Ozempic and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 4)
Reviews for Ozempic
- 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."
- 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."
Frequently asked questions
- Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Which is right for you?
- Ozempic Side Effects to Watch For
- What are the long-term side effects of Ozempic?
- Ozempic Mounjaro Wegovy & Zepbound: Weight Loss Compared
- 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."
- 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."
- 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."
- 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!"
More FAQ
- Wegovy vs Ozempic: Which is Right for You?
- How long does it take for Ozempic to work?
- How many doses are in an Ozempic pen?
- 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."
- 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."
- 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."
- 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."
- 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."
- DM2...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 13, 2024
For Type 2 Diabetes "At first I was scared to use it because I am insulin resistant and I know this is not insulin, but still a hormone. The worst side effect I had was the constipation, but that resolved in about a month. Now I love this medication! Blood glucose stays in the normal range and my A1c has dropped from 7.3 to 6.5, and that's after 5-6 weeks! I've not lost weight, but my goal is for glucose maintenance."
- 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."
- 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."
- 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."
- 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!"
- 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."
- 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."
- 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."
See also:
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For Chronic Kidney Disease "Took .25 for 4 weeks, now on week 3 of .5. Hardly eating, feel full all the time. A lot of burning, hiccups during the night, general tired feeling, losing some weight, some constipation. Supposedly will get balance at 12 weeks. Will see. So far, not comfortable. Pharmacist recommended Prilosec for gas, hiccups, etc."