Ozempic and Upset Stomach: What Users Say

• 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."

• 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."

• Mon...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 15, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started Ozempic in January 2019. I have lost 24 lbs, and my A1C has gone down. My appetite has been cut in half. The only side effect I have had was in the beginning: slight headaches. Those have gone away. If I overeat, I’ll get a sour stomach. But other than that, I didn’t get those bad effects I have been reading about. Definitely happy with the results."

• Jpa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 15, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’m into my 5th week and have increased to .5. In addition to diabetes type 2, I have PCOS and IBS. I’ve been doing well so far, other than a mild headache and stomach upset. My appetite is obliterated, and I have to make sure I’m eating regularly. Otherwise, nausea and lightheadedness end up being my trigger to eat because I’ve gone too long in between meals. It’s been confusing for me, as overeating has always been an issue. Now I have no desire to eat and am working at adjusting by eating small portions throughout the day. I’m definitely losing weight, which is much needed. In addition to Ozempic, I take Metformin and Tradjenta, which I’ve been on for a very long time. This week, my fasting blood sugar decreased from 155 to 135. That makes me happy."

• 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."

• All...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 21, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "On December 19, 2022, I saw my medical provider and requested a prescription for Ozempic. She agreed that at 5’3” and weighing 192 lbs, it would be a good option for me. I started Ozempic on January 3, 2023. The first time I weighed myself after starting Ozempic was at the beginning of February, and I weighed 179 lbs. Through February, my weight bounced between 181-175, then I lost another 5 lbs in the first two weeks of March. I’m hoping to reach 160 by mid-April. My weight goal is 130-135. I am very happy with Ozempic’s effect on my weight loss. I have had assorted side effects. I had two days of extreme headaches after my first dose, but I’ve only had mild headaches with dosage increases since. My stomach is mild to moderately upset most of the time, and most of the time I don’t have much appetite. I’m at a 1 mg/week dosage now, and I’ve started having a lot of bad-tasting burps, but constipation is by far my worst side effect. I don’t know if I would have bowel movements without laxatives."

• Pum...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 21, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Endo gave me a 1-month sample for type II. Just into my second week at 0.25. Initially, upset stomach and diarrhea. Wouldn't say nausea per se, more like a stomach ache. Diarrhea wasn't crampy and prolonged like metformin. Appetite really decreased. Sugars started going down about 3-4 days in, and symptoms lessened by day 6. But.... weight gain of 3 lbs! What the...? Just on day 2 of the 2nd week, no nausea, but still eating less. Not peeing as much and waking up earlier and easier, and morning sugars down from 11-12ish to 8-9ish. I will be disappointed if I am the rare one that gains weight though."

• Pum...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 21, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Endo gave me a 1-month sample for type II. Just into my second week at 0.25. Initially, upset stomach and diarrhea. Wouldn't say nausea per se, more like a stomach ache. Diarrhea wasn't crampy and prolonged like metformin. Appetite really decreased. Sugars started going down about 3-4 days in, and symptoms lessened by day 6. But.... weight gain of 3 lbs! What the...? Just on day 2 of the 2nd week, no nausea, but still eating less. Not peeing as much and waking up earlier and easier, and morning sugars down from 11-12ish to 8-9ish. I will be disappointed if I am the rare one that gains weight though."

• Sno...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 28, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I just took my second dose on Friday of 0.5. I feel like garbage, no energy, tired, stomachache. I work out 4 days a week and I just can’t seem to find the energy to work out. I may stop using this drug because I’m so active and the past few days I can’t seem to do much. Appetite is gone completely. I don’t like that I have lost a few pounds but not the right way. I feel like I am starving myself, this is not for me."

• OZ ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I started Ozempic for weight loss (PCOS) on June 27th. In 10 weeks, I have lost 12 lbs. It has been slow going, but I believe it's a sustainable rate so long as the medication continues to suppress my appetite. I ramped slowly up to the 1mg dose (6 weeks @ .25, 4 weeks @ .5, and then up to 1mg), which I think helped with minimizing extreme side effects. I did have nausea and occasional upset stomach the day after injecting, but it would usually subside within a day. The worst side effect I've had is an increase in acid reflux, but I've been able to manage that with omeprazole pretty well. Worth a shot if you suffer from binge eating disorder or if you are on the verge of being diabetic! Everyone's experience will vary, but I have found success with it so far."

• Liz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2023

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Ozempic has done nothing to help me with Type 2 diabetes nor weight loss. I have some stomach discomfort and some loss of appetite. My blood sugar levels are just as high with Ozempic as before taking Ozempic."

• 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."

• Poi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started taking this med about a month ago and not sure I will stick with it. After 2 weeks, stomach cramping and some constipation started, but the worst of it all is the stress I am having with horrible sulfur burps. The smell is so horrible that even the smallest of burps can linger in a room for minutes, and you can really clear a room. I have had to have Febreeze Air Fresheners nearby at all times. If I feel a burp coming in the middle of the night, I literally run to the bathroom as it is really very unpleasant for my spouse and it really embarrasses me even after 27 years of marriage as it’s that bad! We just lowered my dose to 0.25 mg, but if the sulfur burps remain, that will seal the deal and I will stop it. Have lost 10 pounds over the month too as appetite is shot, and I’m not sure that’s really the best way to lose weight if you can barely eat at all."

• Hed...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 18, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’ve been taking Ozempic for about two years. I started at .5 and now at 1. The pros have been much lower A1c. I was at a 9.4, now it’s 6.2. I’ve also lost about 20 pounds… very much suppresses your appetite. I went from 175 to 155. I’m 5’8. So in that respect, it’s been great. However, I have had terrible nausea, especially the first 72 hours after taking it. Some stomach issues, especially that gagging feeling. I remain on it because of the A1c and weight loss, but I gotta tell you guys it’s been really rough. My husband is on a .5 dose, and he doesn’t seem to be having these issues."

