Ozempic and Upset Stomach: What Users Say

• 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?"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Sna...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 20, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been on this for almost a year. Have had type 2 for 18 years now. A1C's always in the 6.5-7.5 range. Was primarily using Humalog to control BS. With Ozempic, sugars stay lower. The peaks aren't as high, and don't have to use as much insulin. The only side effect I get is diarrhea and stomach cramps (mainly gas buildup) 12-48 hours after taking it. On occasion, I will get nauseated. I have stayed on .25 and never increased. So far, I like this drug, and those side effects are manageable. As long as I'm near a toilet the first 48 hours, just in case."

• 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."

• 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."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 28, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took my first dose of Ozempic on May 23rd. Two days later, side effects began. My stomach started burning, frequent diarrhea, and profuse vomiting. I cannot hold anything on my stomach, and I have lost over 13 lb in 3 days. The side effects are horrible. I have contacted my doctor with hopes to get relief from the side effects! The pain is horrible. I do not recommend Ozempic!"

• Swi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started on Ozempic 5 months ago for diabetes 2. Started at 0.25, then 0.50, now at 1.00, and so far I lost weight - 35 lbs. But I’m feeling really fatigued, dizzy, and occasional stomach ache, diarrhea, and my eyesight has changed. Great drug for lowering A1C and losing weight, but the side effects are horrible. I think I’m done taking this drug. Side effects are getting worse."

• SAL...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 26, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been on Ozempic since March 2019, started off with 0.25, then 0.50, then to 1 mg. Side effects: nauseous, constipated, with fever. One month into taking Ozempic, started to have blood in my urine, no infection, CT, blood clots, bladder scope, bladder okay. CT with contrast upcoming to check kidneys, and my urine tests are concerning the PA. When giving the shot, medicine would make a bubble under the skin, then welt up 1 inch wide, 3 inches in length, and at least a .5 inch depth, 36 hours later with high fever, diarrhea, stomach cramps, large amounts of blood clots in urine, 3 times. Called Ozempic, which requested the medication back and sent a voucher for a new script. I have been taking this for 4 months, note I am not a doctor, just concerned, so I believe this could be a drug that has not been fully evaluated and may not have full understanding, or it's an odd situation for myself. However, these symptoms did not show up until on Ozempic. So for my own health, I have opted not to continue this drug."

• PDH...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 21, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic about 3 months ago at .25 mg. My doctor made me start my 1st dose on a Monday in her office because I would tell her I would try and then never do it. Tuesday morning I was good, then by Tuesday night, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, till the wee hours of the morning. The symptoms slowed down throughout the week. Even though I was losing at least 3-4 pounds a week, a total of 35 pounds within a 2 1/2 month period. My A1C did go down, the side effects are deadly. I like the fact that I am losing weight, but I hope I don't have permanent damage from this medication."

• Ang...
• December 11, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "It was good on low dosage 0.25, but after 2 months, it loses effect, and you need to increase the dose. Still fine, I lost 30 pounds, but then you have to increase the dosage, and that's when I got stomach aches and diarrhea, and I had to stop it."

• 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."

• She...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 20, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "The experience seemed to be consistent. I have Type II diabetes, and I'm trying to lose a little weight, actually a lot of weight. But I have chronic IBS, so when I started Ozempic and suffered bathroom issues, I wasn't sure it was the drug. But I started feeling really not great, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and even a little depressed? Two doses and I stopped. This is not for me..."

• Cap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took Ozempic last October, but I had to come off it - I was so ill. I'm type 2 diabetic and Hashimoto's thyroiditis autoimmune disease. I'm 57 years old and post-menopause. The doctor decided I should try again, I started 5 weeks ago and had my 5th injection. I have been sick since I restarted. I have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, brain fog, anxiety, burning in my stomach, headaches, and I'm so tired and weak. I tried to stick with it, I'm on the 3rd day since my 5th injection. I am so ill, I still have all the above symptoms, but worse. My kidneys are sore and my lungs. I have pain in my stomach and back. I feel like my body is poisoned, and I have to wait for 5 weeks for it to clear out of my system. I will never take this again."

• 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)."

• 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."

• 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."