Ozempic and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 9ru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Absolutely horrific. I get it works for most people, but unfortunately not me (and should not be promoted as a miracle drug that can help all obese people lose weight, as it doesn't work for everyone). I took 0.25 (the smallest dose) for 3 weeks and nothing (I yo-yoed with my weight; lost a bit then gained it again). After 3 weeks (not sure why 3 weeks for me), the main side effects kicked in. Diarrhea/loose stools, constipation, vomiting, nausea. Worst side effect was for 3 nights in a row, at about 3 a.m. I projectile vomited. First night I almost aspirated and choked on my own vomit trying to make it to the toilet without throwing up. Second night, even though I had the bathroom bin next to my bed, I was still projectile vomiting, and I couldn't sleep as I had a panic attack that I'd pass away overnight and my family would find me dead as I couldn't breathe as I had undigested food stuck in my esophagus. Gave up after 5 weeks of the lowest dose."

• Bis...
• April 7, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am going on week 11 with Ozempic, and have lost 24 pounds. I have had all 5 of the main side effects, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. I am happy with the weight loss, so am learning to manage these. By trial and error, I've found that I can't eat much at one time (don't really want to), need to avoid fatty foods, drink lots of fluids, and take Senna laxative every night for the constipation, and keep Zofran around to help with nausea. Yes, these first few weeks have been difficult, but the weight loss is worth it to me. Plus, the side effects get less the longer I'm on Ozempic. I am currently on 1.0 mg and think that's quite enough. I am rarely hungry and often have to make myself eat. I hope to lose 65 pounds total."

• nau...
• December 30, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic .25 mg subcut 8 days ago. I took my second dose yesterday. My first week, I ended up in the ED. I thought I had a bowel blockage or ileus. The ED visit was preceded by 6 hours of constant, sickening, odiferous belching, constant flatus, eruptive vomiting, cramping, and pain. A CT scan revealed gastric paresis. The event was precipitated by a fatty meal. I have since learned that the decreased gastric motility demands drastic changes in the volume of food intake, fat content, and most importantly, patience with what I consider to be major side effects. Now, I have no appetite. I am nauseated all the time, taking Zofran 4 mg before any meal. The belching is greatly reduced, same with flatus. I feel constipated, but that is easing off. I am avoiding high-fat foods and eating smaller portions. I am profoundly fatigued. Tomorrow, I am getting on the treadmill for 30 minutes each day to stimulate endorphin release to feel better. I have read the symptoms are reduced after 4-6 weeks."

• Eri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 45-year-old woman. Started Ozempic .25 mg dose 6 weeks ago, increasing to the .5 mg dose after 4 weeks. Lost 13 pounds so far, which makes me happy. Started with some nausea, some explosive diarrhea, and a general fullness feeling, and no cravings. Now I’m experiencing more constipation, and after the last injection, a dizziness/lightheaded feeling. Don’t like that at all. It never goes away. Don’t know if it’s related, but also tingling and some numbness in one foot. I’ll try injecting my thigh next time and see if that helps the dizziness because I definitely do not enjoy that feeling. Almost a jittery feeling as well. Weird. So I’m hoping these will improve over time as I am liking the weight loss results so far. I’m wondering if anyone else has had this dizzy/jittery feeling and if it will go away."

• 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!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "I did not have a good experience with Ozempic. Other than a 35 lb weight loss in 4 months, there is nothing else good I can say about it. From the first dose, I’ve had nausea and dizziness. The second dose has been a rollercoaster of constipation, stomach pain, fatigue, with continued nausea and dizziness. I’m constantly sick, I can’t eat anything more than a couple of bites of food. Nothing tastes the same, and the smell of food makes me head to the bathroom with nausea. So going out to eat is only a memory now. I do not recommend this medication. This cannot be healthy for anyone. I’ve stopped taking the Ozempic and am wondering if these side effects will end, they say it takes 5 weeks to leave your system. I’m counting the days!!"

• Sic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2019

"I’ve been on Ozempic since May to help with weight loss. Started with 0.25 and now am up to 1 mg. The nausea has been fearless. The constipation is unreal. I’ve ended up with major hemorrhoids. I’m always tired. I have lost 14 lbs, but these side effects are ruining my life. This is not worth it."

• 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."

