Ozempic and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 5)

• wor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 19, 2024

"I've now been taking Ozempic for 11 months for weight loss. I've lost 67 pounds and have been at 1mg dosage for approx 8 months. I have little to no side effects. Constipation but I've always struggled with that. I get fuller faster. But any cravings have not changed."

• 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."

• Sic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking it for 4 weeks. My doctor did not use prescribing information as given by the pharmaceutical company. She fast-tracked me and I am miserable. My A1C is 9.6, and that is why she prescribed this. I'm nauseated, constipated, bloated, miserable. I have not lost weight, I struggle to regulate. I feel my PCP is missing something. I have asked to see an endocrinologist. If you can take it, I'm sure it's great. But being this ill is worse than long-term Type 2 diabetes."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Chi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 26, 2021

"I have been on Ozempic 0.5 dose for about 3 months now. I started slow and steady with 0.25 for a month and then moved up to 0.5. I was pre-diabetic and had higher blood pressure and was considered obese because of my height, 5'4, 180 lbs. I had tried everything to lose weight: diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, and absolutely nothing worked because I was what my doctor called 'insulin resistant.' I was actually gaining weight while working incredibly hard to lose it. Now I am down to 165 lbs, and I feel better than I have in years. I had experienced slight side effects for about a month: cramping, constipation, nausea, but all of those have subsided. I basically cannot eat the same amount I used to, and I definitely have majorly cut back on the sweets. I have refocused on my health and healthier eating habits, and this was a step in the right direction for me. I am grateful for it!"

• Juj...
• April 30, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Today marks day 6 on .5 of Ozempic, and I feel like it is working. I have a severe insulin resistance problem and haven't seen my numbers down into the 100's in way too long. My problems with Ozempic are that I can't eat. I'll take a few bites of whatever and get very nauseous and then a tummy ache. I did gain 20 lb in 2 months with the insulin use and feel like I'm losing the weight with Ozempic, but I'm a little concerned that I'll gain it back fast later. Oh, and constipation was settling in, but the only thing I've wanted to eat are cold prunes! Hahaha! So, problem solved. Burps? No, unfortunately, I can't burp! I have the feeling of wanting to, but nothing. Anyone else?"

• 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."

• Hoo...
• May 17, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "Initially began Ozempic 0.25mg for 4 weeks. Side effects were tiredness, constipation. My fasting blood sugar numbers were lower in the morning. When I began the 0.50mg dose at 5 weeks, I had nausea, dizziness, and lethargy the day following the first dose. The second day following that dose, I felt about 70% better. With the second dose of 0.50mg, side effects were less severe, some minor nausea, headaches, and the tiredness continued. I hope that these side effects disappear. I plan to take this medication until I get my 3-month labs, and I expect that my A1c will be down significantly. It was at 5.9 in July of 2017. Due to the stress of caring for a dying relative from September through December, it jumped to 9.3. At my next appointment, my doctor suggested I try Ozempic in combination with Metformin 500mg twice a day. I received a 3-month discount card and have not yet checked with my health insurance provider to see if it will be covered. I am an active 61-year-old female, but type 2 diabetes does run in my mother’s family."

• 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."

• 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..."

• Don...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been on Ozempic 3 months. I hate this mess. I’m constantly throwing up (not good, just bile). I’ve never been so weak in my life. Since taking the drug, I constantly pass out even though I’ve had to decrease my long-term insulin. I’ve consulted with my doctors, and they keep saying let my body become accustomed to the med. The erratic bowel issues are insane. One day I’m so bloated from constipation, 2 days later I have diarrhea. Not much I can eat without throwing up. I honestly don’t know how much longer I can do this."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 18, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started this drug to try and lower my A1C, which had climbed to 7.2. My nurse practitioner put me on it. She showed me how to do the injections, but no warnings of side effects. I took a .25 dose for 4 weeks, suffering pain in my stomach that radiated to my back. Absolutely no craving to eat anything at all. Had constipation. Then I went to a .5 injection and was fine for a bit until severe nausea began, along with dizziness and vomiting. I thought it was going to be the end of me, because then the unrelenting diarrhea began. I waited days in bed, so very ill, and decided to quit this awful medication. I have lost 6 pounds, and my morning glucose numbers are 107, it's lower, but feeling this deathly ill just isn't worth it. I quit the medication, though I understand it could take 5 weeks to leave my body. Beware of this drug."

• lou...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 13, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "Truly a miracle drug! Took it for 6 months in 2023, and it changed my life!! The only side effects I had were constipation, but I'm not sure because I still have it. I also lost my taste for booze and cigarettes, which I was using quite a bit. But most of all, Ozempic changed my eating habits-no cravings, especially for the steaks and sides I used to eat three or four times a week. I started working out at the end of 6 months, my A1C dropped from 7+ to 6, blood sugar to 120 and 130. I lost 30 pounds and felt great. As my weight went down, so did all the other meds. I asked to stay on it till I lost another 15 pounds, but Kaiser and the doctor would not give it to me. They had no real reason but said it had too many side effects and I was too old (75). It was $$$ is why."

• ADC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’ve been on Ozempic for 14 weeks for type 2 diabetes after I had allergic reactions to Metformin. I started with .25 for 1 month, then .5 for another month, then 1 mg. I had minimal side effects, but I did find that I had some bad bouts of anxiety, which lasted for about 2 weeks. The one physical side effect I have had is constipation, but no nausea, no diarrhea, no headaches. It’s been a very good decision to take Ozempic, my blood sugar levels are close to normal, and I’ve lost 20 lbs so far. I have found that drinking water helps and small meals is key. I found during my loading phase that I could tell when the Ozempic was working and when it was waning, and when I finally got to 1 mg, I felt like it was working all week."

• SOS...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 10, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "Type 2. Ozempic helped regulate my sugar, and I lost 30 pounds. I was on a dose of 1. So nauseous I couldn’t eat. After my money situation changed, my doctor was kind enough to give me some sample pens. The dose was 0.5. My symptoms decreased, and over the course of a year, I gained 1 pound. Then I moved and was told to take the 1 dose. Intense constipation and problems. I figured out how to take approximately a 0.5 dose, and things have improved. If you are sensitive to meds, be careful. Remember this drug is $$$$ and, if I didn’t need it, I would NEVER start taking it."

• Wah...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started taking Ozempic (semaglutide) five weeks ago to control my A1C, blood sugar, and weight loss, but I don't see any change. I got gas, bloated, stomach upset, and constipated. Out of the five weeks, three of them I got a UTI, and I am miserable. Going to see my regular doctor today because my endocrinologist who prescribed this medication is off during the weekend."