Ozempic and Upset Stomach: What Users Say

• MzG...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started on Ozempic in September 2020, starting weight 312 lbs (5’4”). I am type 2 diabetic and take 2550mg of Metformin daily. HbA1c was 79, sugar cravings, and blood sugar out of control. Started on 0.25 dose for a month. Quite bad stomach cramps and nausea for the first month. Went up to 0.5 dose in month 2, then 1.0 dose for month 3 and since. No. 1 tip - inject into your leg rather than around your belly. Once I changed to injecting in my leg, nausea and cramps disappeared overnight, and never came back. To maximize effectiveness, you can’t eat like you did before. I re-joined Weight Watchers in September. I have lost 80 lbs in 5 months, HbA1c dropped from 79 to 51 which is a normal type 2 level although the doc feels with more weight loss, it could go to normal levels. In Ireland, diabetes is classed as a long-term illness so all medications are covered by the government, so I don’t have to pay for this. Otherwise, it costs €195."

• Wil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Did the first 4 weeks of Ozempic at 0.25 had mild stomach issues. Nausea was come and go, really not consistent. Helped control my eating. Doctor said if you overeat or eat like you used to, you will throw up. There is no place for overeating but up. Didn't overeat, didn't have much issue. Took stool softener to keep things moving. At the 0.5 dose, ate less but had fewer side effects than my first dose. Glad I have started the med, it works."

• Lyn...
• December 22, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took one dose of Ozempic and I have been sick ever since. Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, and a little dizziness. This is terrible, will never use again. Can someone tell me how long these symptoms last?"

• lei...
• May 19, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on it for 7 weeks. I have had the runs as others have noted, and the sour stomach, but what I also noted is that those symptoms are worse if you've eaten too much or a heavier meal before bedtime. Small snacks are ok. I don't drink any sugar-laden beverages, and I eat lots of fiber already. My diet is mostly vegetarian, but not for any reason other than my stomach just feels better on it. I think that has helped keep the side effects in check. So far, I've lost 8 lbs, which TBH is kind of shocking. I never thought my body would give up this weight, but I'm heading in the right direction. Sugars are dropping nicely, especially my fasting sugar. I have that hypo drop and spike when you wake up, and that seems to be leveling off, which is great. So I'm going to keep going. Oh, and I didn't jump in with dosing, I started with 0.25 and kept on that for six weeks and only just now moving to 0.5. Slow gradual is the right way. Too much at once will make you sick."

• Tan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I was so afraid to try this med because of all the bad reviews. I could not survive endless nausea or stomach issues. I just came here to say that I had none of these issues, and it is helping with cravings."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 9, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "First month had some minor stomach issues, to be expected, then acclimated to the drug. Once the dose increased to 1 mg, began having blurry vision due to one eye having a BRVO, Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion. Never had issues with my eyes prior to taking the medication. Two doctors told me to stop taking the medication. Only restarted the Ozempic after my ophthalmologist confirmed my eyes were healthy and healed, this was 6 months later. Now, only inject 0.5 mg, which maintains stable normal blood sugar levels and keeps a strict low-carb diet. I take an antioxidant, pycnogenol, which protects veins, especially retinal veins. Also, being my food intake was greatly reduced, it may have caused nutritional deficiencies, so I take a multivitamin and taurine. Taurine is very important for retinal health as well as heart health."

• Haz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Blood sugar levels started getting high 33 a year ago, tried several different prescriptions before being placed on Ozempic (4 months ago), metformin & Invokana. Now reading 6.5 levels, with a recent 7.0 A1C. In the past 4 months have gone from 170 to 141 lbs. I was told weight loss included muscle loss so I’m trying to keep on a high-protein diet and weight workouts. I don’t think I’ve had a hunger pang in 4 months, and eat way less. I do get burps after eating and occasional stomach pain that is tolerable. Perhaps it’s the combination of all bringing down my levels that gives me two things I didn’t expect, clear clarity in thinking (better memory recall) and a lot more energy (as in stable for a good 10 hours and then I start getting fatigued). I honestly am very happy to lose weight and eat off a smaller plate."

