Ozempic and Constipation: What Users Say

• Zel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 29, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic 9 months ago. At the time, I was a little over 200 lbs and was taking 1000 mg of metformin daily. Metformin had worked for me for almost 20 years, so I didn't expect that it had suddenly stopped working. For 3 years, I gained weight even though I worked out, and I thought it was just my appetite out of control. One random day, I realized my metformin was the problem. I saw a new doctor who prescribed Ozempic. What a miracle! 9 months later, and I’m down 40 lbs, my A1C dropped from 8.1 to 5.6, and I have virtually no symptoms from the drug other than fullness. The symptoms in the beginning did not last long either. Nausea, headache, fatigue...all cleared up within a week or 2 each time my dose was increased. It can cause what feels like constipation, but for me, it’s just that I simply haven’t eaten enough. This drug feels too good to be true. I’m so pleased with my experience so far!"

• Kit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I'm a 54-year-old female whose A1C was 8.3 at the end of March. So, after 4 months on Ozempic, my A1C is now 6.3, and I've lost 34 lbs. Definitely curbs my appetite, and I have been logging my food. My side effects have been minimal - a little nausea in the beginning and constipation. This med has been a game-changer for me. My hope is that many others will have the same results I have."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was terrified to take this after reading some of the reviews online, but I have to say I am so happy I started this drug. I've followed others' suggestions about injecting the drug into my upper thigh and not my abdomen. I was on a 0.25 dose for 4 weeks, then moved to 0.5, and that's what I currently take. My appetite has decreased SIGNIFICANTLY. I was addicted to eating junk foods, and I simply cannot eat them anymore, my stomach cannot handle them. I get full after eating one properly sized meal, and it keeps me going for most of the day, only having a snack like 1 apple in the evening. Side effects were mild for me, I had some constipation, but I started taking fiber supplements to help with that. I have been on the medication for 7 weeks now, and I'm down 10 lbs, and I feel great. Make sure your doctor gets you to increase the dose slowly, inject into your thigh, and be ready to make better dietary choices when starting this drug. I truly believe it saved me from morbid obesity."

• Con...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic in late December at 0.25 injection. I also take 500mg metformin per day. Soon after I started Ozempic, I had decreased appetite and my sugars improved, but I had reflux, gas, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea. After 4 weeks, I started 0.50. 2 weeks in, I have bouts of painful constipation then diarrhea, nausea, bloating, gas, reflux, and cramping. I've almost vomited a few times. When I eat, it feels like the food just sits and sits, barely moving through my gut. My doctor wants me to stick with it, saying that these side effects usually improve, but it's been pretty miserable. I'm thinking I'm going to stop taking it. While Ozempic has been effective in regulating my sugars and losing weight, I don't think it's worth the suffering that I've been enduring on this medication. I understand that studies showed it causing thyroid cancer in mice, but no one knows if it causes thyroid cancer in humans. I don't want to be the guinea pig the drug makers use to find out it does."

• Nw2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started April 1, 2021, on Ozempic low dose. 3-week intervals it was increased. Side effects were constipation (went on laxatives to help), pain in my back (severe), bloating. Week 11 increased to 1mg, the side effects were major bloating, diarrhea, sounds in my stomach (crazy), nauseous, feeling under the weather. My appetite has decreased to the point that I only eat 2 meals a day that are small. My sugar levels have decreased from 7.1 to 5.2 A1C. I’ve noticed that I have been kept awake some nights like I’m nervous for some reason. In the first 3 weeks, I’ve lost 15 pounds. Haven’t checked since I want to wait but can feel a difference. The pains in the stomach are really uncomfortable, and the bloating I will try gas-x for relief. When I try to eat more than I should, my body tells me that I’m full. If I go beyond that point, I get severe pains in the stomach for hours. But depends on what I eat. Going to stay with smaller portions/healthier foods."

• Dot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 5, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm a 38-year-old man with type 2 diabetes and overweight. I was on metformin for three years and followed a good diet and exercise regime, but I couldn't lose weight. Although my blood sugars were perfect on metformin, weight was my issue. My doctor prescribed me Ozempic 0.25 mg, and I was very worried about the side effects. However, I started it recently anyway and injected it in the upper thigh once weekly. I had no issues other than constipation, which I overcame with laxatives and increased water intake. My appetite was reduced by 90%. I used to overeat, but now I can only manage two small meals a day. It's really working so far, but it's still early days. I'm in Ireland, and it costs €150 a month for four injections, which are covered by my medical card. I'll provide an updated review in three months to report how it has helped me lose weight on the scales."

