Ozempic and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• PAJ...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 2, 2025

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Started this medication last July 2024 for cardiovascular risk reduction and prediabetes. Some very mild nausea in the first two weeks and mild constipation (just eat Activia yogurt). Have lost 22 pounds so far and normal blood sugar and A1C within three months, plus lower cholesterol. No other side effects. Definitely worth it for me, but I did read these reviews ahead of time and some were scary, so I thought I would share this as it has been positive for me."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Fli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 5, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "Went through the 0.25, 0.50 over 8 weeks, then on 1 mg for 8 weeks. Blood sugar levels doubled from levels with Byetta twice a day from 4-6 to 8-12 on Ozempic. The addition of Metformin for daily four weeks had no effect at all. Constipation and indigestion are constant problems. This medication is absolute rubbish. Going back to the GP to resolve this."

• Mik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 22, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Off-label for weight loss. Overall, very happy, in 10 weeks, have lost 13 lbs. with minimal side effects. Now on the 1 mg dose for 2 weeks, and no increase in side effects. The first couple of weeks, there were some intestinal issues, gas, cramps, and constipation, but they have cleared up, and overall, I feel much better than before. The 5% weight loss has increased my energy. Weight loss has been gradual and fairly steady, just what you want."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "I haven't read all of the comments, but my experience is very different. Since starting on Ozempic, I have had the typical side effects mentioned (nausea/constipation), but the most upsetting thing is that I have gained almost 20 pounds. I keep taking the medication because the constipation side effect helps me with a gut issue that I've had for years. I wish I would have lost weight and not gained. I've been taking it for 6 months, and if my weight keeps going up, I will have to stop taking it."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 25, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was doing okay at the beginning, but when the dose increased at about the one-month mark, I experienced severe stomach and indigestion problems. I went to emergency, and the doctor recommended that I not double the dose, but remain at the initial dose. I did that for about 6 months. Then I developed major stomach pain, indigestion, and constipation. I went to emergency again and was given medication, as I did at my initial hospitalization. I have now stopped taking Ozempic because it does not work for me, and there are too many severe side effects. I would not recommend this medication to anyone due to my own personal experience from using it for 6 months."

• Ver...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Ozempic for 6 weeks, four doses of 0.25 ml and two doses of 0.5 ml cost $5.90 per month. I'm also taking Jardiance and 2000 mg of Metformin. I've lost 7 kg (15.4 lbs) in 4 weeks. I was concerned about constipation as I've had major problems when I was younger, increasing my daily water intake fixed that. My doctor always said the body will not function properly without lots of water. Fiber is also very important. First 4 weeks of Ozempic I lost 7 kg (15.4 lbs), 10 days later, total loss of 8.1 kg (17.87 lbs). I have injected in my thighs from day one, and I've had no side effects at all."

• JAB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I have completed two months on Ozempic for weight loss. I started with .25 for 4 weeks, then .50 for 4 weeks and have just had my first 1 ml injection. I have lost 1 kg in 2 months. The side effects are slight nausea and constipation. I don't qualify for subsidized medication, and so it costs me $132 AU per month. I am going to give it another month, and if there is no weight loss, I shall give up."