Ozempic and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• 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."

• Mar...
• September 27, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was put on Ozempic after taking Glimepiride for several years. I started on 0.25mg, then onto 1mg. I started having the nastiest burps ever, then diarrhea 3 to 4 times a day. After 3 months, I went to a gastroenterologist and was diagnosed with gastroparesis, a side effect of Ozempic. I have all the side effects - nasty, offensive-smelling burps, eye floaters in both eyes, bad diarrhea, stomach pain, and now this disease that has caused precancerous cells. Yes, my appetite has decreased, I have lost 15 lbs in 3 months, and my numbers are good. But it's not worth being sick every day. I just found out my daughter is going through the same exact thing. So, take it at your own risk."

• JEa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking Ozempic for 4 months to reduce insulin resistance (caused by polycystic ovary syndrome). The medication has significantly reduced my appetite. I have had a few minor side effects - a stomach cramp here, an episode of diarrhea there...but nothing at all significant. My weight went from 151 (BMI 25.9) to 133 three months later (BMI 22.8). I honestly could not be happier."

• Ail...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I went on Ozempic for weight loss after being told by a friend of mine about it - she started at 280 lbs and lost 60+ pounds. My whole life I’ve always been about 130 pounds, and then I rapidly gained 50 pounds within about 2 years. I started taking Ozempic at 182 pounds (I’m 5’4) and 6 months later I am down 25 pounds and continuing to lose. I could not recommend this drug more. It INTENSELY reduced my appetite and obsession over food. Aside from some occasional nausea (maybe once every 2 weeks), and some diarrhea, nothing that I can’t handle, the drug has been pretty great. This is only my experience though!"

• 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."

• Ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 9, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Have been on Ozempic for 10 months. The first 3 months were very difficult with strong side effects. Mainly constant, but low level, nausea, occasional vomiting, and diarrhea (especially two days after the injection). However around month 3 the nausea and diarrhea subsided greatly and my appetite returned. I had lost weight very quickly (42 lbs in 3 months due to not really eating much). Had to take supplements for a while but am now eating well. The rapid weight loss led to telogen effluvium, a temporary hair loss condition. (I shed A LOT but never showed any baldness or anything). Currently, my weight is still down (I was taken off my blood pressure medication!), my blood counts are perfect, my hair is getting thick, and I eat normally. I now experience virtually no side effects. Really, really, glad I stuck out the side effects at the beginning."

• Los...
• November 10, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am a 70-year-old type 2 diabetic and was taking one Metformin 500 ER for the past year or so. My A1C was 11, and it dropped to 5.6 by changing my diet and taking the Metformin. My doctor wanted me to try Ozempic to help me lose weight and possibly eliminate the Metformin. The side effects were terrible right from the start. Nausea and diarrhea, no vomiting, just nausea. I started at 0.25 and am now up to 1.0. My appetite is gone completely. I have no desire to eat at all. When I do eat, I get full almost immediately. I have gone from 228 lb down to 202 lb in the six weeks I have been taking Ozempic. I'm thrilled with the weight loss, and the nausea and diarrhea have improved. However, I have almost stopped peeing. I go in the morning, then go all day into the evening without going. Since I suffer from incontinence, it's good, but I am worried that it might be damaging my kidneys. I hope I don't have to stop taking it, at least till I lose another 50 pounds or so."

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

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am male (early 50s). Blood glucose was already regulated with metformin, diet, and exercise (100 to 150), but I wanted to quit metformin because of its side effects (diarrhea). I was put on 0.50 mg/wk and warned that nausea from Ozempic was a common side effect. I had no idea! Week 1/Week 2: I couldn't smell food without getting queasy. I choked down lots of soup just to get 1200 cal/day (often falling short). Week 3/Week 4 got slightly better. Week 5: I have my appetite back. I feel full, so I eat smaller meals. My weight loss is atypical: 203 lbs to 183 lbs in five weeks, combined with exercise (1 hr/4x wk stationary bike/treadmill). Blood glucose is now between 90 and 120, with occasional dips and peaks. I would only recommend this drug to those who have very high glucose levels, are morbidly obese, fiercely stubborn, and/or desperate. But it works. Good luck."

• Ran...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 21, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking Ozempic for two weeks now. I wondered how this drug could allow some - or most - people to lose weight. Now I know - it makes you feel sort of sick to your stomach and takes away your appetite - at least that is my result so far. I am hoping to develop a tolerance to it. Not a really pleasant experience so far, but I have not vomited or had diarrhea as some users have reported. It does appear to be lowering my blood glucose somewhat, which is the primary reason I am taking it. I am also taking metformin but have been able to reduce the dosage. I am still only taking 0.25 mg of Ozempic, so the result of higher dosages is unknown now. I will post again in a month or two with higher dosage usage results."