• Mel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 25, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I have been on Ozempic for weight loss for 10 months and I have lost 66 pounds!! This drug has been amazing. At first, I had a few side effects which included nausea and constipation but they did resolve. I noticed almost immediately how much better I felt on this drug. Not only was my appetite significantly decreased, I felt better overall, sort of like my metabolism was more even and my body utilized what I ate more efficiently. I lost my work insurance in November and also lost the coverage for Ozempic. This is the only downfall. I do have private insurance through HealthPartners but not one cent is covered by them. The price per month is around $800. With results this good, all insurance companies should be covering the cost 100% because it will save them millions, billions, even trillions possibly in the future. If they were smart, they would get behind this drug."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 8, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was prescribed Ozempic for weight loss in Nov 2022. I started on 0.25 mg for one month. I found it slightly suppressed my appetite, and the side effects I had were awful heartburn, constipation, and sulfur burps. Sometimes I felt nauseous. I decided to stick with it anyway and increased to 0.5 mg after one month. The symptoms were the same but added in fatigue. A month later, I bumped up to 0.75, and the burps, fatigue, and heartburn subsided. I went to 1 mg two months later, and all symptoms disappeared. I started at 192 lbs on Nov 15th, and as of May 1st, I weigh 152 lbs. I found my sugar cravings disappeared once I started taking 1 mg. Up until then, I still craved sugary foods. I lost all interest in greasy food (fries, anything deep-fried, etc.) from 0.5 mg and up. I personally love Ozempic. The side effects at the beginning were worth it for me, but from the sounds of it, mine weren’t that bad. I have never once thrown up."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I just completed my first 2 weeks. I want to lose 35-40 pounds. In the past year, I have gained a pound a month and have been steadily gaining weight every year for the past 7 years. I have previously tried Weight Watchers, increased activity, and calorie watching, and the only time I lost any weight was on less than 1300 calories a day. The first week, I lost 3.5 pounds, more weight than I had lost in the past 5 years even with calorie restriction. I inject in alternating thighs on Friday nights, just in case I have symptoms I can recover without work demands. I have always been gassy, so I cannot comment if there is a difference in the amount. I am noticing increased chest tenderness and muscle spasms. Restless legs are a thing! Taking magnesium once or twice a week also helps with moderate constipation. Reduced appetite, reduced sugar craving, but no impact on munchies. Makes it easier to choose healthier choices. Overall, happy with almost a 5-pound weight loss in 2 weeks. Minimal side effects and well worth it."

• Tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I have been taking Ozempic since March 12, 2022. I started at the .025 dose for 4 weeks. I had a little nausea, but nothing serious, and some constipation. I have now been on the .050 dose and have very little appetite, and no other symptoms have remained other than occasional constipation. I have to remind myself at times to eat. I have more energy than I have had in years and feel so much better in my clothes. Since March, I have lost 25 lbs. This has been a life changer for me as I feel so much better. I am still 45 pounds from my goal weight, but this drug has definitely helped me. I give the shot in my thighs, as I have read many comments on here to do so for fewer symptoms, and I believe that is why I have done so well."

• Ret...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 25, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "Take my comments for what they are worth since I changed many things in my life at the same time, but I think Ozempic is great. After 5 months, it reduced my A1c from 9.7 to 5.9. I lost almost 25 pounds. I am at 0.5mg, and it has drastically reduced my appetite. Between a smaller stomach and this drug, I often push my plate away before finishing, rarely a desire for dessert. Little to no side effects overall. Some stomach issues like constipation and bloating, but I can't rule out dietary changes being the cause as well. I went on a low-carb diet and really stuck to it for once and increased exercise a lot. The use of the Freestyle Libre Sensor really helped too! Being able to learn how things affect your blood sugar in real time is a great motivator to do the right thing, combine carbs with protein, etc. I am hoping to lower other meds I am on when I see my doctor next month. Once a week, a tiny needle (virtually pain-free) is a far better system than taking pills every day."

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 1, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been prescribed Ozempic for weight loss secondary to type 2. I got nauseated with some loss of appetite at 0.25 mg dosage and adapted to it over a month. Lost 9 lbs in that month. I increased to 0.5 mg last Friday (it is Tuesday), and I am miserable. Non-stop nausea, burping, some pain in the stomach, constipated. I feel miserable. I am worried about the stomach pain being pancreatitis starting, so I am increasing my water. I haven't eaten in two days. I will not continue with this drug as I think this just cannot be a good thing to do to one's body."

