Ozempic and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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."

• Tme...
• May 26, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I love this medication. I've been on the med since 3/8/2019. 11 weeks. I have lost 27 pounds and feeling good. I have learned to switch the spot where I give the shots. I find when I give them in the stomach only, I get constipated. And the day after giving the shot, I get a headache. I sleep with two bottles of water by my bed daily. If I don’t drink it at night, in the morning I do."

• 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."

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2024

"I noticed my husband, who is diabetic, losing weight even though his food intake was not lessened much. For myself, I exercise for approximately 2 hours every day, eat very little, and my weight does not shift. So, in trying Ozempic, in one month, I have lost 10 lbs (eating some naughty things) but mostly just eating like 'normal' people. I feel like I can cheat a little, and my body still eliminates the calories. Being tired of not enjoying food and feeling guilty if I did was a terrible trap. This weight loss keeps me encouraged. I feel no side effects that I have not had from dieting in the past, like diarrhea or constipation, but the diarrhea only lasted a day. The constipation lasted 4 days, and then I was fine. I am a normal, healthy person, so using this drug does not cause me any other side effects. Listing every possible side effect is just a legal requirement, in my opinion. I take a 1 mg dose, am a 67-year-old woman, and have tried every possible form of weight loss. In 67 years, I finally feel free!"

• 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."

• 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."

• MJa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 18, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was on Ozempic (0.5) for 11 months. I had all of the worst gastric symptoms the entire time. Constant diarrhea, constipation, sulfur burps, constant rumbling stomach, VERY loud and odoriferous flatulence, and no real control over bowel movements. I was wearing diapers so I could sleep because I was afraid I would not have time to get to the bathroom. My A1c went from 16+ to 6.6 in 3 months, so I stuck with it. However, I had lost 70 lb. before I started it - and gained back 40! I eat right and did exercise (until the gastric situation was too bad). It has taken 6 weeks, and I finally feel normal, but my A1c has shot up to 13 in that time (which means it's probably higher than that). I don't have any other chronic illness besides diabetes - no gastric issues before that."

• 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."

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

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been on Ozempic since March 2019, started off with 0.25, then 0.50, then to 1 mg. Side effects: nauseous, constipated, with fever. One month into taking Ozempic, started to have blood in my urine, no infection, CT, blood clots, bladder scope, bladder okay. CT with contrast upcoming to check kidneys, and my urine tests are concerning the PA. When giving the shot, medicine would make a bubble under the skin, then welt up 1 inch wide, 3 inches in length, and at least a .5 inch depth, 36 hours later with high fever, diarrhea, stomach cramps, large amounts of blood clots in urine, 3 times. Called Ozempic, which requested the medication back and sent a voucher for a new script. I have been taking this for 4 months, note I am not a doctor, just concerned, so I believe this could be a drug that has not been fully evaluated and may not have full understanding, or it's an odd situation for myself. However, these symptoms did not show up until on Ozempic. So for my own health, I have opted not to continue this drug."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Phi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "4 days after taking a 0.25 dose, became extremely ill, so weak and tired I could not stand long enough to brush my teeth, constipation, off taste in mouth, heart palpitation, and now my vision is blurry. I ruled out other possibilities, took blood work, heart x-ray, lung CAT scan, saw a heart doctor, and nobody could find any issues. I have been off for 3 weeks and just starting to feel better."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• wol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "At the start, I didn't read the instructions carefully. There are two needle covers. I only took one off. The first two .25 doses may or may not have been injected. I've now been on the .5 dose for three weeks. I have longstanding GERD. My blood sugar finger sticks first thing in the morning have gone from 150 to 125, roughly. I have stomach pain, which I've been addressing with Zantac 150 (I know) and Gaviscon. Also, some constipation. Initially, food just didn't taste good, but that seems to be going away. I'm going to stick with it for a while, as I've seen reviews that suggest the side effects may abate. I've lost about 3 pounds."

• 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!!!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Edd...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 3, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "Around November 1, 2022, my doctor told me I had to face the fact I was a Type 2 diabetic. Although my A1C was 5.9, my fasting glucose was 147, and my triglycerides were close to 600. I am 6' 1" tall, and my weight was 278 pounds, which made me obese. It is now June 1, 2023. I am 68 years old. After 6 months, without even dieting, my weight is 231 pounds, my fasting glucose was 92 and 100 (measured on two occasions), my triglycerides were down below 200, and my A1C was 4.6. The side effects from Ozempic are as others say-- gas (which is countered by taking Gas-X chewable pills), constipation, and sometimes diarrhea. It is manageable. I was raised to 2 mg of Ozempic within 3 months, which is what I am on now. One thing I have learned is that you cannot overeat. If you do, you will regret it. You must eat manageable portions spread out throughout the day. I plan to increase my exercise routines, but Ozempic is working without it."

• 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."