Ozempic and Vomiting: What Users Say

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 11, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I suffered from - Loss of appetite - Exhaustion - Nausea - Vomiting (once a week, usually 2 days after my injection) - Low blood sugar events (probably caused because I just had no appetite). When I spoke to my pharmacist, she encouraged me to try to hang in there, telling me it would get better, and it finally has. I was not expecting it to take over 3 months though. My readings are all good, and I've lost 28 lbs, so there were benefits to sticking it out, but it was hard. I had decided that I would continue to take the medication until my next appointment, and if things were still bad, I would tell the doctor that I no longer wanted to use it. Things are better, and my appointment is next week."

• Ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 9, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Have been on Ozempic for 10 months. The first 3 months were very difficult with strong side effects. Mainly constant, but low level, nausea, occasional vomiting, and diarrhea (especially two days after the injection). However around month 3 the nausea and diarrhea subsided greatly and my appetite returned. I had lost weight very quickly (42 lbs in 3 months due to not really eating much). Had to take supplements for a while but am now eating well. The rapid weight loss led to telogen effluvium, a temporary hair loss condition. (I shed A LOT but never showed any baldness or anything). Currently, my weight is still down (I was taken off my blood pressure medication!), my blood counts are perfect, my hair is getting thick, and I eat normally. I now experience virtually no side effects. Really, really, glad I stuck out the side effects at the beginning."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I've been on Ozempic for two and a half months now for weight loss, and the results have been great. I've lost about 25 lbs. The only thing I don't really like is I truly do have no appetite. At all. So sometimes eating is a slog. Just getting through 3 or 4 bites of a meal can be annoying. And even though it's been almost 3 months, I still get nausea from time to time. I also had to dial back a lot of my social drinking, as I'm eating so little, there's nothing to absorb the alcohol in my stomach most days, causing indigestion, acid reflux, vomiting, and other problems. Still, I'm going to stick with the medication to see how much weight I can potentially lose over the course of six months."

• Ran...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 21, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking Ozempic for two weeks now. I wondered how this drug could allow some - or most - people to lose weight. Now I know - it makes you feel sort of sick to your stomach and takes away your appetite - at least that is my result so far. I am hoping to develop a tolerance to it. Not a really pleasant experience so far, but I have not vomited or had diarrhea as some users have reported. It does appear to be lowering my blood glucose somewhat, which is the primary reason I am taking it. I am also taking metformin but have been able to reduce the dosage. I am still only taking 0.25 mg of Ozempic, so the result of higher dosages is unknown now. I will post again in a month or two with higher dosage usage results."

• MDl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 16, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "Do not use this drug. I took my first and only dose and had terrible diarrhea, so bad I had to cancel several engagements. I also had vomiting after eating, no appetite, a decline in vision, and worst was a mental haziness that took over a month to recover from. My doctor called it an allergic reaction, but I don’t believe that. Even after 8 months, I still have episodes of feeling tired and hazy. I feel like I’ve aged 5 years since taking the one dose. Other than type 2 diabetes, I was in good physical condition and health. Now I have aching muscles, reduced vision, and sporadic haziness. Yes, my A1C went down temporarily, but not worth all the rest of the side effects."

• 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."

• Dia...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 16, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "58 yo. Woman. Type 2 for 30 yrs. Morbidly obese most of adult life. At 50 years old, had RNY gastric bypass surgery, went from 315 lbs with A1c of 13.5 with meds to 115 lbs. It worked too well. Even so, diabetes wasn’t even close to being cured. A1c was 8.5 at best with Invokana & Metformin. I used every drug there is with little improvement. So, a year ago, started Ozempic .5. Nausea & vomiting for 2 weeks, but then it subsided. After 2 more weeks, went to 1 mg. I don’t get nauseous anymore, but my appetite is completely gone, which is good if you’re overweight, but I’m a bag of bones, so I have to graze on tiny amounts of food all day & night. Because of the weight loss surgery, I already got dumping & can’t eat fatty food or sugar, so it’s difficult, but it’s better than dying from diabetes. It all depends on the person, so try it & see if the side effects go away like they did with me. I’m going to get labs, and if they’re still good, I’m staying with it."

• Clo...
• September 2, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Tried Ozempic for the first time on Thursday. Friday night, a bit of diarrhea, Saturday, just felt off, Sunday went out for breakfast, discovered I had little appetite. And then it was non-stop vomiting and diarrhea, to the point I was in the ER. Spent several hours there as they tried to bring the lactic acid back down into a normal range. They told me the higher the lactic acid, the more severe the dehydration. Multiple IVs, anti-nausea shots, and something to stop the diarrhea, plus one CT scan, they said stomach bug. I could go home and recover in bed. Stupid me believed them. Took the injection for the second time on Thursday...same thing, only this time the abdominal cramping was so bad it doubled me over, to the point I was sent by ambulance to the ER. Same round of tests, same results. Only this time, add in pain meds. After comparing the previous Sunday to the current Sunday, they pretty much concluded no stomach bug the first time, but it was due to the injection."