• Lor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Ozempic for 2.5 months now (10 weeks as of today) off-label for PCOS. I started with a dose of 0.25 for the first four weeks and have been on 0.5 for the remaining six. On the 0.25 dose, I felt my appetite was slightly reduced, and I had some mild nausea. As soon as I went to 0.5, the side effects started, and I began getting extreme nausea, diarrhea, rancid burps, and I can no longer eat. If I eat more than a regular ham and cheese sandwich in a day, I feel extremely nauseous and the burps come back. As of my last doctor's appointment, I've lost about 3 pounds, but I don't know if I can keep this up. I'm miserable. I won't know until next month whether it's working like my doctor has intended because she needs blood tests to verify all of that, so I can't speak to how effective it has been yet."

• New...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was moved to Ozempic from Januvia. At the time I started Ozempic, I'd brought my blood sugar down to what would translate to an A1C of 5.5 or so, and I'd managed to kick most of the insulin I was on. I started Ozempic at 0.25 units per week and had mild nausea and diarrhea, but my appetite vanished and I could barely bring myself to eat. Once I started the full dose, my blood sugars began to climb rapidly. I'd be fine in the mornings at first and then experience wild spikes between meals, until finally, my fasting sugar started to climb out of my desired range. I actually had to take MORE insulin, not less, just to keep my fasting BG below 7. Ozempic was absolutely NOT worth it - even with the lower price here in Canada, the cost is ridiculous, the benefits never materialized, and the effects on my appetite destroyed the healthy diet I was trying to eat. Good example of how new isn't always good."

• Bon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 13, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started Ozempic about 7 weeks ago. Dosage .25. First week noticed some nausea, a lot of gas, some reflux, and diarrhea. Each week, side effects were getting worse. Nausea very bad, pains in left side, waves of heat, no energy at all. In all, just feeling BAD! Diarrhea is bad and a bit uncontrollable. Have not raised dosage due to being afraid of worse side effects. Have lost 5 pounds. Appetite is definitely less. My sugar numbers have not improved that much, which leads me to believe it is what I am eating. I still crave sweets. I have some jittery feelings at times! I am very discouraged."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 14, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started taking Ozempic back in February after I asked my doctor to put me on it because of reading a British study on weight loss by semaglutide. Started at the 0.25 mg level for three weeks. Went to 0.50 for another four weeks and have been on 1 mg thereafter. No serious side effects apart from some belching, acid reflux after bedtime, and rare diarrhea. Significant loss of appetite, change of taste in foods, change of perceived texture of foods, significant reduction in alcohol enjoyment and intake, and increased sensitivity to cold. My A1C has gone from 6.7 to 6.0, and I have lost over 35 pounds since the start. My cholesterol is down to 115 and LDL down to 50, something I have never seen before. Overall, the results far outweigh the downsides of this drug and it has provided the most positive results faster than any other medication I have tried before."

• MDl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 16, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "Do not use this drug. I took my first and only dose and had terrible diarrhea, so bad I had to cancel several engagements. I also had vomiting after eating, no appetite, a decline in vision, and worst was a mental haziness that took over a month to recover from. My doctor called it an allergic reaction, but I don’t believe that. Even after 8 months, I still have episodes of feeling tired and hazy. I feel like I’ve aged 5 years since taking the one dose. Other than type 2 diabetes, I was in good physical condition and health. Now I have aching muscles, reduced vision, and sporadic haziness. Yes, my A1C went down temporarily, but not worth all the rest of the side effects."

• JDM...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started on the low dose .25, had nausea, loss of appetite, little loose stool, tired, and just didn't feel good. Lasted for 3-4 days. Next dose, the symptoms increased, especially the loose stool, lasted most of the day for 4 days. The next dose, the doctor had me go to .5, and I say OMG, it was the worst I have ever felt. Couldn't eat, watery diarrhea, burping horribly, tired, and just felt so sick. I told my doctor I can't do this. Symptoms still going after being off for a week and a half. I just hope it stops soon. I do not recommend it to anyone."

