Ozempic and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Bub...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 31, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic Dec 4 with 0.25 the first and second week and 3rd & 4th week .05. I lost 6 pounds. The only side effects I’ve had were lack of appetite (but I do eat, but a third of what I used to), full stomach, diarrhea just 3 times in 4 weeks, and today a sudden onset of blurry vision. My eye doctor squeezed me in today and found nothing wrong. I told him I was taking this medicine and a side effect was blurry vision. It may just even off in a few days, nonetheless, I have a call into my primary doctor to make him aware and see his opinion. So far, that’s about it. I will continue to take this unless I’m told otherwise. It’s really keeping my glucose below 100 daily."

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

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Started on .25 and now onto .5 for the next 4 weeks. My side effects have been mild nausea, a lot of constipation, slight anxiety, mild diarrhea, mild tummy ache, intermittent tiredness, and feeling somewhat under the weather. There is no pattern, it’s random. I do think it’s the medication, as prior to this, I had none of these symptoms. It is not great, but tolerable. I think the meds are really kicking in now. If I have a small snack, the nausea subsides. I have little to no appetite, probably consume 1000 calories a day. And my mind is not consumed with food, and before I had an obsession with food. For me, it’s been life-changing. I put on 15 kg during Covid lockdown. Was 85 kg, now 81 kg."

• Pum...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 21, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Endo gave me a 1-month sample for type II. Just into my second week at 0.25. Initially, upset stomach and diarrhea. Wouldn't say nausea per se, more like a stomach ache. Diarrhea wasn't crampy and prolonged like metformin. Appetite really decreased. Sugars started going down about 3-4 days in, and symptoms lessened by day 6. But.... weight gain of 3 lbs! What the...? Just on day 2 of the 2nd week, no nausea, but still eating less. Not peeing as much and waking up earlier and easier, and morning sugars down from 11-12ish to 8-9ish. I will be disappointed if I am the rare one that gains weight though."

• cra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was okay on the 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg doses of this drug, Ozempic. Then, five weeks ago, I upped to 1 mg as planned. About four weeks ago, my mood changed, and I started to get pain in my joints and bones. Achy all over and no energy. Two weeks ago, the abdominal pains, gas, diarrhea, and those awful sulfur burps arrived. I feel absolutely awful, and the doctor is convinced it is this drug increasing. No appetite either and feeling sick. Was loving the drug in the beginning, but now I feel like I've got permanent flu!"

• Bea...
• October 14, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic at the end of July 2019. After 10 years of Metformin 1000 mg a.m. and p.m. & Januvia, the result turned into explosive diarrhea. Tried Jardiance, which resulted in yeast infections. Then Janumet, all of these with Metformin. Constipation. Started Ozempic in July, 0.5 mg with Metformin. Lost weight and appetite suppressed, but diarrhea continued. Changed to 1000 mg Metformin in a.m. & Januvia in p.m. Constipation again. Changed to 1 mg Ozempic after several months and 1000 mg Metformin in a.m. and 500 mg p.m., no Januvia. Constipation. Finally taking 1 mg Ozempic and 750 mg Metformin a.m. and p.m. works great. Bowel movements normal. My daily readings went down using Ozempic. No side effects. Lost 19 lbs. Not due for A1C until December. Love it. Went from 200 lbs to 181. Sugar cravings decreased. Feel positive. I am an active 70-year-old female. I don’t plan on taking Ozempic forever because the possible long-term thyroid side effects scare me."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been using it for about 1 1/2 months and have lost 14 pounds. I don't have much of an appetite, but some of the other side effects are bloating, constipation, diarrhea, throwing up, and feeling very tired. I love the weight loss, but the side effects are too much!"

• Eda...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "So I have been on Ozempic for 5 weeks. I am tired a lot. Not sure if this is the drug or my poor sleep, but now that I see others are tired a lot, it makes me wonder. I have nasty burps a lot. I started on a dose of 0.25 for 4 weeks. I had a lot of low-level nausea, but not too bad except for one day. Then last Sunday, I took the higher dose of 0.5, and I was okay on Sunday and Monday, but Tuesday the nausea was horrible, and I had explosive diarrhea all day to the point I had to take Imodium, and I got my doctor's office to prescribe an anti-nausea med, Zofran, which helped a little. The next day, less nausea, and today is Thursday of that week, and I still have the burps and more BMs than I would like, as well as a lot of gas. I know I have lost weight just by how my clothes fit. I have very little appetite. Not sure if the pluses outweigh the minuses yet. I am probably going to try one more week and see how I feel. It has had a modest impact on blood sugars. I have been using less insulin."

• Bai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "At first, I had a brief overwhelming bout of nausea that passed. Decreased appetite definitely had me losing weight, but after the second injection, the nausea got much worse! Plus, I had diarrhea/vomiting, and it just got worse daily. I had to discontinue. Now it's been a month later, and I'm still having nausea and diarrhea. Horrible experience for me."

• Kom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 27, 2019

"Oh boy. I just started Ozempic for weight loss at .25. After my first injection, I was fine for two days, and then was constipated for two days—and since then I’ve been pretty darn sick. Violent diarrhea, headaches, some nausea, and very low energy. I’ve taken several days off from work as I’ve felt so bad. I’ve lost weight since I have no appetite, and nausea follows whenever I eat—even broth and crackers. I have international travel planned in 10 days, and I hope that I’m recovered by then. I may try again after my travels, but this has been rough. The worst side effects I’ve had from a new medication."

• 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."

