Ozempic and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Soo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I've been on Ozempic for just over a week now as part of a physician-run weight loss program. I was told to expect some GI upset, but I had no idea it would be this bad. Seven days after taking it, I started with diarrhea. One day after injection number 2 (2.5mg), I was up all night with diarrhea, nausea, severe reflux, belching, and eventually vomiting. Medications like Pepto can't seem to touch it. I am going to talk to the doctor next week and see what he thinks. I really don't think it is worth this kind of suffering."

• Oze...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 14, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "With just one 0.25 mg dose, I became very ill. Relentless nausea, vomiting, and explosive diarrhea, as well as unbearable stomach cramps. Needed to go to the ER for fluids and to check for pancreatitis. It’s now been 9 days since my first dose, and I still have relentless diarrhea, nausea, and disabling fatigue. I don’t want to eat. I didn’t want to take it in the first place but was ambushed by my kidney doctor. She told me that using Ozempic was a no-brainer and that I would just have a bit of nausea. If you have any gastrointestinal symptoms when taking any medicine, I would think three times about it before using it. I have read it can take up to a month for it to be flushed out of your body, but I am hoping and praying that these horrible side effects stop real soon."

• 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."

• KCF...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2025

For Chronic Kidney Disease "I have been on Ozempic for the past 1 1/2 months. Gradually increased from 0.25 mg for 4 weeks, then 0.5 mg since then. After reading other reviews, the best tip I found was injecting into my thigh instead of the abdomen. Mild nausea, backache, and constipation the first 2 weeks, and nothing now but the feeling of fullness soon after eating, about 75% as much as usual. I have less interest in sugary or fried foods and have lost 12 pounds, about 2 pounds a week. At 74, my Type 2 diabetes is diet-controlled with good A1C's, so my primary use is for weight loss and preserving kidney functioning. The tiny 27 gauge needle is painless, just wish I had discovered Ozempic sooner!"

• Mel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 25, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I have been on Ozempic for weight loss for 10 months and I have lost 66 pounds!! This drug has been amazing. At first, I had a few side effects which included nausea and constipation but they did resolve. I noticed almost immediately how much better I felt on this drug. Not only was my appetite significantly decreased, I felt better overall, sort of like my metabolism was more even and my body utilized what I ate more efficiently. I lost my work insurance in November and also lost the coverage for Ozempic. This is the only downfall. I do have private insurance through HealthPartners but not one cent is covered by them. The price per month is around $800. With results this good, all insurance companies should be covering the cost 100% because it will save them millions, billions, even trillions possibly in the future. If they were smart, they would get behind this drug."

• HPa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2020

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "In June of 2019, I was prescribed Ozempic for the first time for weight loss. I was given a sample in the office, and my prescription was sent to the pharmacy. My doctor was super optimistic, and I had seen drastic results in someone else I knew, but had been warned about the nausea. I am insulin resistant, have PCOS, and had gastric sleeve surgery in 2008. At the time I started the first 0.25 dose, I weighed 191.2 lbs. On the single pen, I did 4 weeks of 0.25 and 2 weeks of 0.5 doses. At the end of the 6th week, I weighed 173.8 lbs. That’s 17.4 lbs in 6 weeks! Of course, then insurance denied covering it moving forward, and I was unable to continue. But after a year, new bloodwork panels and some adjustments, somehow it has been approved, so I have started it again today! Hopeful for the same results! I had been taking a topamax/phentermine combo and was really disliking the pens, needle side effects, and the severe change in my tastebuds that it caused."

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

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’ve been on this med for 7 weeks. I’ve lost 25 lbs and my daily blood sugars range from 60 - 90. I use it along with 500 mg Metformin. The first couple of weeks were hard with nausea and stomach cramps. I also had the headaches that others have mentioned in the first couple of days. In week 3, I increased from 0.25 to 0.50. Then came the diarrhea. It wasn't too bad, I was just happy that I could go. I’m now taking 1.0 and experiencing sulfuric burping. Ugh! After doing some research on home remedies to help with the burping, I’m trying a spoon of apple cider vinegar. If you can make it through the first few weeks and you can be somewhat disciplined, you will notice a huge difference in how you feel. In my opinion, the side effects are manageable when I compare the weight gain while taking Insulin. BTW - I’m not severely obese. Prior to being on this drug, my weight was 205, and I’m 5’9 and 47 years old. I hope this is helpful to someone."

