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."

• 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?"

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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..."

• ser...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 9, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started taking Ozempic in October 2022 for weight loss. Started with 0.5 mg for one month and then increased it to 1 mg. For the first few months, the only side effects were constipation and loss of appetite. However, after a couple of months, I started getting abdominal pains in the upper right quadrant that extended to my back, between my shoulders. The pains would manifest a day or two after the shots and last several hours. It was worse during standing or walking and not a problem when sitting. At the same time, the effectiveness of the drug for weight loss was reduced, and I stopped losing weight. With the combination of the side effects and the lack of weight loss, I started reducing the dosage. I went from 1 mg to 0.75 to 0.5 mg. The side effects continued but were reduced in intensity and duration. Eventually, I stopped taking Ozempic in April 2023. After two weeks without the drug, the abdominal pain is almost gone. Total weight loss was 50 lbs."

• 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."

• Der...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor prescribed Ozempic for me at the beginning of January, starting at the .25 mg dose and working up to the 1 mg dose, which I have been on for a few weeks now. I have seen noticeable improvements in my glucose levels, which are now at a normal range, which they had not been for years. It was also prescribed to help with weight loss. I have not found it to be particularly helpful in this regard. I am losing small amounts of weight, but a lot of this has to do with a modified diet that is conducive to weight loss. The side effects I have experienced and continue to experience are stomach cramps and diarrhea, sulfur burps, some constipation, lightheadedness, and dizziness, which is the worst one for me. I was at the hairdresser today, and on leaving I almost passed out and had to go back inside to sit down, and there was a big fuss, etc., etc. It was very embarrassing and scary. I so desperately want to lose weight and think that it will eventually work for me, so I am going to keep taking it."

• 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."

• 0ct...
• May 24, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was placed on Ozempic last year because Metformin has always caused awful nausea. I have never in my life had any issue with constipation until I started taking this medication. I was so sick with diarrhea and throwing up 3 weeks ago I thought I'd actually die. I have had bad rashes. I think they would have been worse if I were not on allergy medication. The latest rash is healing. I've never had to take laxatives until this medication. I'd rather deal with the nausea than rashes, vomiting, constipation, poor appetite, and legs feeling strange. I wasn't overweight, so that was not an issue. My numbers have never been more than 6.1. Then, when I read that it can cause death, that was the end all for me. It may help someone, but I'm not the someone! Medicine should make one better, not worse. When I first started this drug, I spoke with someone from the company that makes it about the constipation issue and also my doctor. They said that it would get better, but that hasn't happened."

• Lou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "Almost immediately, my appetite was dramatically reduced. Food still appeals, but I eat more slowly and much less. Midnight snacks have dropped to near zero. Minor nausea and minor constipation, neither require medication. I have lost 5 lbs in the first 10 days, down from 240 to 235. I am a 70-year-old white male, 5' 11", reasonably active."

• Ear...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Ozempic 0.25 mg for 2 weeks now. The first one I injected into my abdomen. I fell asleep and woke up nauseous. I had intermittent nausea, empty burping, and slight constipation for the next few days. I took the homeopathic medicine Nux vomica 200C as needed (dissolve a pellet in 1/2 cup of water and take a small sip, letting it rest under the tongue, stirring 10 times before each dose), and the nausea was much better. Better than taking another drug. I had read that these effects are smaller if you inject into the thigh, so I did that next dose at night and took the Nux vomica before bed. I have had almost zero nausea this week. I have lost 6.5 lbs so far, although I have had some hunger this week. I eat very cleanly – low fat, low carb, protein, and vegetables at each meal. Eat Quest bars if you want something sweet/low carb/high protein and fiber. Also, exercise is key. These are crucial to learning to keep the weight off afterward."

• One...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "One of the biggest mistakes I've ever made in my life was starting this drug. You will be sicker than you ever have been from any other drug. My doctor started me out at 1 mg (what was she thinking???) and my life has been miserable ever since. I can't eat. I can't sleep. I can't work. I am so exhausted I can hardly drive. Horrible constipation, horrible nausea, dizziness, an all-over feeling of general unwellness. I took it for 2 weeks and quit. I quit a week ago and am still waiting to have a bowel movement. Still waiting for the sickness to go away. Still waiting to be able to lift my head off my pillow. This is an absolutely terrible drug for me. I'm going to find something else. This is not living. I'm also going to find another doctor. Shame on her for starting me on this stuff."

