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."

• 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."

• Nan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been using Ozempic for 3 weeks now. I'm down 4 lbs. And have had a little constipation the first week...and then loose to normal b.m.s. I have no headaches, no vomiting, no bad tastes. I'm using .25 for one more week then use .50. Will keep you informed."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 9ru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Absolutely horrific. I get it works for most people, but unfortunately not me (and should not be promoted as a miracle drug that can help all obese people lose weight, as it doesn't work for everyone). I took 0.25 (the smallest dose) for 3 weeks and nothing (I yo-yoed with my weight; lost a bit then gained it again). After 3 weeks (not sure why 3 weeks for me), the main side effects kicked in. Diarrhea/loose stools, constipation, vomiting, nausea. Worst side effect was for 3 nights in a row, at about 3 a.m. I projectile vomited. First night I almost aspirated and choked on my own vomit trying to make it to the toilet without throwing up. Second night, even though I had the bathroom bin next to my bed, I was still projectile vomiting, and I couldn't sleep as I had a panic attack that I'd pass away overnight and my family would find me dead as I couldn't breathe as I had undigested food stuck in my esophagus. Gave up after 5 weeks of the lowest dose."

• 9ru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Absolutely horrific. I get it works for most people, but unfortunately not me (and should not be promoted as a miracle drug that can help all obese people lose weight, as it doesn't work for everyone). I took 0.25 (the smallest dose) for 3 weeks and nothing (I yo-yoed with my weight; lost a bit then gained it again). After 3 weeks (not sure why 3 weeks for me), the main side effects kicked in. Diarrhea/loose stools, constipation, vomiting, nausea. Worst side effect was for 3 nights in a row, at about 3 a.m. I projectile vomited. First night I almost aspirated and choked on my own vomit trying to make it to the toilet without throwing up. Second night, even though I had the bathroom bin next to my bed, I was still projectile vomiting, and I couldn't sleep as I had a panic attack that I'd pass away overnight and my family would find me dead as I couldn't breathe as I had undigested food stuck in my esophagus. Gave up after 5 weeks of the lowest dose."

• Bis...
• April 7, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am going on week 11 with Ozempic, and have lost 24 pounds. I have had all 5 of the main side effects, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. I am happy with the weight loss, so am learning to manage these. By trial and error, I've found that I can't eat much at one time (don't really want to), need to avoid fatty foods, drink lots of fluids, and take Senna laxative every night for the constipation, and keep Zofran around to help with nausea. Yes, these first few weeks have been difficult, but the weight loss is worth it to me. Plus, the side effects get less the longer I'm on Ozempic. I am currently on 1.0 mg and think that's quite enough. I am rarely hungry and often have to make myself eat. I hope to lose 65 pounds total."

• Eri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 45-year-old woman. Started Ozempic .25 mg dose 6 weeks ago, increasing to the .5 mg dose after 4 weeks. Lost 13 pounds so far, which makes me happy. Started with some nausea, some explosive diarrhea, and a general fullness feeling, and no cravings. Now I’m experiencing more constipation, and after the last injection, a dizziness/lightheaded feeling. Don’t like that at all. It never goes away. Don’t know if it’s related, but also tingling and some numbness in one foot. I’ll try injecting my thigh next time and see if that helps the dizziness because I definitely do not enjoy that feeling. Almost a jittery feeling as well. Weird. So I’m hoping these will improve over time as I am liking the weight loss results so far. I’m wondering if anyone else has had this dizzy/jittery feeling and if it will go away."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2024

"I noticed my husband, who is diabetic, losing weight even though his food intake was not lessened much. For myself, I exercise for approximately 2 hours every day, eat very little, and my weight does not shift. So, in trying Ozempic, in one month, I have lost 10 lbs (eating some naughty things) but mostly just eating like 'normal' people. I feel like I can cheat a little, and my body still eliminates the calories. Being tired of not enjoying food and feeling guilty if I did was a terrible trap. This weight loss keeps me encouraged. I feel no side effects that I have not had from dieting in the past, like diarrhea or constipation, but the diarrhea only lasted a day. The constipation lasted 4 days, and then I was fine. I am a normal, healthy person, so using this drug does not cause me any other side effects. Listing every possible side effect is just a legal requirement, in my opinion. I take a 1 mg dose, am a 67-year-old woman, and have tried every possible form of weight loss. In 67 years, I finally feel free!"

• 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."

• Edd...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 3, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "Around November 1, 2022, my doctor told me I had to face the fact I was a Type 2 diabetic. Although my A1C was 5.9, my fasting glucose was 147, and my triglycerides were close to 600. I am 6' 1" tall, and my weight was 278 pounds, which made me obese. It is now June 1, 2023. I am 68 years old. After 6 months, without even dieting, my weight is 231 pounds, my fasting glucose was 92 and 100 (measured on two occasions), my triglycerides were down below 200, and my A1C was 4.6. The side effects from Ozempic are as others say-- gas (which is countered by taking Gas-X chewable pills), constipation, and sometimes diarrhea. It is manageable. I was raised to 2 mg of Ozempic within 3 months, which is what I am on now. One thing I have learned is that you cannot overeat. If you do, you will regret it. You must eat manageable portions spread out throughout the day. I plan to increase my exercise routines, but Ozempic is working without it."

• 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..."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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..."

• Pea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2023

"I underwent lap band surgery several years ago and am currently taking Ozempic. If given the option, I recommend choosing Ozempic over lap band surgery due to their similar side effects. However, if it is possible to manage diabetes and weight with an alternative medication, I suggest doing so. It's important to administer the injection in the thigh, as other injection sites tend to cause worse side effects. The side effects of Ozempic are persistent and severe, and unfortunately, they are unpredictable. One week you may experience minimal side effects, while the next week, at the same dosage, the side effects may be so severe that you will need to miss work. Ozempic causes extreme fatigue, unlike any other fatigue I have experienced. My eyes struggle to stay open. Additionally, I have suffered from intense constipation for two weeks with minimal relief from laxatives, followed by a few days of uncontrollable diarrhea and acid reflux. I no longer enjoy food; it no longer tastes good, and fruit or tea is no longer refreshing or soothing. I believe there must be a balance between enjoying food and weight loss."