• Kas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I have been on Ozempic for 3 months now, the first day I vomited but haven’t since, nausea for the first month or so, and I got very constipated, but now all is good and I suffer no side effects anymore. So far, I have lost 22 kg, I have no sugar cravings, and my appetite is right down, making sure I eat healthy meals is the only challenge as I do not feel like eating. But I could not recommend this enough to anyone who really struggles with food and weight loss."

• Dck...
• January 13, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’ve been on Ozempic for 8 weeks, .25 starter dose for the first 4 weeks; it suppressed my appetite, a couple of mild headaches, and intermittent nausea. Moved to .5 at week 5 and have no desire to eat at all. It’s almost a problem as I feel so weak and have all-day nausea. Hard to tell if the nausea is from not eating, Ozempic, or both. At week 6, I also started taking Humira for spondyloarthritis; the combined side effects are brutal. Sick nearly 24 hours a day, constant nausea, vomiting with any exertion. Backed off the Ozempic to .25; the side effects are better, but still troubling. As a positive, I’ve lost 30 lbs in 8 weeks, all from not eating as I feel too sick and weak to walk or work out. The docs prescribed Zofran 8 mg po every 8 hours as needed. It helps, and I do manage to eat a couple of small meals. Weigh the benefits and downsides, but it does work. A1C dropped from 8.7 to 7.4 in the first 8 weeks and should continue downward with prolonged use and accompanied weight loss."

• nau...
• December 30, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic .25 mg subcut 8 days ago. I took my second dose yesterday. My first week, I ended up in the ED. I thought I had a bowel blockage or ileus. The ED visit was preceded by 6 hours of constant, sickening, odiferous belching, constant flatus, eruptive vomiting, cramping, and pain. A CT scan revealed gastric paresis. The event was precipitated by a fatty meal. I have since learned that the decreased gastric motility demands drastic changes in the volume of food intake, fat content, and most importantly, patience with what I consider to be major side effects. Now, I have no appetite. I am nauseated all the time, taking Zofran 4 mg before any meal. The belching is greatly reduced, same with flatus. I feel constipated, but that is easing off. I am avoiding high-fat foods and eating smaller portions. I am profoundly fatigued. Tomorrow, I am getting on the treadmill for 30 minutes each day to stimulate endorphin release to feel better. I have read the symptoms are reduced after 4-6 weeks."

• Thi...
• June 27, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking this for 2.5 months. I've lost a solid 10 pounds. I take it right before bed so I can sleep off the initial side effects, if any. There is a little bit of diarrhea, nothing too crazy. I have major loss of appetite, I can eat half meals or half kids' meals and I'm always full after a few bites. Sugars are low. The major side effect is nausea, but it isn't every day. I've thrown up 3 times within the past 3 months, which is something I never did prior. It comes out of nowhere, and honestly, I'm unsure if it is this injectable or just from taking an iron supplement and vitamin. Could be the vitamin. I feel tired also, not sure if it's just work or a side effect. Overall, I'm happy with the injectable, plus it beats taking a pill every day."

• jma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2023

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I started on the lowest dose of Ozempic in October 2022. One injection, in my thigh, once a week. I didn't make it past the first 4 weeks or the lowest dose. My physician hoped that since I do not have a gallbladder, many of the reported side effects of nausea and vomiting would not affect me. Wrong. First week and all things went well. I experienced no real side effects and had decreased appetite and energy. I slept well and was active. Second, third and fourth weeks, not so good. Modified my entire diet, but could barely eat or drink anything but a little chicken. Constant and severe nausea, vomiting, sleep deprivation, headaches, body aches, and zero energy for the next three weeks. It was like having a severe case of stomach flu for 4 weeks. Oh, I lost weight, between 18-20 lbs. Unfortunately, this is not a sustainable way of life. I couldn't function; I didn't leave my house for a month. I pulled myself off of it, and it took another 3 months to recover fully."

• she...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 21, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started at a dose of 0.25 mg Ozempic, advancing to 1 mg weekly. The first week, I experienced reduced appetite and some nausea. Within 3 months, I have lost 35 pounds, and my HgA1C went from 9 down to 6. I have, on several occasions, experienced nausea and vomiting if I overate or had very greasy food. It does reduce your appetite substantially. I found eating my main meal at lunch and soup for supper has reduced nausea."

• JRo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 29, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Within 2 weeks after moving from the starter dose of Ozempic to 0.25 to 0.5, I began having vomiting in the wee hours of the morning, with increasing intensity, nearly every night for the last 2+ weeks. The last 4-5 have been really rough. I also take metformin 500 and glimepiride 2, both AM and PM. This weekend, I went down to the Ozempic 0.25 dose, but Sunday and Monday nights were both awful bouts of vomiting. (No diarrhea at any stage with Ozempic; occasional nausea during the day, very decreased appetite.) Is anyone else having this bad and persistent vomiting? Thanks and good luck."

