month (sorry USA folks, but you pay way too much for your drugs!), and after a month on 0.25, I’m now on 0.5. I don’t want wine or sweet things noticeably, and I’ve lost about 4 lbs, but now I’m on a higher dose, this is accelerating. I feel like the old me in terms of being able to control my food, which is great! Side effects are occasional nausea and near-constant acid reflux, but I can control this with Rennie right now, and also constipation, unless I drink a lot of water. It’s really worked for me to prevent a slide into obesity."

• Bea...
• October 14, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic at the end of July 2019. After 10 years of Metformin 1000 mg a.m. and p.m. & Januvia, the result turned into explosive diarrhea. Tried Jardiance, which resulted in yeast infections. Then Janumet, all of these with Metformin. Constipation. Started Ozempic in July, 0.5 mg with Metformin. Lost weight and appetite suppressed, but diarrhea continued. Changed to 1000 mg Metformin in a.m. & Januvia in p.m. Constipation again. Changed to 1 mg Ozempic after several months and 1000 mg Metformin in a.m. and 500 mg p.m., no Januvia. Constipation. Finally taking 1 mg Ozempic and 750 mg Metformin a.m. and p.m. works great. Bowel movements normal. My daily readings went down using Ozempic. No side effects. Lost 19 lbs. Not due for A1C until December. Love it. Went from 200 lbs to 181. Sugar cravings decreased. Feel positive. I am an active 70-year-old female. I don’t plan on taking Ozempic forever because the possible long-term thyroid side effects scare me."

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2021

"So after 7 weeks on Ozempic, I’m calling it a day. It not only got rid of my appetite completely, it left me unable to look at food and cook for my family. I developed a complete aversion to food. This left me with no energy, anxious and depressed. It’s not worth it. I am unable to exercise and have now lost the love of life. Two days after injection is the worst, particularly with nausea, and the constipation is terrible."

• Kom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 27, 2019

"Oh boy. I just started Ozempic for weight loss at .25. After my first injection, I was fine for two days, and then was constipated for two days—and since then I’ve been pretty darn sick. Violent diarrhea, headaches, some nausea, and very low energy. I’ve taken several days off from work as I’ve felt so bad. I’ve lost weight since I have no appetite, and nausea follows whenever I eat—even broth and crackers. I have international travel planned in 10 days, and I hope that I’m recovered by then. I may try again after my travels, but this has been rough. The worst side effects I’ve had from a new medication."

• Nuk...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 13, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Ozempic for a year. Taking 1.0 mg. Pros: Have lost 40 pounds. A1c went from over 8 to 6.2. Have stopped taking insulin and glyburide. All positive. Cons: Days of constipation followed by hours of diarrhea. No appetite. Cost is way out of control. But I'm satisfied enough that I'm still on it."

• Dal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’ve been taking Ozempic for almost 6 weeks for type 2 diabetes and weight loss. I started out 4 weeks on the lowest dose and after the 4th week increased to the second dose. I want to say 0.5 mg. I’ve lost a total of 14 lbs, but it looks like I’ve lost more since you tend to lose inches. I haven’t had any bad side effects for the first 4 weeks, and my appetite has decreased tremendously. I only have to take my insulin once a day instead of 4 times a day due to my glucose levels being normal since Ozempic. I have experienced occasional nausea that doesn’t last long and only in the mornings. Zofran helps. I take my injection in my thigh. Since I’ve increased my dosage, I have experienced constipation. So I would advise you to drink plenty of water, exercise, and get your fiber in, or you will be very uncomfortable. Also, eating smaller portions helps. Overall, I’ve got more energy and feel like this drug will help me become healthier and get off insulin for good."

• 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."

• REM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 25, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "This medication has been a complete game changer for me. Constipation was an issue for me prior, and that condition persists, as well as GERD, so there is no reason to suspect this medication. Weight loss due to reduced appetite has also been my experience. Delivery is a breeze. So far, I like it."

• Poi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started taking this med about a month ago and not sure I will stick with it. After 2 weeks, stomach cramping and some constipation started, but the worst of it all is the stress I am having with horrible sulfur burps. The smell is so horrible that even the smallest of burps can linger in a room for minutes, and you can really clear a room. I have had to have Febreeze Air Fresheners nearby at all times. If I feel a burp coming in the middle of the night, I literally run to the bathroom as it is really very unpleasant for my spouse and it really embarrasses me even after 27 years of marriage as it’s that bad! We just lowered my dose to 0.25 mg, but if the sulfur burps remain, that will seal the deal and I will stop it. Have lost 10 pounds over the month too as appetite is shot, and I’m not sure that’s really the best way to lose weight if you can barely eat at all."

• Car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 10, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was put on Ozempic for insulin resistance and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). I take my 3rd dose of 0.25 tomorrow. The 1st week taking it, I had immediate loss of appetite and mild to severe nausea. The struggle with constipation is still ongoing. I would say overall I just felt yucky. Took 2 doses before my body mellowed out and the nausea went away. I find big meals overwhelming now, and I recommend eating healthy snacks more frequently throughout the day (due to loss of appetite). Will up dose to 0.5 in 2 weeks and am nervous that the side effects will return, but hoping not. So far, I have lost 3 lbs, but my weight fluctuates up and down 5 lbs regularly, so not sure yet if it is the Ozempic or not."