• Sal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started with .25 for 4 weeks, then .5 after that. I don't have much of an appetite, which is good because I do need to lose weight. I cannot finish a portion of food I usually eat. I have pain, burping, and constipation daily. I am okay in the morning when I wake up and after breakfast (eggs, oatmeal, or yogurt). I usually eat lunch-supper at 2-3 pm. The real pain and burning start 3-4 hours later and last till I go to bed. If I drink water, it gets worse. When I lie in bed, the pain goes away. I have not had problems with indigestion, so I wonder if this is causing it? I worry about kidney and pancreatitis. I will see my MD this coming week and discuss all this with him. I lost 10 lbs, and my A1C went from 10.3 to 9.1. Wonder how long it takes for the A1C to get below 7?"

• San...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My experience has been good on Ozempic. I haven’t been on it for six months, and I have lost 50 pounds. My side effects have been very mild. I was a little nauseous the first week, my worst side effect is being constipated. It is now under control, and the appetite suppressant has been fabulous. I do not crave for anything or overeat anymore. I am feeling wonderful, lots of energy, and sleeping well."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "T2D 15 years, morbidly obese. At the 3rd week at a dose of 0.5, I was unable to keep water down or take other medications. Other side effects were sulfur belching, burning acid, and pain in the stomach and up the throat, brown water vomit. Unable to sleep more than 2 hours at a time. Blood sugars as high as 345. Lost weight because I couldn't eat, but no appetite anyway. Constipated for days. Then had a bowel movement and horrible effects eased. Started at 325 lbs, lost 22 lbs. Couldn't handle any more and stopped taking it. Consulted the doctor and restarted after 3 weeks. Manageable up to the 3rd injection, and horrible symptoms started again. Going through all the same dramas again. Will quit for good now! Weight loss not worth it!"

• Anonymous
• November 9, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking Ozempic now for three months. I started at 0.25, felt somewhat nauseous, not terrible. Then increased to 0.5 and again, not terrible. I also take Synjardy. I then went to 1 mg and that’s when the trouble started. I was at first getting sick maybe twice a week. But I lost weight and my A1C came down. But I noticed I was, after a while, getting bad stomach pains and constipated and/or the opposite. The worst was how many times I was getting sick. It went from possibly twice a week to two or three times every other day. And without warning, I would be driving, and it would hit me. So I called my doctor and asked to be decreased back down to 0.5. I did not want to get off it because I know it’s been helping. I do still get nauseous and sick sometimes, but not nearly as bad as at 1 mg. My appetite has decreased a lot to where I might only eat twice a day."

• oze...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2020

"I have been on Ozempic for 5 full months to help me lose weight. In that time, I have lost exactly 60 pounds (I had about 100 to lose). I was on 0.25 mg for 6 weeks, moved up to 0.5 mg thereafter, and have been on 1 mg for the past 4 weeks. I certainly experience stomach pains, headaches, absolutely no appetite, severe constipation, feel full almost immediately after eating more than 3-4 bites, and I am not sleeping as well. As of right now, the benefits are outweighing the negatives. I do not plan to stay on Ozempic long term because the possible thyroid cancer/tumors scare me. I am nervous upon stopping Ozempic that the weight gain will come right back."

• mew...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’m 63 F with T2 diabetes, and I started on Oz mid-May 2024. Symptoms: nausea, fatigue, GERD, sulfur burps, stomach cramping from severe constipation, constipation, feeling like I need to vomit, ringing in my ears has increased significantly, loss of appetite, reduction of inflammation, occasional migraines, feeling “off” most days, bouts of dizziness, and feeling faint, but blood sugar and blood pressure are normal, improved blood sugar readings, weight loss of 13 lbs. There are some perks: rheumatoid and osteoarthritis inflammation has lessened, though I still feel pain daily, it’s more tolerable. I take no painkillers but will take CBD as needed. Loss of appetite has led to a loss of 13 lbs so far, blood sugar improved so I’m confident that my A1C has improved also. I struggle with what to do: stay on for the inflammatory reductions, weight loss, and blood sugar improvement benefits, or quit because I feel sick most days, so I have no real pleasure in life anymore. No, I’m not depressed."

• Shy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I always had some side effects of Ozempic. Mainly exhaustion, nauseous, occasional throwing up after eating, constipation. As month 3 came and the dose increased to 1 mg, I ended up in the emergency room. I was vomiting and had liquid diarrhea for 4 days. My heart rate was elevated, and my potassium was dangerously low. At the time, I thought it was a stomach bug-until the next injection caused the same effects. I've been on anti-nausea medication since. I can see why it takes the appetite away-being exhausted and nauseous 24/7 is terrible. Potassium is still not where it should be. Hoping this gets out of my system fast."