• Pea...
• October 25, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started taking Ozempic 3 months ago. I found that after I take my injection on Wednesday night, I get nausea before the day is over and vomit. It feels like my food gets stuck and won’t move. I get sick at least once a week, then I’m better. My appetite has decreased. I also notice I can’t overeat, or I get sick. I have told my doctor, he thinks it will get better. I know one thing for sure: you can’t cheat with fried food, or you will be sick for sure. I’m going to try one more month."

• AK4...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 11, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Ozempic for weight loss. I paid cash since I wasn't approved by insurance. I was about 15-20 pounds overweight and pre-diabetic with a family history of type 2 diabetes. No matter what I did, nothing made me lose weight. The first month at .25 mg was a dream come true. I had no appetite and felt very few side effects. I lost 10-12 pounds in the first month. The 5th shot was .5 mg. I became so ill. It started with huge belches and nausea. That night I vomited and was so lethargic and nauseous that I didn't get out of bed for 3 days. I had weird sores on my tongue. The next day I vomited again. I had to get Zofran for the nausea, which helped a bit. Almost a week later, I am due for this week's shot, and I have decided not to continue. I still have the belches from hell, weakness, and lethargy, but I am at least able to function and work. Climbing the stairs feels like Mt. Everest. I hope I feel normal again soon."

• Bai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "At first, I had a brief overwhelming bout of nausea that passed. Decreased appetite definitely had me losing weight, but after the second injection, the nausea got much worse! Plus, I had diarrhea/vomiting, and it just got worse daily. I had to discontinue. Now it's been a month later, and I'm still having nausea and diarrhea. Horrible experience for me."

• 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."

• TR9...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 25, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Ozempic for about two months now. I haven't really been nauseous, but my stomach would just feel yucky. I'm on the 0.5 dose now. I had vomiting and diarrhea only one time, and that was two days after my first dose. My appetite has decreased, and I have lost weight, but I'm not sure how much. I won't find out how my A1C is for another month or so."

• Ter...
• May 3, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Wow, I did lose a few pounds and have no appetite on Ozempic, but I just can’t tolerate this drug. I am the most violently ill I have ever been. I have had 2 doses of .25, and the abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea for the last 7 days have almost killed me. Too bad, it works, but not worth the side effects for me!"

• deb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started taking the .25 a week ago. The first 2-3 days, I had stomach pain, headache, and vomiting, none of which were bad. I took my second shot yesterday, and the gas was awful. The one thing that I really wanted to do was to lose some weight, and so far, I've lost 3 lbs. My appetite is slowly fading, but I have to watch myself because I'm still craving sweets at night. I have to make myself drink fluids, but luckily the one thing I did crave was Cokes, and I don't even think about them anymore. I love this med."

• San...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "My doctor suggested I take Ozempic to bring down my weight and lower my chances of becoming diabetic, which runs in the family. I am 67 and trying to stay healthy. Started a month ago on .25, things were okay, some nausea and decrease in appetite. Started this week on .5 and have been extremely sick, two days in and vomiting frequently. Already have acid reflux, and it is getting worse. The most embarrassing part was today, as I was walking in the street, it just came upon me, and I had to find a corner to vomit on-a horrible experience, to say the least. I want to stick it out and hope it will get better, but I'm not sure I can. My doctor projects a two-month regimen. Hopefully, I can make it, but honestly, if things do not improve on my next dose, I will not be taking it anymore. I question the high out-of-pocket cost for a drug that is causing me so much misery."

• Jul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2025

"I began taking this medication off-label for weight loss. I am on my second week and took my second shot last night. I felt my appetite decrease the first week. I threw up from nausea this morning. I think I ate too much yesterday. The med does slow down digestion to leave you feeling full longer. I did eat a normal serving of dinner but had eaten a couple of hours prior, and I just don't think my body could process all the food. I won't be giving up on the med. So far, the nausea/vomiting and perhaps some vision changes are the side effects I am noticing. My eyes seem tired, and it's not that I can't see, but they feel a bit strained. I should add that so far, I have lost 5 pounds in 7 days."

• 0ct...
• May 24, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was placed on Ozempic last year because Metformin has always caused awful nausea. I have never in my life had any issue with constipation until I started taking this medication. I was so sick with diarrhea and throwing up 3 weeks ago I thought I'd actually die. I have had bad rashes. I think they would have been worse if I were not on allergy medication. The latest rash is healing. I've never had to take laxatives until this medication. I'd rather deal with the nausea than rashes, vomiting, constipation, poor appetite, and legs feeling strange. I wasn't overweight, so that was not an issue. My numbers have never been more than 6.1. Then, when I read that it can cause death, that was the end all for me. It may help someone, but I'm not the someone! Medicine should make one better, not worse. When I first started this drug, I spoke with someone from the company that makes it about the constipation issue and also my doctor. They said that it would get better, but that hasn't happened."