• sil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on 1 mg of Ozempic for about 8 weeks and lost 13 pounds. My appetite has decreased. Other people started out at .25 or .5, I've noticed from reading other reviews. Considering this, I'm shocked my doctor started me on 1 mg. I was really sick the first month. Lots of vomiting, gas, stomach ache, and diarrhea. Despite all that, I'm pleased that I lost weight and the side effects have gone away. I just hope it continues to work as an appetite suppressant. Other meds I've taken that were originally one for me stopped working on my appetite after a while."

• I...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 1, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I rarely ever have side effects from any drugs that I have taken before. After my second dose, I began extreme side effects of stomach pain, bloating, sour belching, flatulence, diarrhea, zero appetite, and indigestion. These symptoms have not gone away after 10 days of discontinued use. It definitely lowered my daily sugar levels. You can use this medication if you are okay with feeling like death."

• TR9...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 25, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Ozempic for about two months now. I haven't really been nauseous, but my stomach would just feel yucky. I'm on the 0.5 dose now. I had vomiting and diarrhea only one time, and that was two days after my first dose. My appetite has decreased, and I have lost weight, but I'm not sure how much. I won't find out how my A1C is for another month or so."

• Ter...
• May 3, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Wow, I did lose a few pounds and have no appetite on Ozempic, but I just can’t tolerate this drug. I am the most violently ill I have ever been. I have had 2 doses of .25, and the abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea for the last 7 days have almost killed me. Too bad, it works, but not worth the side effects for me!"

• Kay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 11, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Started Ozempic 0.5 mg a few days ago to help me lose weight, a bit of nausea, and diarrhea, and I lost my appetite for food. I feel it is really working. The only thing is with the side effects, hope they don't get worse."

• Mim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking Ozempic since September 5, 2019. Took the incorrect dose the first time (0.5) and had unbelievable abdominal pain after a day and a half. I have practically zero appetite. I have already lost close to 10 pounds, but I am certain that is mostly due to the ridiculous diarrhea. For 2-3 days after the injection, I have constant, watery diarrhea. I'm hoping this stops soon. I'm supposed to increase to the 0.5 dose this Sunday, but I'm scared to. And my numbers have decreased, but not dramatically, even though I've greatly improved my eating habits."

• Tho...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started my weight gain journey upwards on the American Heart ADA Diet, 1400-calorie low-fat diet until I got so fat I could no longer exercise. Then started the ketogenic lifestyle, lost 60 lbs eating fat, bacon, calories 5000 to 6000 calories, sedentary lifestyle. Blood sugar was way down off all blood pressure meds except metformin, 500 mg twice a day. Weight loss stopped, glucose began to rise to 160. One doctor said start eating oatmeal and meditation and yoga. BG greater than 200, back on keto, glucose still too high, A1C 7.9, no weight loss. Changed MD who prescribed Ozempic. Glucose now 114-130 on .5 dose SQ weekly on Wednesday. Started losing again, now down to 220. Some diarrhea, no cramping, just take Lomotil once in a while if no access to bathroom. Don't know what my A1C is, but I predict it will be much lower. Great appetite control with keto. Intermittent fasting is a breeze. No cravings, feel strong."

• 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..."

• Iri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started Ozempic a month ago. I had a bit of diarrhea with the first two injections. Now it is just the headache and fatigue feeling. I haven't noticed any changes in appetite. I had been losing weight for three months prior to starting Ozempic. I was down 42 pounds, since starting, I'm up six pounds. I haven't noticed any difference in my blood sugar numbers. Not impressed so far."

• 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."

• Rea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 25, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Ozempic for about 6 months now, and I've had the absolute worst gastro issues. I didn't notice it much at first, and when I went to my doctor a few months ago, he said it was just my IBS, but after reading these comments, I firmly believe it's the medicine. I have terrible diarrhea. I go at least 8 times a day, and that's no exaggeration. Awful stomach cramps, and I can't even pass gas anymore, literally, I shart. I'm weak and low energy. I've lost 20 lbs, but it's because I'm pooping it away. It helps curb my appetite, and my sugar is good and my A1C is down, but I can't continue this medication. It's truly affected my daily life. I can't go out anywhere that doesn't have a bathroom because when diarrhea hits, I have to go right then. So embarrassing. I'm hoping it's not caused any other issues! Just diet, people, don't take this medicine."

• Cra...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 5, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic to assist with my A1C. It was at 7.3 or so. After a month or two, it went down to 5.3. I have lost almost 50 pounds in the year I have been on it (up to 1 mg dose). It really works to suppress the appetite most of the time. The bad: diarrhea, belching (especially after high-carb or sugary foods), nausea at times (when I first started, it was horrible), going from not hungry to starving to puking in a matter of seconds. My husband is also on it, but he doesn't have the same side effects. It's easy to use if you can get over poking yourself with a needle every week. I get some injection site burning pain that goes away quickly."

• 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..."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 2, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "1st week stomach discomfort (not too bad). 2nd week flatulence (sudden, uncontrollable, embarrassing). 3rd week sore throat, lots of phlegm, hard to swallow! 4th week, no appetite at all! Sudden diarrhea, no control, running out of me like water! I’m experiencing back pain in between my shoulders! Headache! 8-9 in pain! 10 excruciating!"

• Cin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking it for over a month. No side effects for the first 2 weeks on the lower dose. Since I am using the higher dose now - I have had some very bad nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Also, lots of burping, and it smells terrible. When I have vomited - it is so much volume. More than any time in my life. It has reduced my appetite, but if I drink alcohol, it usually makes me physically sick."