• JDM...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started on the low dose .25, had nausea, loss of appetite, little loose stool, tired, and just didn't feel good. Lasted for 3-4 days. Next dose, the symptoms increased, especially the loose stool, lasted most of the day for 4 days. The next dose, the doctor had me go to .5, and I say OMG, it was the worst I have ever felt. Couldn't eat, watery diarrhea, burping horribly, tired, and just felt so sick. I told my doctor I can't do this. Symptoms still going after being off for a week and a half. I just hope it stops soon. I do not recommend it to anyone."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 7, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Loved the weight loss, everything else sucked! Nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, sulfur burps, no appetite. I ended up with a nasty gallbladder that was poisoning my body. I turned septic and ended up hospitalized. The doctors, nurses, and hospital were wonderful, but my ordeal was not over. Ten days later, I had seizures and two small strokes. Had no calcium or magnesium left in my body. The most horrible experience ever! Yes, this medicine may be great. Please be vigilant about getting your blood work done on a monthly basis, especially if you are losing fluids through digestive upset. Like I said, the drug worked as far as weight loss (47 lbs) and A1C (6.6). But I came close to losing my life and am still recovering and working with my doctors to get back to a healthy life."

• Clo...
• September 2, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Tried Ozempic for the first time on Thursday. Friday night, a bit of diarrhea, Saturday, just felt off, Sunday went out for breakfast, discovered I had little appetite. And then it was non-stop vomiting and diarrhea, to the point I was in the ER. Spent several hours there as they tried to bring the lactic acid back down into a normal range. They told me the higher the lactic acid, the more severe the dehydration. Multiple IVs, anti-nausea shots, and something to stop the diarrhea, plus one CT scan, they said stomach bug. I could go home and recover in bed. Stupid me believed them. Took the injection for the second time on Thursday...same thing, only this time the abdominal cramping was so bad it doubled me over, to the point I was sent by ambulance to the ER. Same round of tests, same results. Only this time, add in pain meds. After comparing the previous Sunday to the current Sunday, they pretty much concluded no stomach bug the first time, but it was due to the injection."

• Mac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "Well I took the shot on a Wednesday. And by Saturday I felt weak. I had severe diarrhea and no appetite. That lasted for about 3 days. Then I started itching all over my body. So I got some cortisone to help with the itching. Then as I continued to itch, my body was turning red, and I'm African American. Then I began to blister and then peel. I peeled from my legs, arms, my buttocks, and then my hands, and now my feet. I told my doctor, she insisted it was my laundry detergent, but I tried to tell her different. Anyways, I believe that there was an ingredient I was allergic to in the Ozempic. I do not recommend this shot. I've been dealing with this for a month. The only upside, I lost 7 to 8 lbs. But look what I went through. Good luck!"

• Nei...
• April 16, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Month 1, I was started on Ozempic at 0.25 mg and had very mild symptoms of bloating and reduced appetite. Month 2 & 3, uncomfortable. Stomach cramps, gas, and diarrhea probably for 4 days after injection. This can be really embarrassing in a small office. By the end of Month 3, I was feeling quite a bit better. At this point, my HbA1c was down to 5.2 from 9.4, I had virtually no diabetic symptoms. No blurred vision, no numbness in fingers and toes, and I was sleeping through the night without visits to the bathroom. And I lost 16 kilo in weight. Month 4 to 7. OMG. Increasing to 1 mg, the side effects are horrendous. Weight loss has stalled, though this is probably due to lockdown. The sickness and eggy burps are constant, and now my doctor says it will be at least 6 months before the side effects could be gone. But I have no diabetic symptoms, my HbA1c is pretty much normal, and I think the effort has been worth it. Not an easy journey, but worthwhile."

• Thi...
• June 27, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking this for 2.5 months. I've lost a solid 10 pounds. I take it right before bed so I can sleep off the initial side effects, if any. There is a little bit of diarrhea, nothing too crazy. I have major loss of appetite, I can eat half meals or half kids' meals and I'm always full after a few bites. Sugars are low. The major side effect is nausea, but it isn't every day. I've thrown up 3 times within the past 3 months, which is something I never did prior. It comes out of nowhere, and honestly, I'm unsure if it is this injectable or just from taking an iron supplement and vitamin. Could be the vitamin. I feel tired also, not sure if it's just work or a side effect. Overall, I'm happy with the injectable, plus it beats taking a pill every day."

• Top...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 12, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started on the low dose of 0.25 in July - had no nausea, no loss of appetite, a little loose stool once a week. It's now December, I've stayed on the 0.25 dose and have lost 35 pounds! I feel great, better than I've felt in 10 years. I've even started riding my bicycle. I make sure to drink plenty of water daily and eat regular meals."

• Jto...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 11, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been on Ozempic for a week. Using it with Metformin. I was taken off glipizide and Januvia. I’ve lost 6 lbs so far. Appetite is way down. A little nausea and diarrhea for a few days. Feeling better the last day or so. I highly recommend trying this medication."

• Ant...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2025

"In just 6 weeks, I lost 6 kilos. When I had my first dose of .25, nothing much happened, but on my 3rd dose, I started to lose my appetite. I cannot eat as much as I used to and cannot eat oily food, it causes me to have diarrhea. I think that Ozempic is a very effective medicine."