• Gym...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 8, 2020

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "My doctor prescribed Ozempic to me a year ago for weight loss. I’m only taking 19 clicks every 2 weeks when I go see my doctor he gives it to me. Every time I get the Ozempic I get sick 2 days later. It starts by nasty burps, then stomach cramps, then out of nowhere I throw up you don’t get a warning, sometimes diarrhea and sometimes I feel like I’m going to pass out. I got the Ozempic Monday and woke up in the middle of the night with nasty burps and stomach cramps."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started Ozempic 8 weeks ago, from the beginning I started belching. Dose was 0.25, went to 0.50 and the stomach cramps started. I am in 3 weeks now at 1mg and I have never been more miserable. Constant violent diarrhea and stomach cramps. I am losing weight at a rapid pace, didn’t necessarily need to lose. I called the doctor today because I’m unable to leave the house, she seems to think that this will subside in another week and I should be back to normal. After reading everyone’s comments I find this hard to believe!"

• CRR...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am on my 4th week of Ozempic (0.25, 0.25, 0.50, 0.50) and have experienced very little in the way of side effects. A little upset stomach in the first hour of injection, but after that, it has been smooth sailing. I have lost 20 lbs using this along with Farxiga and doing KETO with intermittent fasting."

• Lol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 27, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Freedom! Freedom from the constant food/sugar cravings that ruled my days. I’m starting week 2 and have felt a bit of sour stomach but, to be honest, less uncomfortable than overeating or indulging in fast food/sugary foods that we stuff ourselves with. The most I felt was after eating ice cream. Well, of course! This truly regulates numbers and totally takes away appetite. My meals are very small, clean, nutrient-dense, taken to refuel my body, rather than to seek pleasure/soothe (insert and bad feeling). Go figure - kind of how we are designed to eat? The best thing? Carrying out my day feeling lighter and awake - vs. full and puffy. Amazing."

• 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."

• oag...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "This is terrible. It is my second time trying to take this medication. I have experienced vomiting, stomach ache, sweating, and chills. I feel so bad that I am not going to try 'to get used to this medication.'"

• 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."

• 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."

• Bre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started with the 0.25 dose & after 5 weeks went to 0.50. Side effects were minimal, mostly just an upset stomach for the first day after a shot. Pens were easy to use & directions easy to follow. My A1c went from 10.3 to 6.2 after 90 days & I lost 22 lbs. I made significant dietary changes, which were helped because overeating gave me that 'too full to move' feeling you get on Thanksgiving, even with small portions. I eat 4-5 times a day but in small portions & calories under 1200 daily. Constipation was avoided by an increase in fiber/vegetables and water."

• Dke...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I had high hopes for this drug and stuck with it as long as I could, but it caused severe constipation, stomach cramping, and fatigue. I started out with .25 mg for 4 weeks, then .50 for 2 weeks. I didn’t lose weight, so my doctor increased the dose to 1 mg, but I just couldn’t tolerate the side effects at the lower doses, so I didn’t even try the 1 mg."

• Ker...
• August 16, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started using Ozempic 2 weeks ago. I don’t have any major side effects. Occasional upset stomach, but nothing too terrible. I am hoping to stay on this meds even though my insurance isn’t covering it."

• Bet...
• December 15, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic two months ago. At first, I was okay, just a little stomach discomfort. But over the last 3 weeks, things have gotten horribly worse. I can't eat without feeling sick. And explosive diarrhea started. I feel like I have horrible food poisoning. I will never take this drug again."

• Uni...
• May 27, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I'm on my second week. I've lost 2-3 lb. I feel less hungry and don't lose control after I eat. I don't constantly think about food. If I overeat, I feel sick after. I still want sweets, but I can eat very little and feel content, almost put off by it. I feel the most side effect symptoms right after the injections. The side effects have been mild, probably because I put the injection into my thigh instead of my stomach. They include: bowel movements, weird taste in mouth, headaches, tiredness, tummy ache, and earache. But very mild. I'm excited to move up to a full dose."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 25, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Ozempic for three weeks, and the first week wasn't so bad with the stomach cramps (off and on). Second week, the cramps were the same, but diarrhea got worse. By the third week, the cramps are worse, and the diarrhea is seriously worse after every meal (watery). Obviously, I will discontinue use at this point. However, I do have an underlying condition: IBS-D. Just for your information. Good luck to all."

• 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."