Ozempic and Gas: 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."

• Job...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have taken Ozempic for a month now, dosage being 0.25 once a week. At first, I didn’t really see any side effects or anything, but then one day I made the mistake and overate, resulting in constant gas, repeated burping, and an hour later, non-stop diarrhea. After that experience, I have learned never to do that again. I now usually eat a big breakfast and a snack later on throughout the day, which has helped me completely cut out soda. I originally started taking this because I was experiencing rapid weight gain. They checked my thyroid and said it was within normal limits, so they put me on Ozempic, and I am so glad. In the morning, I haven’t had a blood sugar reading over 130 in a month. I am looking forward to going back to my doctor to figure out my A1C. In total, I’ve lost 8 pounds in one month :)"

• Dim...
• April 7, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been using Ozempic for 7 weeks, lost 12 pounds. I also take Xigduo and Lantus at night. Gas, nausea, headache, and a few low A1c. But my number is down from 8.1 to 5.4. For the gas, I find that Gas-X helps. And for the nausea, I sip on cold water and keep my meals small. I haven't thrown up yet and no constipation or diarrhea."

• 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."

• Dis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 5, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I only did 2 lowest dose injections and stopped. The side effects were awful and still linger. The worst thing about the medication has been the gas, bloating, diarrhea, and awful taste/smell when I burp. I’m 6 days in after my last injection, and I still have all symptoms and continued diarrhea."

• 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."

• No ...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 5, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Started low dose .25, experienced discomfort in the stomach. Increased 4 weeks later to .5, symptoms got worse, blood sugar improved. Another 4 weeks after, moved to 1 mg dosage, and life is awful. I've lost all control of my bowels from the severe long-lasting diarrhea, sometimes pooping the bed. I'm wearing adult diapers at 35, and my self-esteem has taken a nosedive. The sulfur burps are horrible and constant. The gas and bloating make me look and feel horrible. I'm following a diet and doing every single thing my doctor has asked me to do for 7 months. I've lost 32 pounds but sleep in a diaper. Was it worth it? No... Nope... My A1C improved a tiny bit, but otherwise, I'm just feeling tired, weak, and totally mortified. Can't go hardly anywhere unless I KNOW there is a restroom very close. Vomit every day."

• 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!"

• 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."

• Tja...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "My Dr. prescribed Ozempic for weight loss after I lost 50 lbs using Trulicity. I had few side effects from Trulicity. My side effects from Ozempic are awful. Two to three days after a weekly dose, I experienced severe diarrhea, gas, belching, nausea, lasting about 24 hours. I stopped injecting it for a couple of weeks, then tried it again to confirm Ozempic was the cause. It is. I learned my lesson."

• 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."

• Nes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in March 2019. Doctor put me on Ozempic rather than insulin, although it's not recommended. He thought it was worth a try along with 500 mg metformin twice daily. The first 3 weeks of 0.25 mg Ozempic were just fine. Very minimal side effects - occasional diarrhea, some gas, and belching. Nothing I couldn't handle. The fourth week of 0.25 mg was worse. Constant diarrhea for four days, nausea, some vomiting. I went to a different doctor thinking I had a stomach virus, he prescribed me an anti-diarrheal, and I felt better. I took the Ozempic at 0.5 mg then, as prescribed. Two days later, nightmare. Diarrhea again, vomiting, nausea, and serious fatigue. I'm in the throes of it right now, and I'm going to be contacting my doctor to see what I can do to counteract this. Besides the side effects, though, it's working beautifully. My blood sugar is down from the high 300s to the low 100s in just a month."

• 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."

• 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."

• JUS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 25, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Sulfur burps (like eggs), terrible gas, confusion, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Anxiety led to severe panic attacks. I did lose weight, but its side effects are not worth it. It caused me food aversion. Eating and drinking became a chore. My dose was increased each week by 0.25 mg."

• Ice...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "OMG ... it’s not me. Dr. started me at .5 of Ozempic, first day after injection pretty much okay, then came nausea, stomach ache, headaches, then just dulled, gassy (didn’t know the burps were part of it but that increased), diarrhea, feeling beyond blah. I went to work and struggled through the day for 4 days like this. The first week wasn’t sure if it was the shot or some food, so I tried the Ozempic again. The second week was a little better, so I decided I’ll try the smaller dose. Today is day 2, but this morn, there’s the nausea, stomach ache, a little bit of headache, but lesser amounts. Despite the thought of weight loss, might be heading back to Januvia (Farxiga got the yeast infection, but it was cheap, $15 for 90 with insurance)."