• Lin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 16, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "70 years old, not diabetic but obese at 170 lbs, 5’2” tall female. Started weekly on 4/29/2021 and as of 9/16/2021 I am at 140 lbs. Cannot eat as much as I used to or I get nauseous. Slow loss, about 7-8 lbs a month. Plateau every so often and then lose 3 lbs immediately. Extremely happy with results."

• Cin...
• July 12, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Well, so far and this is my 3rd week (I'm taking it for weight loss only) and I'm a little sick in my stomach, but no throwing up or bad gas. Fingers crossed, I hope I don't. Some of these side effects sound awful. I've lost about 2 pounds a week so far, and if this keeps up, I am going all the way with this. I take 0.25 so far. My doctor wanted me to try because I've lost 275 pounds all by myself, and I've been at a standstill. He wants me to get over this hump, so I'm trying this and so far so good. I hope it continues to be good for me. I hate it's not for some... And by the way, I've never had diabetes. So I'm taking it only for weight issues. I'm 50, and it's taken me 4 years to lose the 275lb."

• Too...
• March 21, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My first dose made me sick as a dog two days after the injection. Nausea, felt like I could vomit, and kept swallowing over and over again. Cold chills, it was awful! I do not plan to continue. No pain, no gain. I’ll get my loss the old-fashioned way with proper diet and exercise. Never again want to feel this way on Ozempic."

• 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."

• Tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I have been taking Ozempic since March 12, 2022. I started at the .025 dose for 4 weeks. I had a little nausea, but nothing serious, and some constipation. I have now been on the .050 dose and have very little appetite, and no other symptoms have remained other than occasional constipation. I have to remind myself at times to eat. I have more energy than I have had in years and feel so much better in my clothes. Since March, I have lost 25 lbs. This has been a life changer for me as I feel so much better. I am still 45 pounds from my goal weight, but this drug has definitely helped me. I give the shot in my thighs, as I have read many comments on here to do so for fewer symptoms, and I believe that is why I have done so well."

• Fif...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "On week 4 now, honestly, the first 2 weeks were a nightmare. Doctors don’t tell you to stay away from fatty foods and not to overeat. If they did, I wouldn’t have had the most horrible sulfur burps that made my eyes water, projectile vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, not to mention constant nausea even during the night. I finally figured out not to eat too much and to avoid fatty foods completely! This was a game changer, and now I’m doing okay. I've lost 21 pounds so far, which is mad, but mostly because in 2 weeks I’ve eaten probably 4000 calories. I’m back to wanting to eat again but have to control myself or face the terrible consequences. Blood sugars are all over the place, as you can imagine, however, insulin sensitivity is way better. It just takes time to get used to. Hope this helps."

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 25, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "This medicine did what it was supposed to. It lowered my A1C, but it also almost killed me off. I was so sick. I had to stop it. The worst medicine ever! I felt like I was reaching the end of my life. I couldn't do anything, couldn't eat, couldn't even get out of bed. I lost a lot of weight! My stomach hurt, my side hurt, my back hurt. I started feeling better once I quit taking it! I will never take it again! It almost felt like it was poisoning my entire body!"

• Pat...
• July 19, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started taking Ozempic for pre-diabetes and insulin resistance. This is the first medication I've ever taken for diabetes. A1c was 5.7. I increased the dose quickly at the doctor's recommendation if little to no side effects occurred. First dose 0.25 in the office. Second 0.5 a week later. Third dose at 1.0 a week after that. Only side effect I have is mild nausea. Appetite has disappeared, and I eat only when hungry and much smaller portions. Serious bloating when I eat too much, which is a great deterrent. Been on the medication for 4 weeks overall, 2 weeks at 1.0, weight dropped from 305 lbs. to 295 lbs. Still a little lethargic, but I was very lethargic before starting the medication. I feel like this medicine is a game changer for me. I love not thinking about food all of the time, only eating when hungry and not for pleasure, and losing weight. Will retest A1c in 2 months. Hopefully, the weight loss continues, and I caught the A1c level before it turns into full-blown diabetes."