• Sas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 26, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been on this for 5 weeks now. Levels are finally starting to stabilize, and I feel more like a human. The nausea has been horrendous, the weight is falling off, 10 lbs so far. Can't overeat or the nausea gets worse, and I throw up. Abdominal cramps were bad week 2 & 3 but are less frequent and not bad too often. Constipation has been hard for sure, I have to take something to help me go. Just increased from .25 to .50 five days ago, and the nausea is hitting me more frequently again. Tums, a fan on near my face, and nausea suckers are so helpful. The side effects can be pretty severe, but I gotta keep trying to push past it. Good luck if you take this."

• LuL...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 8, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic on June 6, 2019 (weighing 190 lbs) at .50 dose and was very nauseous and ended up throwing up and felt extremely sick all week. The next week I lowered it to .25 and stayed at that dose through July. I bumped it back to .50 and the nausea has been better and controlled with Zofran and Dramamine, but the constipation has been horrible. I can only seem to use the restroom via an enema. I have lost weight, currently at 157 lbs, so it has all been worth it to me. I am taking an RX to help with the constipation now and plan to continue the shot until my next Dr's visit in September; we'll see from there."

• 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."

• 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."

• ACD...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have experienced severe gas, belching, flatulence, moderate nausea all night, not heartburn but feels like seasickness, and moderate constipation. Have had about a 7-pound weight loss in a month. Simple to use with no problems injecting or at the injection site."

• 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."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am so grateful for this site. I thought I was alone in experiencing these awful side effects. Yesterday was the worst. Started with horrible rotten egg burping. Woke up with vomiting. I started on 0.5 and decreased to 0.25 because I was experiencing nausea all the time. I am tired. Two weeks ago, I had severe constipation. It really helps with glucose control. I have been on it for four weeks. I plan to see my MD this week. I don't think I can continue. I've only lost 1 lb so far."

• 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."

• Gpo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Don’t try it!!!! Should be taken off the market. I lost 6 pounds in a week, but the nausea and abdominal cramping along with severe constipation aren’t worth it. I wish I wouldn’t have ever tried it. I was supposed to take my 2nd dosage on Saturday, but I didn’t-still feeling sick after I eat. I hope I get better soon. Worst decision ever. Once again, don’t try it!!!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Oze...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I’ve been on Ozempic for 5 weeks now. I know early stages. I take it for weight loss, as I have polycystic ovarian syndrome and have struggled to lose weight. My doctor recommended it as it may help in weight loss. So far, I started on 0.25 mg for 4 weeks and just moved up to 0.5 mg in my 5th week. I have not noticed any weight change yet, as it is early stages, but have suffered from some nausea and constipation. In the 5 weeks I have been using it, I have noticed my spirits change. I am eating less, mainly cut out binge eating junk food, and portions for meals are smaller. Despite how expensive the price is, I pay in Australia ($132) monthly. I do have high hopes that it will work. I’m currently 125 kg (275 pounds) and hope to lose weight."

• Lou...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 23, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’ve been Type 2 diabetic for over 35 years. My doctor started me on 0.25 mg Ozempic in Jan 2023. I was nervous at first giving myself the injection, but once I did it, the nervousness disappeared. My doctor moved me up gradually. I just started taking the increased amount of 2.0 mg about a month ago. I was never nauseous or had any side effects from any of the previous doses (except I did have constipation). I’m now feeling nausea the day after my new dose of 2.0 mg and it hits me pretty hard, but fortunately no vomiting so far. I’m hoping the nausea will stop after a few weeks. Good thing is I seldom crave potato chips or other junk food! To date, I’ve lost 40 pounds."

• Lad...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 8, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Diagnosed as insulin resistant in early 20s. Also high cholesterol. Both hereditary. Managed it by a very low carb diet, 30g max per meal, for 20 years. BMI on the normal border. Then I hit 45 and early menopause. Sugar levels rose. Gained 25 lbs. They put me on Metformin. Big mistake, it ruined my stomach. Can't process lactose or fructose after that fiasco, and I developed IBS! Be careful of Metformin! Finally put on Ozempic. On it since Feb 2021. The first three months were rough. Major nausea, especially after a dosage adjustment. I lived on ginger pills. Constipation, but I had IBS, so that was not unusual by then. I went up to 1ml, and two weeks later it paid off. Symptoms went away, I lost 28 lbs, and both sugar and cholesterol are normal. Now I can actually eat, for the first time since early 20s, a full measured cup of pasta and not get ill. Doc wants to wean me off... I want to stay on this drug and feel normal for a few years at least. It's been a godsend for me."