Ozempic and Nausea: What Users Say

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 15, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor gave me Ozempic 0.5 to start with. I always had upset stomach, diarrhea with most foods, and an overall sick feeling all the time. I was able to 'live' with it until now. She decided to up my dose to the 1.0 and my body went into total chaos. I am always nauseous, constipated, got reflux, feels like my food is stuck in my stomach and doesn't go anywhere. I'm constantly burping and feeling bloated. The sick feeling feels intensified and I cannot function at work. I took my last one this past Friday night and was miserable all weekend long. Today I am at work unable to function at my best because the nausea is bad. I would say it is effective in lowering your blood sugar numbers and helping you lose weight but not worth feeling horribly sick over. I will not be using this medication any longer."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Bak...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 24, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Ozempic for 3 months now, and I find this drug works like none I have tried before. The first 6 weeks were rough: burping, headaches, fatigue, nausea, but I stuck it out. I’m so glad I did. My A1C has gone from 8 to 6.8 in three months. I have lost 20 pounds, going from 180 to 160 lbs. My daily sugars have seen a vast improvement. The major thing I have noticed after being on the drug for this long is that recovery time after eating high-carb or high-sugar foods is back to normal. Appetite is still lacking, but it’s mostly an aversion to ‘bad’ food. I can no longer sit and eat an entire burger, it’s just way too much, but a healthy salad, I can eat the whole thing! I have seen major benefits from this drug. I have way more energy and no more 3 pm crash. Tips while adjusting to the drugs: Tums, Gravol, lots of sleep, light healthy meals, and remember to drink water! Also, I found injecting Ozempic in the hip lessened the symptoms for the first while."

• Vic...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 7, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been using Ozempic since February 2019. The medication has lowered my A1C tremendously (7.1 to 5.6 in 6 months). However, my nausea still hasn't gone away. I started with 0.25 and tried moving up 2 clicks, but the nausea was terribly worse. After talking with my endocrinologist, he suggested I move back down to the 0.25 to see if that would help. Unfortunately, it has not. I still get nauseated about 2 1/2 days after my injection. It lasts about 5 hours and then I feel better. I have had to decide does the good outweigh the bad, and in my case, it does. I can tell you that I have lost about 20 lbs since February with the medication. My appetite is really small compared to what it was before. I can also tell you that on the Ozempic, if I overeat or eat heavily processed, sugary, or fried foods, I do get a severe sour stomach and terrible sulfur burps. The doctor explained why this happens, and now I realize how to better maintain my diet while I am on the medication."

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 10, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "First injected dose Sunday night. Wee hours Monday, the nausea started. No vomiting (emetophobic here!) Monday all day nausea that I could handle (took a Zofran). Tuesday afternoon hit with sudden stomach cramping and diarrhea. Those nasty sulfuric burps all Tuesday evening and overnight, diarrhea all night, and now it’s Wednesday morning and still watery diarrhea. My stomach has been rumbling and terribly bloated since Tuesday afternoon. I need to lose 70 lbs, but this is NOT worth it!! Who wants days and weeks of feeling HORRIBLE!?! I’ll lose weight another way! I have sleep apnea and am 56, so I want to be healthy, but this drug is not recommended unless you need to lose weight to stay alive. I teach too, so there’s no way I can continue this."

• Bad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 9, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I am on day 4 after taking this and now bedridden. I have never been so sick in my life: nausea, vomiting, gas, headache, terrible smelly burping, dizzy, blurred vision, the list goes on. I hope this wears off soon, I have to go back to work. I am so disappointed in this product, very scary how it's destroying my body. I can't eat, sleep, barely move, just sipping water. Terrible stuff."