• Ama...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 24, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I have been battling hypoactive thyroid and autoimmune disease for several years. I gained weight with hypoactive thyroid (apparently it can happen to some people) and even more with all the medication and medication side effects. My doctors decided to put me on Ozempic to aid with the uncontrollable weight gain. I have just started, it is day 6 for me and so far no side effects apart from some constipation, but this can be attributed to eating way less. I am going to be on a low dose for the first 4-6 weeks, so we started with 0.25 mg. Already a couple of hours after the injection, I had lost my appetite, I suddenly view sweets and white bread/pastries/pasta as inedible plastic, I have zero cravings, I can drink just a half a glass of water OR have just a couple of olives OR a small piece of goat cheese and I feel full (as if my stomach has shrunk into a tiny one) and do not want to eat for hours or at all, so I have reminders set that I need to have a bite. It feels amazing."

• Pat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2024

"I have been on Metformin for many years and A1C kept climbing. MD prescribed Ozempic. Started 0.025 1x per week for 4 weeks. Really decreased my appetite. Continued 2nd month on 0.50 with no side effects. Now on max dose of 2.0 mg per week for the last 4 months and have lost a total of 25 lbs. Main problem is constipation, but once taking 1 dose of Miralax per day, eat Raisin Bran and fruit, and more veggies and lots of water, it improved. Has cleared that up. Also got the doc to prescribe Zofran for nausea, and all is great! Take the Zofran in the am and you prevent it altogether! I have never read a review where anyone said they took steps to help their side effects, so thought I'd let you know what works for me! I have gone down 2 pants sizes after losing just 25 lbs. A1C is down from 6.4 to 5.7, cholesterol and triglycerides normal. It's a game changer, just get what you need from your doc to prevent the nausea and constipation, and you will be amazed!"

• Kas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I have been on Ozempic for 3 months now, the first day I vomited but haven’t since, nausea for the first month or so, and I got very constipated, but now all is good and I suffer no side effects anymore. So far, I have lost 22 kg, I have no sugar cravings, and my appetite is right down, making sure I eat healthy meals is the only challenge as I do not feel like eating. But I could not recommend this enough to anyone who really struggles with food and weight loss."

• Apr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’ve been taking Ozempic for a few weeks now after taking Byetta and not liking it. I also take Lantus, Humulin, Metformin, and Phentermine. I also take 2 blood pressure meds, cholesterol, nerve, and anxiety meds. I’ve had PCOS since 2000, had gestational diabetes with my youngest in 2008, and was officially diagnosed as diabetic in 2015. Last year, I had the scare of my life and went into ketoacidosis and was in ICU for a week. I have a new endocrinologist who started me on Ozempic. I started out with an A1C of 11.5 and brought it down to 7.5. I’ve lost 7 lbs so far. I have blurred vision, stumble, no appetite, constipation, no energy, insomnia, sick to my stomach, and gross belches. I feel like stuff is lodged and stuck in my chest all the time. I sure hope these side effects don’t last forever because I feel like this medicine is making my blood sugars under control for the first time in my life. I have the Dexcom G6, and it consistently checks my levels and my average is 149."

• All...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 21, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "On December 19, 2022, I saw my medical provider and requested a prescription for Ozempic. She agreed that at 5’3” and weighing 192 lbs, it would be a good option for me. I started Ozempic on January 3, 2023. The first time I weighed myself after starting Ozempic was at the beginning of February, and I weighed 179 lbs. Through February, my weight bounced between 181-175, then I lost another 5 lbs in the first two weeks of March. I’m hoping to reach 160 by mid-April. My weight goal is 130-135. I am very happy with Ozempic’s effect on my weight loss. I have had assorted side effects. I had two days of extreme headaches after my first dose, but I’ve only had mild headaches with dosage increases since. My stomach is mild to moderately upset most of the time, and most of the time I don’t have much appetite. I’m at a 1 mg/week dosage now, and I’ve started having a lot of bad-tasting burps, but constipation is by far my worst side effect. I don’t know if I would have bowel movements without laxatives."

• nau...
• December 30, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic .25 mg subcut 8 days ago. I took my second dose yesterday. My first week, I ended up in the ED. I thought I had a bowel blockage or ileus. The ED visit was preceded by 6 hours of constant, sickening, odiferous belching, constant flatus, eruptive vomiting, cramping, and pain. A CT scan revealed gastric paresis. The event was precipitated by a fatty meal. I have since learned that the decreased gastric motility demands drastic changes in the volume of food intake, fat content, and most importantly, patience with what I consider to be major side effects. Now, I have no appetite. I am nauseated all the time, taking Zofran 4 mg before any meal. The belching is greatly reduced, same with flatus. I feel constipated, but that is easing off. I am avoiding high-fat foods and eating smaller portions. I am profoundly fatigued. Tomorrow, I am getting on the treadmill for 30 minutes each day to stimulate endorphin release to feel better. I have read the symptoms are reduced after 4-6 weeks."