• 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!"

• Hea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 12, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "Taking Ozempic due to type 2 diabetes and high CRP. Initially had minor stomach issues, which were resolved quickly. Unfortunately, once at a 1 mg dose, I experienced blurry vision due to a branched retinal vein occlusion. I stopped the medication for a 6-month period, recently restarted, keeping my dose at 0.5 mg, not having any issues with stomach or eyes. My blood sugar levels are great, need to check my A1C, but am confident it will be good. I like the once-a-week shot, otherwise, I was popping supplements multiple times a day. I still watch my carb/sugar intake when I eat. My appetite is near non-existent and tend to eat small portions, so weight is reducing, which is a benefit. I'm grateful for this medicine, it works, and fortunately, my co-pay is small, otherwise, it would be unaffordable."

• Rea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 25, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Ozempic for about 6 months now, and I've had the absolute worst gastro issues. I didn't notice it much at first, and when I went to my doctor a few months ago, he said it was just my IBS, but after reading these comments, I firmly believe it's the medicine. I have terrible diarrhea. I go at least 8 times a day, and that's no exaggeration. Awful stomach cramps, and I can't even pass gas anymore, literally, I shart. I'm weak and low energy. I've lost 20 lbs, but it's because I'm pooping it away. It helps curb my appetite, and my sugar is good and my A1C is down, but I can't continue this medication. It's truly affected my daily life. I can't go out anywhere that doesn't have a bathroom because when diarrhea hits, I have to go right then. So embarrassing. I'm hoping it's not caused any other issues! Just diet, people, don't take this medicine."

• hal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "The major side effects are all I got with this med, which includes upset stomach, heartburn, burping, gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, stomach flu symptoms, headache, dizziness, and tiredness."

• Sep...
• December 7, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have started Ozempic February 2020. I experienced severe stomach problems, constipation, my sense of smell became too sensitive. I couldn’t eat any kind of meat, eggs, or vegetables because the smell of them was revolting. Gradually, my intake was bread, cheese, and sweets, so weight loss was slow with a lot of carbs that were easy to digest. Since I had depression and previous reflux disease, my doctor kept telling me it is all in your head. I developed piles (hemorrhoids) because of the abuse of laxatives. Cramps in my large intestine were so severe that I begged my doctor I might have cancer. As I stopped Ozempic, I felt an enormous pressure leave my digestive system. Now I have another problem, I lost 8 kilos by Ozempic from February 2020 till October 2021. Two weeks after stopping Ozempic, I gained 4 kilos again, and I have an enormous appetite."

• lcg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "It has been a month on Ozempic. So far, so good. I have had stomach issues, but not severe. My appetite has changed, which is also helping. I've lost about 8 lbs. This week I went up to the 0.5, my sugar numbers are fantastic. I had an average of 145-160 for fasting, and I am now around 100-113. I am due for an A1C check in a couple of months, super curious to see the change. I am currently 6.6, I am hoping to be down to 6.0. The stomach issues do get better if you can get past the first 4 weeks. I also have heart disease, which stemmed from poor diet and uncontrolled diabetes. I will take the stomach issues for controlled sugar all day long. :)"

• 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."

• fem...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 23, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "Serious stomach issues, cramping, bloating, severe constipation, nausea, no appetite, rashes, pain in the upper and lower bowel, gas. Loss of too much weight, no taste for food. Have had previous trouble with colitis and diverticulitis but still prescribed this medication. Only have 1 kidney and now afraid it may be damaged. I have been on this drug for approximately 7-9 months. Now worried, but the doctor is not concerned enough to take me off this medication."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2023

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I started on Ozempic when my health professional informed me I was pre-diabetic and had high cholesterol. Because I wanted to lose some weight, I asked her if I could try Ozempic, and she agreed to write the prescription for me. I've been on Ozempic since mid-April 2023, and I've had some success. I've lost 8 pounds since starting, but like many people, I've experienced nasty side effects, for example, sulfur burps, gas, and stomach discomfort. Although I've had these side effects, they have not been that serious, and I'm able to deal with them. I've tried increasing my dose to 0.5 mg, but the side effects got worse, and considering that my appetite and my cravings have decreased, I've decided to stay at 0.25 mg. I do find, however, that the day before my next dose, my appetite comes back. I need to be more mindful when that happens, and old habits are hard to change. I see a dietitian to help me plan balanced meals. In conclusion, I've stuck with Ozempic."

• MZ_...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "I'm on my 4th week, and so far, the only thing I've experienced is stomach discomfort and diarrhea. My stomach usually turns the day of and after the injection, and I have a few days of diarrhea. I must admit that spicy food may have contributed to it a few times. My appetite is light, and my 5th dose will be an increase in milligrams. So, I don't know if the higher dose will come with more side effects. I inject myself in my upper arm because I have less fat there, and I want to get the full effects of the medication."

• Her...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 28, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am a 54-year-old overweight male who started taking Ozempic 3 months ago to help control my type 2 diabetes and to lower my A1C. For the first 3 weeks, I took a 0.25 dose weekly and felt okay. Some occasional stomach cramps and nausea. For the past 2 months, I have been taking a 0.50 dose, and side effects have gotten worse. Loss of appetite, stomach pains, feeling nauseous, and uncontrollable diarrhea while sleeping. Yes, that's right... I have been pooping the bed. On the plus side, I have lost over 20 lbs, but at quite a disgusting price to pay. Time to either quit taking this or try something else. I now understand the commercials where the people say 'O.' It's because 'O, I pooped my pants again.'"