• mew...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’m 63 F with T2 diabetes, and I started on Oz mid-May 2024. Symptoms: nausea, fatigue, GERD, sulfur burps, stomach cramping from severe constipation, constipation, feeling like I need to vomit, ringing in my ears has increased significantly, loss of appetite, reduction of inflammation, occasional migraines, feeling “off” most days, bouts of dizziness, and feeling faint, but blood sugar and blood pressure are normal, improved blood sugar readings, weight loss of 13 lbs. There are some perks: rheumatoid and osteoarthritis inflammation has lessened, though I still feel pain daily, it’s more tolerable. I take no painkillers but will take CBD as needed. Loss of appetite has led to a loss of 13 lbs so far, blood sugar improved so I’m confident that my A1C has improved also. I struggle with what to do: stay on for the inflammatory reductions, weight loss, and blood sugar improvement benefits, or quit because I feel sick most days, so I have no real pleasure in life anymore. No, I’m not depressed."

• Ms ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 27, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Ozempic for about 2 months, and the only drawbacks I’ve had are mild nausea and an episode of sulfur burps. I’m already down 14 pounds, and it has severely decreased my appetite, overall, not a bad experience. I’m currently on the 0.5 dose, with no mention of increasing my dosage. I’ve been pleased with the outcome and plan on continuing."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• LFI...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 26, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "What I’ve always dreamt of. This is a miracle drug. Lost 6 or 7 kgs in 8 weeks, finally feeling the way I’ve always wanted to feel. Comfortable in my body and not a gluttonous pig. Slight nausea and burping, but so worth it."

• Sic...
• September 7, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started Ozempic .25 dose 2 weeks ago. First week, ended up in the ER with dehydration from vomiting so much. Physicians didn't think it was this medication that was causing it. Endocrinologist was not available as it was Labor Day when this occurred. I didn't think anything of it, so I continued with another dose two days ago. This was a very stupid idea. I am severely nauseous with no vomiting this time, but it is miserable. Also a lot of sulfur burps. This lasted half the day today and is subsiding. But this is like a roller coaster and unsure when these symptoms will return. I am also experiencing fatigue nonstop. Hard to even move or concentrate energy. I thought this might be due to having normal blood sugar levels since taking this medication, but I don't think this is the case. Please be careful on this medication."

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "If you have any form of stomach or bowel disorder or a history of pancreatitis, you may want to steer clear of Ozempic or any of the other similar drugs in its class. They slow gastric emptying, which can really get your system out of order and wreak havoc. If you start having sulfur burps, extreme nausea, horrific vomiting, and diarrhea, you’ll know it isn’t for you. For me, it got so bad, I was having to resort to wearing adult diapers. I initially thought I was having episodes of food poisoning or giardiasis, but it turned out to be medicine-induced gastroparesis and pancreatitis. Ozempic and the drugs like it may work great in some people, but be downright dangerous in others. Use with caution and pay attention to the warning signs. I just hope this will help someone else not have to go through what I did."

• Dis...
• August 30, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic and had no issue with the initial dose of .25. When I had the second dose, I had minor nausea and definitely noticed not feeling as hungry. Five days later, I had severe diarrhea and very foul-tasting burping. The next day, I was okay. Then the following day, I had diarrhea again. I thought maybe stomach virus. Imodium helped me get through the rest of the day. Then it was the day I take my shot (Sunday night). Monday was okay, and then it started again with the terrible-tasting burps, severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. I was unable to eat anything except ice chips. The diarrhea has continued for now the third day. I literally can’t be more than 10 steps from the bathroom. I’ve only had water, chicken broth, 1 banana, 1/2 cup applesauce, 1/2 cup plain rice, and 1 cup apple juice and still can’t stay away from the bathroom. I’ve lost 7 pounds since starting Ozempic, 4 of them have been this week. This is not how I want to lose weight."