• Red...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 5, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I was prescribed Ozempic to help with weight loss. I am prediabetic and failed gastric sleeve surgery. Started at 240 pounds and after the 3rd injection of 1 mg, am now 228 lbs. I was concerned that I was started right off the bat with 1 mg. My only side effect is constipation. I took the advice of the people on this blog and injected it in my thigh. I heard it minimizes the side effects. I have lost more weight with this medication than I lost with my gastric sleeve. I lost nothing with the sleeve and I still felt hungry. With Ozempic, there is full control of my appetite and lost all taste for sugar."

• NK1...
• November 27, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started in late August 2022 at 0.25 for 2 weeks and then increased to 0.50 mg. For the first 2-3 weeks, I did experience some constipation; however, intermittent Dulcolax and increased water intake helped. I did not experience any nausea with the 0.25 mg dose; however, I did experience 2-3 weeks of intermittent nausea with the 0.50 mg dose. My doctor has recently increased me to a 1 mg dose, and I am again experiencing nausea (week 2 on this dose). While the nausea is definitely uncomfortable, it is not debilitating and hasn’t really kept me from any of my daily activities. Overall, I do feel like I have more energy. My appetite is significantly diminished, and I do not experience the cravings for sweets as I had previously. My A1C has gone from 6.8 to 6.1, and I have lost 28 pounds since starting. I am hopeful that the side effects that I am currently experiencing will diminish over the next couple of weeks. I feel like the positives of this medication outweigh the negatives."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 22, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started on 0.25 for 4 weeks, then increased to 0.5. Reduced appetite, nausea, constipation, feeling like food just got stuck. I lost over 2 stone. Then started being sick every day, not eating or drinking, every time I did, I was sick. Then I was rushed into the hospital with severe diabetic ketoacidosis. One week after being out of the hospital and recovering, never using this medication ever again. Not worth risking your life."

• ser...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 9, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started taking Ozempic in October 2022 for weight loss. Started with 0.5 mg for one month and then increased it to 1 mg. For the first few months, the only side effects were constipation and loss of appetite. However, after a couple of months, I started getting abdominal pains in the upper right quadrant that extended to my back, between my shoulders. The pains would manifest a day or two after the shots and last several hours. It was worse during standing or walking and not a problem when sitting. At the same time, the effectiveness of the drug for weight loss was reduced, and I stopped losing weight. With the combination of the side effects and the lack of weight loss, I started reducing the dosage. I went from 1 mg to 0.75 to 0.5 mg. The side effects continued but were reduced in intensity and duration. Eventually, I stopped taking Ozempic in April 2023. After two weeks without the drug, the abdominal pain is almost gone. Total weight loss was 50 lbs."

• Joa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 16, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on this medication for 10 months. I started with .25 for 4 weeks, then increased to my prescribed dose of .5. My doctor and pharmacist correctly recommended this gradual increase. However, after beginning the .5, I became very nauseous, had diarrhea and/or constipation, terrible headaches, and all-around lethargy. It was awful. I toughed it out for 2 weeks, but that was it. At the advice of my pharmacist, who happens to be a diabetic counselor, I went back down to .25 for a couple of weeks, then very gradually increased my dose. A few extra clicks of the pen each week until I reached .5. Success!! Now I have no side effects and have lost 25 lbs, which is a significant amount for me. My appetite is very low, and I just don't experience any cravings that I used to. My guess is this very slow, gradual, almost click-by-click increase may be effective for a lot of people. I have read through many of these reviews and cannot imagine jumping right in with a .5, however, I am not a doctor, so..."

• 0ct...
• May 24, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was placed on Ozempic last year because Metformin has always caused awful nausea. I have never in my life had any issue with constipation until I started taking this medication. I was so sick with diarrhea and throwing up 3 weeks ago I thought I'd actually die. I have had bad rashes. I think they would have been worse if I were not on allergy medication. The latest rash is healing. I've never had to take laxatives until this medication. I'd rather deal with the nausea than rashes, vomiting, constipation, poor appetite, and legs feeling strange. I wasn't overweight, so that was not an issue. My numbers have never been more than 6.1. Then, when I read that it can cause death, that was the end all for me. It may help someone, but I'm not the someone! Medicine should make one better, not worse. When I first started this drug, I spoke with someone from the company that makes it about the constipation issue and also my doctor. They said that it would get better, but that hasn't happened."

• Kar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 19, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been using for 10 months proximately (0.5 mg). It has steadied glucose with less insulin (Lantus), and I have lost about 25 lb (started at 302 lb). I would like a higher dosage to help with the weight issue, as it's been very helpful with appetite reduction. The doctor has not raised it for fear of hypoglycemia issues. I've had no real side effects beyond occasional nausea and constipation. Slower movement through the gastrointestinal system gives me a rather hard-packed stool. I have consistently had flatulence since week one."

• Lou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "Almost immediately, my appetite was dramatically reduced. Food still appeals, but I eat more slowly and much less. Midnight snacks have dropped to near zero. Minor nausea and minor constipation, neither require medication. I have lost 5 lbs in the first 10 days, down from 240 to 235. I am a 70-year-old white male, 5' 11", reasonably active."

• War...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I have been on Ozempic for four weeks now and am down 5 lbs. I have had nausea and constipation, but it's subsiding now. I have noticed the curb of appetite is huge. I have to make myself eat during the day. I am hoping this helps me get down to a healthier weight so I will feel better mentally and physically."