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Ozempic for 4 months. Recently raised my dose to 0.75 mg, but I am stopping this medication. Yes, I lost 15 lbs, but suffered with the worst sulfur gas, was sick in bed at times, missing appointments because I felt that way. Yes, it makes you eat way less, I was never hungry but made myself eat because I had to. It gave me constipation, so I had to take stool softeners and increase fiber. Now that I stopped, I get diarrhea two days later. This medication sucks for me anyway... and from the sounds of it, many other people also. Beware!"

• Wri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking Ozempic for 10 weeks for both weight loss, which I have struggled with for years, and diabetes. I experienced nausea, constipation, slight dizziness, and headaches, but nothing that I couldn't manage, and only for 1 or 2 weeks of each increased dose. Went from 0.25 to 0.5, and now I'm on week 2 of the highest dose, 1.0, and currently have no side effects. I have also lost 19 lb so far, the doctor advised a 1200-calorie diet, and I couldn't be happier. My blood levels have come down from high 7's to 6.4, and the doctor is considering taking me off my usual diabetic medication, Empagliflozin. Some folks are saying, 'don't take it,' but just because their body didn't take to it doesn't mean you won't! And you could be missing out on what I would say is a game-changing medicine. I would say give it a go. And I wouldn't give up now for anything. My health has significantly improved. (Free to diabetics in the UK)."

• 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."

• Lau...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 1, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started taking Ozempic last October. I started on 0.25 and had mild digestive issues. Constipation was the worst. Then my dose was increased to 0.5, and my abdominal pain was unbearable. Switched back to 0.25 and still had problems with the lower dose. Read online about injecting in the thigh instead of the stomach and feel much better. Continuing on 0.25 with only mild discomfort. I won’t inject in my stomach anymore!"

• Kar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 19, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been using for 10 months proximately (0.5 mg). It has steadied glucose with less insulin (Lantus), and I have lost about 25 lb (started at 302 lb). I would like a higher dosage to help with the weight issue, as it's been very helpful with appetite reduction. The doctor has not raised it for fear of hypoglycemia issues. I've had no real side effects beyond occasional nausea and constipation. Slower movement through the gastrointestinal system gives me a rather hard-packed stool. I have consistently had flatulence since week one."

• War...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I have been on Ozempic for four weeks now and am down 5 lbs. I have had nausea and constipation, but it's subsiding now. I have noticed the curb of appetite is huge. I have to make myself eat during the day. I am hoping this helps me get down to a healthier weight so I will feel better mentally and physically."

• Boo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 2, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic at 0.25 mg weekly 6 months ago and have gradually increased to 1.0 mg weekly. I did experience very mild nausea at first, but I paid attention to my body and just ate less. I have experienced some constipation and have taken over-the-counter medication for that. I have lost just under 4 pounds a month for the last 5 months. I need about 30 percent less insulin. My appetite has decreased. I eat less at meals and rarely snack. My A1c is under 7. For me, Ozempic has caused a significant improvement in my life."

• Bar...
• February 27, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started on Ozempic in January 2021. I started on 0.25 mg and then in February went up to 0.50 mg. My A1C has come down from 8.5 to 6.9, which is brilliant. My fasting sugar levels are below 7 in the morning compared to 8-10, and I find it’s below 7 during the day. Bloating is awful and constant, my stomach is blown up like I’m 6 months pregnant. I haven’t lost any weight. My digestive system feels off. Although my appetite is surprising, I wonder how good this is if you're not eating and getting all the nutrients your body needs. Constipation and diarrhea are extreme. I’m always really thirsty, and normally if I drink water..."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "On the plus side, Ozempic quickly began to lower my blood sugar, which metformin alone was no longer able to do, despite exercise & diet control, so that I was back into more normal numbers. I still take metformin. I had some constipation, but worked through that issue & mild nausea also appeared, but then disappeared. My overeating for stress & or boredom was much easier to manage, I thought about eating poor choices & then was able to push the thought away. The biggest challenge was fatigue, I often am feeling very sluggish & sleepy & have to push through chores like grocery shopping. I’ve lost 5 lbs in 2 months & want to lose 15 more lbs to achieve my goal, so I hope the fatigued side effect will diminish. Easy to learn how to administer from the instructions. I’m on 0.5 dosage & believe I will increase to 1 dosage within the month."