• Pom...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 2, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Ozempic for three years. Started with a .25 dose, then a .5 dose, and this week started a 1.0 dose. Throughout taking Ozempic, and before it, I also take Xigduo. I feel sick, nauseated, disgusted by food and smells of food, and more recently, extreme gas at both ends... both smell like rotting garbage or sulfur. Nothing helps with any symptoms. Gas reliever just means more gas and vomit burps. I have diarrhea regularly. My count is down to 6.9, but what is the point of taking something that clearly hinders my enjoyment of life? I'm really NOT bagging on this drug, it does what it is supposed to, but I wish there were a way to stop the side effects. If anyone has ideas, please share!"

• Typ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 12, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Severe diarrhea all the time. I could not go one day without having diarrhea. It's been two weeks since I started, btw. My shoulders and knees hurt so bad, and I'm very gassy. Occasional nausea and vomiting occurred as well. My eyesight has blurred severely. My doctor said they might remove this med from my RX due to me not being able to live a normal life. I literally have to take an extra change of clothes with me everywhere I go just in case."

• 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!"

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "My first week, I felt tired and had no energy. Mild, intermittent nausea. Guess that's the appetite suppressant part. After the first 3 days, I started getting quite a bit of stomach discomfort and diarrhea. Anything I ate or drank went right through me, as well as gas. Also, an unusual amount of belching. Hope this goes away soon and does not happen after every dose. I teach 4-year-olds, and it greatly affected my ability to do my job. My BS numbers are not much different."

• Don...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’ve been on this for 3 weeks. I’m now stopping it, with my health professional's advice, due to severe diarrhea. For 4 days, I haven’t been able to leave my house and have to stay near the bathroom in the hope I make it. I have been 4 days on Imodium, and it’s not helping much. Awful egg-smelling gas too, and even a biscuit is going straight through me. Hope it doesn’t take the approximate 5 weeks to leave my system, as it states on researching this medication."

• pam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 21, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started taking Ozempic at 0.025 mg for two months, primarily relying on meal replacements for diabetes twice a day along with a small amount of cereal (Grape Nuts). During those two months, I lost 30 pounds. However, I experienced dizzy spells because I was also taking high blood pressure medication. Once I stopped the blood pressure medication, the dizziness went away. I then increased my Ozempic dosage to 0.050 mg, and that's when things took a turn for the worse. I started having sulfur burps (long and frequent belching), excessive gas, diarrhea, and if I overate cereal, I would vomit. Even if I didn't eat anything, I would still experience vomiting. I lowered the insulin dosage, and it improved. After a month, I was able to handle the 0.050 mg dosage. Later, I increased it to 1 mg. At this point, I wasn't losing weight anymore, but I experienced hunger pains and started eating other things. On and off, I would have episodes of diarrhea, belching, and gas. Additionally, I started experiencing pain under both sides of my ribs, bloating, belching, diarrhea, and gas. I had blood work done, which revealed that my thyroid levels were significantly off. I am scheduled for an ultrasound to examine my thyroid, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and GI tract, among others."

• Bar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 3, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "I had already lost 60 lb before taking Ozempic. I've been on Ozempic for about 5 months and have lost another 10 lbs (now at 220#). I have found that eating oatmeal and taking an OTC anti-diarrheal, I handle these problems very well. The good news is my A1c is now 6.3. My morning finger sticks run between 95 and 107. Once a week very easy to use. I don't even feel the injections. The bad news: recurring diarrhea, constipation, and stomach gas and belching."

• Juw...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 19, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started on 0.25 for four weeks, had nausea, dizziness, burping nonstop every day, off-the-wall gas, and bloating. Went on 0.5, more or less the same side effects except more abdominal pain. Then went to 1 mg, my skin started feeling like I had a bad sunburn from the waist up. It hurt when clothes touched it. Four weeks later, went on 2 mg. All same symptoms. Then I started having severe neck pain and shoulder pain. Was on 8 months and only lost 16 pounds. A1c went from 7.5 to 5.5, but a lot had to do with eating less. I have EPI, so it was not worth it to me to take it anymore. Also, thyroid cancer runs in my family. Had a friend tell me her friend got thyroid cancer after 3 months, also had a lot of diarrhea. Now I'm off, no symptoms, skin feels better, and sugar around 130."