Ozempic and Nausea: What Users Say

• Zel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 29, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic 9 months ago. At the time, I was a little over 200 lbs and was taking 1000 mg of metformin daily. Metformin had worked for me for almost 20 years, so I didn't expect that it had suddenly stopped working. For 3 years, I gained weight even though I worked out, and I thought it was just my appetite out of control. One random day, I realized my metformin was the problem. I saw a new doctor who prescribed Ozempic. What a miracle! 9 months later, and I’m down 40 lbs, my A1C dropped from 8.1 to 5.6, and I have virtually no symptoms from the drug other than fullness. The symptoms in the beginning did not last long either. Nausea, headache, fatigue...all cleared up within a week or 2 each time my dose was increased. It can cause what feels like constipation, but for me, it’s just that I simply haven’t eaten enough. This drug feels too good to be true. I’m so pleased with my experience so far!"

• Kit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I'm a 54-year-old female whose A1C was 8.3 at the end of March. So, after 4 months on Ozempic, my A1C is now 6.3, and I've lost 34 lbs. Definitely curbs my appetite, and I have been logging my food. My side effects have been minimal - a little nausea in the beginning and constipation. This med has been a game-changer for me. My hope is that many others will have the same results I have."

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

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started taking Ozempic in June 2020, initially lost 20 pounds by August. Total of 30 pounds so far, last 10 have been a lot slower. I went from 186 pounds to 156 pounds. A1c went from 6.5 to 5.6. Minimal side effects include occasional nausea and constipation. Started using Miralax, which has helped. Side effects I have experienced are worth the benefits. I consistently wake up with glucose levels in 80-90 range, never out of the green zone on a glucometer. I cannot overeat. If I do, I feel ill or get heartburn, so I have learned my lesson. I am really happy with this medication."

• Ski...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "My husband began taking Ozempic for his Type 2 diabetes several months ago and experienced minimal unpleasant side effects. His food consumption is down approximately 2/3 (no more 'first breakfast and second breakfast' and 'first dinner and second dinner') and he has been able to reduce his diabetes medications. He has been steadily losing excess weight. A bonus is the chronic loose stools he used to suffer have been eliminated. I started taking Ozempic for my Type 2 diabetes 6 weeks ago. My food consumption is down significantly and I've been able to discontinue all other diabetes medications. I've had some slight nausea and a mild bit of constipation, both of which have been easily alleviated through dietary changes (much smaller meals, more fiber and more spicy food). We absolutely love this medication."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• CSC...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 9, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "The first few weeks I suffered some nausea, and my food intake was reduced probably about 30% as a result. I started at 0.25 for a month, then 0.50 for a month, then 1.00, which was the full dose. I have been on the drug for about 6 months now. My weight dropped 30 pounds from 264 pounds to 234 pounds, and I seem to be leveling at that range. My target BMI weight for 6 feet 3 inches is 210, but I would be happy at 225. I have found that Ozempic did cause some constipation, but overall, once I achieved the full dose for a few weeks, I felt much better. The weight loss has really helped how I feel, and I will be doing my 6-month blood workup next week. Hoping to see some good results with glucose, which was at 6.0, and cholesterol at 259. Overall, I am very happy with the results to date."

• Anonymous
• February 7, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor put me on Ozempic to lower my blood sugar and A1c, as every time I check my blood sugar it’s extremely high in the 200s and 300s. So that is why my doctor put me on Ozempic. At the beginning of the year, before the medication, my A1c was 10.8, and my blood sugar was in the 200s. Five weeks later, I went to the doctor this week and got my sugar checked, it was 72. I couldn’t believe it, plus my A1c is 8.2, and I lost 5 lbs in just a short period. I take my shot every Sunday, .25. The day after I take the shot, I do experience some nausea, headaches, and constipation, but it’s only for one day, and it’s worth it for these low numbers. I was scared to take this new drug because I already take metformin 1000 mg once a day, but I’m so happy my doctor introduced me to this medicine. If you guys can get through the side effects, keep taking it, this medicine really works."

• Typ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 16, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am on my 3rd month of taking Ozempic. No decrease in A1C as of yet. Weight loss, none. Ease of use, I find handling the needles cumbersome. The needles are smaller than Trulicity and less painful to inject. Less bruising at the injection site. Current side effects: nausea, stomach pain, stomach discomfort, swelling, bloating, increased constipation, increased hunger, sour stomach, headaches. I find I am forced to take additional medication/supplements in attempting to eliminate some of the side effects. I've taken stool softeners and laxatives in order to improve constipation with limited success. I am taking a pain reliever almost daily for headaches. I am also taking medication to help ease the nausea with limited success."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 8, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was a 63-year-old female when I started Ozempic. 5'2", 208#. A1C of 7.2. History of stroke, cardiovascular disease, Hashimoto's, fibromyalgia, and the list goes on. At the beginning, I had some nausea, but not terribly. I have been on it for 14 months and have lost 85#! From 208# to 125#. Average about 5#/month. When increased to 2.0, I had some issues with constipation but worked through it. Now, with a normal BMI, A1C is at 4.9 and steady. Continuing at 2.0 to maintain. I would highly recommend this to anyone! Following recent labs, my endocrinologist sent a message, 'Diabetes is in remission!' Woohoo! Good luck, everyone!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Pat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2024

"I have been on Metformin for many years and A1C kept climbing. MD prescribed Ozempic. Started 0.025 1x per week for 4 weeks. Really decreased my appetite. Continued 2nd month on 0.50 with no side effects. Now on max dose of 2.0 mg per week for the last 4 months and have lost a total of 25 lbs. Main problem is constipation, but once taking 1 dose of Miralax per day, eat Raisin Bran and fruit, and more veggies and lots of water, it improved. Has cleared that up. Also got the doc to prescribe Zofran for nausea, and all is great! Take the Zofran in the am and you prevent it altogether! I have never read a review where anyone said they took steps to help their side effects, so thought I'd let you know what works for me! I have gone down 2 pants sizes after losing just 25 lbs. A1C is down from 6.4 to 5.7, cholesterol and triglycerides normal. It's a game changer, just get what you need from your doc to prevent the nausea and constipation, and you will be amazed!"

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

For Type 2 Diabetes "25-year-old female taking Ozempic for PCOS and insulin resistance. I take Ozempic along with a strict paleo diet and workout regime. Started on 0.25 for 3 weeks with severe nausea and flu-like symptoms for the first 1.5 weeks. Felt terrible. Only remaining symptoms are constipation and upset stomach if I make a bad food choice. I have been taking 0.5 since May, Dr. not upping my dose to 1. Started taking Ozempic in April 2019 and was 193 lbs and last week weighed in at 177.4 lbs. Lots of people seem to have very severe symptoms, but I have been lucky and have not had any issues with ongoing problems or anything serious enough to skip work or end up in a hospital."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "2024 I am 75 years old and my doctor prescribed Ozempic for me. My A1C was 7.6 and climbing. I was overweight and could not keep the weight off even with exercise. My first dose was 0.5 mg, which I injected into my stomach. I was very sick after that - nausea and just feeling sick. So, I Googled the medication and found out I could inject it into my thigh, so I did that the next time - no symptoms this time. I have been on it for about 5 months now. My last A1C was 6.3, and I have lost weight. At times, I still have symptoms of nausea and constipation, but they go away. The worst one is low libido, and that's hard to fix. Also, muscle wasting - you must exercise to keep your muscles strong. Loss of energy might be due to eating less. I only eat small meals throughout the day. I hope this review was able to help."