Ozempic and Upset Stomach: 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Dix...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 11, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Two days after my first injection, I had horrible sulfur burps that were making me feel sick. By that evening, I had horrific stomach cramps; by 11:30 pm, I had uncontrollable diarrhea! My prescriber advised me to eat six small meals a day and that the symptoms would improve with each injection. I left it twelve days before my next one (as I had a couple of social things I didn’t want to miss if it happened again) and thought at first it was better. A headache day one, nausea on day two, but sulfur burps again by day three. I got indigestion medicine, but it didn’t even touch it. That night, same again; cramps, diarrhea, more burps, and this time intense nausea too. I decided at that point it might not be for me! I really hope it helps some people lose weight, but don’t expect a quick easy fix! I actually felt fatter the whole time I was on it as I was so bloated and tender."

• 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."

• 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."

• Juj...
• April 30, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Today marks day 6 on .5 of Ozempic, and I feel like it is working. I have a severe insulin resistance problem and haven't seen my numbers down into the 100's in way too long. My problems with Ozempic are that I can't eat. I'll take a few bites of whatever and get very nauseous and then a tummy ache. I did gain 20 lb in 2 months with the insulin use and feel like I'm losing the weight with Ozempic, but I'm a little concerned that I'll gain it back fast later. Oh, and constipation was settling in, but the only thing I've wanted to eat are cold prunes! Hahaha! So, problem solved. Burps? No, unfortunately, I can't burp! I have the feeling of wanting to, but nothing. Anyone else?"

• Der...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor prescribed Ozempic for me at the beginning of January, starting at the .25 mg dose and working up to the 1 mg dose, which I have been on for a few weeks now. I have seen noticeable improvements in my glucose levels, which are now at a normal range, which they had not been for years. It was also prescribed to help with weight loss. I have not found it to be particularly helpful in this regard. I am losing small amounts of weight, but a lot of this has to do with a modified diet that is conducive to weight loss. The side effects I have experienced and continue to experience are stomach cramps and diarrhea, sulfur burps, some constipation, lightheadedness, and dizziness, which is the worst one for me. I was at the hairdresser today, and on leaving I almost passed out and had to go back inside to sit down, and there was a big fuss, etc., etc. It was very embarrassing and scary. I so desperately want to lose weight and think that it will eventually work for me, so I am going to keep taking it."

• Ice...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "OMG ... it’s not me. Dr. started me at .5 of Ozempic, first day after injection pretty much okay, then came nausea, stomach ache, headaches, then just dulled, gassy (didn’t know the burps were part of it but that increased), diarrhea, feeling beyond blah. I went to work and struggled through the day for 4 days like this. The first week wasn’t sure if it was the shot or some food, so I tried the Ozempic again. The second week was a little better, so I decided I’ll try the smaller dose. Today is day 2, but this morn, there’s the nausea, stomach ache, a little bit of headache, but lesser amounts. Despite the thought of weight loss, might be heading back to Januvia (Farxiga got the yeast infection, but it was cheap, $15 for 90 with insurance)."

• 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."

• 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."

• Lad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "This is week 1, and I’m already feeling the side effects: headaches, diarrhea, stomach ache, burping frequently that smells like rotten eggs. I get nauseous and gassy. I don’t have an appetite for food. I just started this medication, but I like its cleaning out my digestive system. I am reaching out to my healthcare provider to see what I can take to help eliminate the burping."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 8, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been on Ozempic for 2 years. Now I experience stomach problems and gastro problems. Stomach pain, nausea, acid and bile issues. Diarrhea, gas, burping all the time. I think it's taking a toll on my body. It sucks. There are times I can't even function. I'm lost now. Sick of being sick."

• Ris...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Ozempic for about 3 months. Started at 0.25, then went to 0.5, then went to 1.00 2 weeks ago. Had some minor side effects (a little stomach upset, fatigue) with the lower doses, but just this past week, I have started severe diarrhea. I literally can't keep anything in my system. It is working okay... I have lost almost 15 pounds, but I am going to adjust the dosage down if the diarrhea doesn't stop. I also have had a huge increase in burping, which is manageable. Overall, I have positive things to say about this medication, but I think that dosing is pretty specific to the person and should be discussed with your primary doctor if severe side effects continue."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am experiencing mostly gastro issues, heartburn, upset stomach, burping, and hiccups. I have noticed, however, that my glucose numbers have been lower."