• Mac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 14, 2019

"I am pre-diabetic with high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and high cholesterol. I’ve taken Ozempic for 3 1/2 months to help me lose weight. My weight loss is 32 lbs. I am never hungry, and when I eat, my tummy gets full very quickly. Because I’m not hungry, I have used this time to learn the art of healthy eating. No fad diets or keto. My blood pressure is now normal, and I am off BP pills. My triglycerides dropped 150 points. I have had no side effects other than constipation. I now drink 3 liters of water each day and eat insoluble fiber to control it. My husband is diabetic and has been on it for 6 months. He experienced side effects such as nausea and dizzy spells, but it lasted around 3 months, and he no longer has them. His A1C was 9.5 before Ozempic and is now 6.7."

• 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."

• 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."

• Val...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 14, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’m a nurse. I started this med and unfortunately the nausea, gastritis, dizziness, and headache continuing into week 4 is simply not worth it. I can’t lay in bed and be miserable, which is what this does to me. At first, I actually thought I had a GI Bug. If there is any other choice, do not put yourself through this."

• Sen...
• August 29, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking Ozempic for about 2 months to lower my Diabetes 2. It's been great, my numbers were 200 to 300, they are now 100-134. My A1c was 9.8, it is now 6.1, and I've lost 12 lbs and still losing. I'm also taking Synjardy XR, a combination of (Metformin & Jardiance), my numbers are great. I eat extremely less on the Ozempic. My only side effect has been an occasional headache, but nausea was brutal. I was getting very nauseated after eating and taking Synjardy XR until I heard about ZOFRAN. Let me just say, if you have nausea and are taking Metformin with Ozempic, PLEASE ask your doctor for a prescription of ZOFRAN (I got the generic ONDANSETRON 4mg). I take it 20 minutes after I eat and have taken my metformin. I NO LONGER get nausea. Zofran will definitely help with nausea if you're feeling sick. You'll thank me later."

• Bar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Ozempic for six weeks. This will be my second week at 0.50 mg, and I have lost 10 lbs. At 0.25 mg, I had minor nausea and was very tired but felt fine otherwise. After my first 0.50 mg injections, I could not drink, eat, or do anything for the first day. I had a lot of nausea and felt like I was going to be sick constantly. By day 3, I had to go to the bathroom about nine times, which was good because constipation is a real thing with this medication. By day 4 and on, I felt perfectly fine. I do watch what I eat, and the medication has cut my food intake by half. You have to pay attention to what your stomach is telling you."

• Jan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 26, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic in July 2020. The first few weeks, I had slight nausea. Now, 10 months in, I’ve lost 50 lbs - from 210 lbs to 158 lbs, and my sugar levels, if anything, are on the low side. I’ve just stopped taking my Metformin as they were dropping too much. I didn’t even make it to the 1 mg, stopping at the 0.5 mg. If you can last the first 4 weeks, it’s amazing. The only side effect I have is a little constipation, which I control with PEG when needed. It has changed my life! I feel like a brand new woman!"

• 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."

• Cas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Ozempic has been a life-changing medicine for me. My A1C is better controlled, and I have lost around 13 pounds so far and have not even been on it that long. Before Ozempic, I craved sweets and was constantly hungry, Ozempic has greatly helped me regulate my appetite. If I eat too much, I do have problems with nausea, so I do have to be careful, but that’s a good side effect, I think."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I've been on Ozempic for two and a half months now for weight loss, and the results have been great. I've lost about 25 lbs. The only thing I don't really like is I truly do have no appetite. At all. So sometimes eating is a slog. Just getting through 3 or 4 bites of a meal can be annoying. And even though it's been almost 3 months, I still get nausea from time to time. I also had to dial back a lot of my social drinking, as I'm eating so little, there's nothing to absorb the alcohol in my stomach most days, causing indigestion, acid reflux, vomiting, and other problems. Still, I'm going to stick with the medication to see how much weight I can potentially lose over the course of six months."