• Cau...
• March 3, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took .25 for about 6 months and thought this was a miracle drug. Caused slight constipation, but I dealt with it. When they increased me to .5 mg, I started violently vomiting the next day. No one could figure out what was wrong with me. Pancreatic enzymes were high, but not high enough to diagnose pancreatitis. I could barely eat for two months. Gas, bloating, side pain, back pain, stomatitis pain, non-stop burping, constipation, nausea, vomiting off and on. My food perpetually felt like it was backed up into my mouth. They had to take me off of the drug, and now my sugars are higher than ever, and no one can help me. They were okay before, but now doctors consider me as failing two types of drug classes because of this, won't give me my old meds back, and I may have to go on insulin. I am gaining weight like never before and am so tired that I can barely function. They now believe it gave me gastroparesis, and I can't get better. I would recommend this medicine to no one."

• Tur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Ozempic for 2 months, and it has done wonders for me. I had been on insulin for 1.5 months prior to starting it and gained 20 lbs. I started on Ozempic, and my A1C dropped along with my daily numbers. I just stopped all insulin! I read reviews prior to starting on it and work really hard at not overeating and eating low carbs. I get bouts of nausea and burps at times, so I carry sugar-free mints with me. Nothing major. I’ve dropped 10 lbs and am on a 0.5 dose. This drug has been amazing for me. Watch portions, carbs, and greasy foods! So happy to be off insulin!"

• mac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "After the first 0.25 mg injection, I was extremely bloated and burping within 5 hours. I woke the 2nd day with extreme bloat, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. I could not eat or drink a thing because of severe bloating. This lasted 5 days. Foolishly, I did a 2nd dose the next week of 0.25 mg. This time, I became much, much sicker with the same symptoms but more severe. Abdominal pain severe, bloating was so bad I had to go to the ER, my stomach was as tight as a drum. They were talking about sticking a tube in my stomach to release the incredible pressure, instead, I came home and rolled around in agony for 3 days. I stopped using it, but the side effects continued. 7 weeks of severe gastroenteritis that caused so much inflammation in my body, I have been in so much pain. No amount of weight loss is worth this level of suffering. If you have any GI issues like gastroparesis, you really should not be risking it with this drug, it says so right in the insert."

• Hat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "This is the worst medication I have ever had. Side effects of egg burps, vomiting, bloating so bad. DO NOT TAKE THIS. 30% of people that try this drug end up having problems with it. DO NOT TAKE. You can't eat, everything that goes into you makes you want to throw up. DON'T TAKE! Never-ending nausea and weakness. DON'T USE, SAVE YOURSELF. Headaches....."

• Sal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic exactly one week ago. The nausea hit by the second day but only seemed to happen in the morning. However, 5 days in, the diarrhea hit. It has been absolutely horrendous. The gurgling sounds can be heard from across a huge room. I have woken up to bowel leakage and been running to the bathroom about 10 times a day for the last 3 days. Then there’s belching, which is worse than a typical 'burp.' It’s happening regularly too. I’m really sad and afraid. I really thought this was going to help me bring down my A1c. But I don’t see how I can continue taking it. I’m calling my endo tomorrow. I need something to work, but these side effects are just not livable. Especially because I work in a corporate atmosphere."

• Nan...
• September 17, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started a little over 2 months ago. I was excited when the doctor told me that this would help me lose weight. I was 235 at the time, and PCOS makes it hard to lose. Was warned of nausea but figured I'd be okay. Wasn't warned about sour stomach and sulfur belches. I started with the .25 mg dose. I learned what I could eat to steer clear of the sulfur burps. After 4 weeks, I moved to .5 mg and again had the sulfur burps. Had to re-learn eating limits. Last week, I moved up to 1.0 mg and didn't really have any issues until the day I was supposed to take the next dose. The discomfort was bearable. I took my injection and for the last 2 days have been nauseous. Went to bed this evening and am having trouble staying asleep. Anytime I move, the contents of my stomach shift and I feel like I'm going to be sick. 2 days prior to the last dose, I was told that my sugar has gone from the 350s to 88-120, but my weight loss is nowhere near what it should be. I hope it gets better soon."