Ozempic and Constipation: What Users Say

• Sti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I did one injection and have been ill since. I have had acid reflux, burping, vomiting, constipation, headache, and dizziness. I tried to eat small meals and drink plenty of water as directed by my physician, but I have been unable to hold anything down. Five days after my first injection, I'm off work, drinking Pedialyte, trying to get my strength back, and avoid being hospitalized. This is the worst that I have ever felt in my life."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 15, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor gave me Ozempic 0.5 to start with. I always had upset stomach, diarrhea with most foods, and an overall sick feeling all the time. I was able to 'live' with it until now. She decided to up my dose to the 1.0 and my body went into total chaos. I am always nauseous, constipated, got reflux, feels like my food is stuck in my stomach and doesn't go anywhere. I'm constantly burping and feeling bloated. The sick feeling feels intensified and I cannot function at work. I took my last one this past Friday night and was miserable all weekend long. Today I am at work unable to function at my best because the nausea is bad. I would say it is effective in lowering your blood sugar numbers and helping you lose weight but not worth feeling horribly sick over. I will not be using this medication any longer."

• 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."

• 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?"

• Tuu...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 23, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started with 0.25 Ozempic in November 2020 and upped my dosage to 0.5 in January 2021. My A1C is the same as when I was taking 2000 mg Metformin daily (5.1-5.3%). My doctor decided to switch me to help with weight loss and manage my pre-diabetes. I have lost 47 lbs, which is great, but it isn't a healthy way to lose weight. I met with a GI specialist and was diagnosed with gastroparesis, they had me discontinue Ozempic to see if my symptoms would disappear. That was 6 weeks ago, and my stomach is still paralyzed. I have sulfur burps, diarrhea, severe constipation, and vomiting daily. I now have to eat a low FODMAP diet and can only manage a few mouthfuls of food at a time. I have no quality of life anymore, I can no longer enjoy many of the things I used to, which has caused me severe anxiety and depression. While the weight loss benefits sound appealing, please think twice before taking this drug."

• 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."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 4, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Two days after the injection, I get a pretty bad headache, indigestion, and a bloated feeling that lasts the day. This week (6th shot) has been different. It’s the second week the dose was raised from .25 mg to .5 mg. I felt like I had to throw up. The indigestion, burping, constipation, sore muscles, aches, and heavy sweating all felt like I had a horrible flu. I stayed home from work. I went back to work today, when I normally get the headache, and had heavy sweating, burping, indigestion, cold clammy skin, bloating, diarrhea, and depression and anxiety (years since I had either one). Tonight I still have bloating, wrists and shoulders sore, and indigestion with burps. My neck is really stiff. The normal headache has started with a little dizziness. I am still debating what to do as this has been an effective medicine. My blood sugar has gone from 290 to 90 to 140 when I check it. I have lost weight as well."

• Cau...
• March 3, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took .25 for about 6 months and thought this was a miracle drug. Caused slight constipation, but I dealt with it. When they increased me to .5 mg, I started violently vomiting the next day. No one could figure out what was wrong with me. Pancreatic enzymes were high, but not high enough to diagnose pancreatitis. I could barely eat for two months. Gas, bloating, side pain, back pain, stomatitis pain, non-stop burping, constipation, nausea, vomiting off and on. My food perpetually felt like it was backed up into my mouth. They had to take me off of the drug, and now my sugars are higher than ever, and no one can help me. They were okay before, but now doctors consider me as failing two types of drug classes because of this, won't give me my old meds back, and I may have to go on insulin. I am gaining weight like never before and am so tired that I can barely function. They now believe it gave me gastroparesis, and I can't get better. I would recommend this medicine to no one."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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?"

• 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."

• 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."

• Kpm...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 11, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been on Ozempic for almost a year now. Moved up the rank of doses and was on 1 mg for 6 months. The side effects I noticed mostly were the burping and constipation. Bathroom issues might be caused by another med. Lowered my levels substantially. Per my doctor, increased to 2 mg as of yesterday. So far, so good. Not interested in eating, but made myself eat some chicken noodle soup and really tired today. This med has worked for me in the best way possible. Eat small, frequent, light meals. Keep in contact with your doctor concerning your other meds. I am on 1000 mg Metformin, don't want levels dropping too low. You know your body and what is right for it. Sending my best to all."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 27, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "This drug is helpful in maintaining a good blood glucose level. It has helped in lowering my overall weight, which was not working before by diet. At this time, I am on a 1 mg injection, but I feel I am having reactions of nausea, dizziness, bloating, burping, some abdominal pain, and constipation."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 28, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic to hopefully lower my always high blood sugar. Even on high doses of insulin, my blood sugar stayed around 200. Ozempic not only lowered my blood sugar, I also lost about 15 pounds. Unfortunately, there was a shortage, and I was off of it, and then the dose was lowered. I gained the weight back, and my blood sugar went up. I am now on it regularly, and it keeps my sugars fairly normal. Occasionally, I do get annoying sulfur burps, and I do have bloating and constipation. My eyes and kidneys are okay."

• Mac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "1. Very good to date with stabilizing my glucose levels. 2. Unpleasant gastric conditions, i.e., bloating, burping, farting, constipation. 3. I'm taking 0.5 mg weekly and finding it very, very difficult to maintain a regular supply of the 0.025 to 0.5 mg dosage."

• Suz...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 20, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "Lower doses caused constipation, at the highest dose of 2, I experienced a full day of being sick to my stomach after injection. On these days, I ate saltine crackers and drank Coke Zero. The following days, I felt bloated and experienced burping and gas. However, I continued to lose weight, and my A1c was down to 7.6."

• gmt...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "Took 0.5 mg for one month and did lose 18 pounds. However, I felt nauseous every day, had bad constipation, sulfur burps, and could not eat. I felt it was ruining my lifestyle, so I stopped taking it."

• Bet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "If you like constipation, being nauseous, stomach pain, burping, pain from stomach acid, loss of appetite, and vomiting, this drug is for you."

• mat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 4, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "It seems to be helping me with my diabetes. My levels have been lower. My side effects are constipation, burping, nausea."