Ozempic and Vomiting: What Users Say

• Dou...
• January 19, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took one Ozempic injection at 0.25 and ended up at the ER 2 days later. I had horrible bloating. Burping smelled like eggs. Unstoppable vomiting and diarrhea. I only took one injection and stopped the medicine. It has been 2 weeks and the medicine is still making me sick. I'm just wondering how long it takes to fully leave your system? I just want to feel human again. I was tested for pancreatitis but was okay, but the doctor said they will repeat labs soon. I don't recommended this medication to anyone! Please be safe taking this medication."

• 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."

• Soo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I've been on Ozempic for just over a week now as part of a physician-run weight loss program. I was told to expect some GI upset, but I had no idea it would be this bad. Seven days after taking it, I started with diarrhea. One day after injection number 2 (2.5mg), I was up all night with diarrhea, nausea, severe reflux, belching, and eventually vomiting. Medications like Pepto can't seem to touch it. I am going to talk to the doctor next week and see what he thinks. I really don't think it is worth this kind of suffering."

• 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."

• Bea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Ozempic for 6 months now. After the first few injections, I was so sick, vomiting, and diarrhea all the time. I called the doc and said I couldn’t take this anymore. Of course, I lost weight, as I couldn’t keep anything in me. I researched the medication itself to understand exactly what it was & how it worked. I decided to stay on it. My A1c was 8.8 when I started. 3 months later, 6.4. I am down 36 pounds. I have been exercising regularly for 3 months now, running 3.5 miles 5 times a week. The confidence and energy from the weight loss outweighs all the negative side effects in the beginning for me! Blood sugar control is excellent, and I suspect will only improve after the continued weight loss. I have stalled with weight loss twice now, but not giving up, and sticking to my exercise (changing it up a bit to gain more muscle to burn fat), I have been able to overcome the stalls and continue to lose. Complete game changer medication for me!!"

• Fif...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "On week 4 now, honestly, the first 2 weeks were a nightmare. Doctors don’t tell you to stay away from fatty foods and not to overeat. If they did, I wouldn’t have had the most horrible sulfur burps that made my eyes water, projectile vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, not to mention constant nausea even during the night. I finally figured out not to eat too much and to avoid fatty foods completely! This was a game changer, and now I’m doing okay. I've lost 21 pounds so far, which is mad, but mostly because in 2 weeks I’ve eaten probably 4000 calories. I’m back to wanting to eat again but have to control myself or face the terrible consequences. Blood sugars are all over the place, as you can imagine, however, insulin sensitivity is way better. It just takes time to get used to. Hope this helps."

• 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."

• 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."

• Deb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 25, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started using Ozempic in Feb 2023. During the first three weeks, I experienced a lot of vomiting and diarrhea, so I stopped using it. I waited for three weeks and then tried again. However, after two injections, I became severely dehydrated and ended up in the ICU at the Heart Center. I had collapsed at a baby shower due to dehydration and was experiencing blood loss in my stools, anemia, and electrolyte imbalances. I could have died, but thankfully, I am still here to share my story. Ozempic may work for some, but it is definitely not for me."

• MIC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "A1C was 6.2 with Metformin. Went on Ozempic for 3 months. I had side effects of bad nausea, vomiting, and watery diarrhea. Lost 27 lbs. Couldn't eat 4/7 days. My A1C now 5.6, and it is not worth it for me."

• 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."

• Tuu...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 23, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started with 0.25 Ozempic in November 2020 and upped my dosage to 0.5 in January 2021. My A1C is the same as when I was taking 2000 mg Metformin daily (5.1-5.3%). My doctor decided to switch me to help with weight loss and manage my pre-diabetes. I have lost 47 lbs, which is great, but it isn't a healthy way to lose weight. I met with a GI specialist and was diagnosed with gastroparesis, they had me discontinue Ozempic to see if my symptoms would disappear. That was 6 weeks ago, and my stomach is still paralyzed. I have sulfur burps, diarrhea, severe constipation, and vomiting daily. I now have to eat a low FODMAP diet and can only manage a few mouthfuls of food at a time. I have no quality of life anymore, I can no longer enjoy many of the things I used to, which has caused me severe anxiety and depression. While the weight loss benefits sound appealing, please think twice before taking this drug."

• jas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 31, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Warning, this stuff will make you sick. I have been taking this for 2 months. In the first month, I had terrible diarrhea. It got so bad I ended up going to the hospital. I told my doctor, and he said he doubted it was Ozempic, so I tried it again in the 2nd month on a higher dose, and the 2nd week in, again I was terribly ill, vomiting for 4 days straight with intermittent diarrhea and feeling absolutely awful. My night sleep is very broken with stomach pains, increased wind, nausea. I'm now stopping using it."

• 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."

• Wen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 30, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "Hospitalized twice with severe abdominal pain and nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Second visit had a gastric emptying study done. Normal gastric emptying is 30 min, mine was 800 min. Basically, this med damaged the vagus nerve and paralyzed my stomach, not allowing food to empty. Severe symptoms. Missed work, hospitalized a total of over 2 weeks. Praying my stomach returns to normal. Diagnosed with gastroparesis caused by Ozempic."

• 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."

• Suz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started on Ozempic in January this year. I have been type 2 diabetic for over 15 years. I was on metformin but found my A1C increasing, so it was recommended that I try this. I have had no problems with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pains, etc. that others have had. I have lost 26 lbs and am using 1 ml per week. I started with the .25, after two weeks increased to .5, and then after 4 weeks increased to 1 ml. My daily blood test has decreased down from around 10-11 to 4.5-6, and my A1C reduced down from 11 to 8, that was 2 months ago. I will redo next month. I truly think it will be down under 7 when I do it. For me, it is the miracle drug, I feel so much better, and with the weight loss, I feel less tired. I am sure it does not work for everyone, but for those it does, it is a very good product. I did have to get approval through my endocrinologist for my drug plan to cover this. Those without a drug plan would be well advised to think carefully as it is very expensive."

• Dis...
• August 30, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic and had no issue with the initial dose of .25. When I had the second dose, I had minor nausea and definitely noticed not feeling as hungry. Five days later, I had severe diarrhea and very foul-tasting burping. The next day, I was okay. Then the following day, I had diarrhea again. I thought maybe stomach virus. Imodium helped me get through the rest of the day. Then it was the day I take my shot (Sunday night). Monday was okay, and then it started again with the terrible-tasting burps, severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. I was unable to eat anything except ice chips. The diarrhea has continued for now the third day. I literally can’t be more than 10 steps from the bathroom. I’ve only had water, chicken broth, 1 banana, 1/2 cup applesauce, 1/2 cup plain rice, and 1 cup apple juice and still can’t stay away from the bathroom. I’ve lost 7 pounds since starting Ozempic, 4 of them have been this week. This is not how I want to lose weight."

• Ter...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 1, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "After 6 weeks, I cried 'uncle!' (admit defeat). Severe and profuse diarrhea, ++ nausea, and bouts of ++ vomiting, and stomach pain all the time caused me to give up on this drug. Lost only 5 pounds in 5 weeks, and I'm sure it was from the extreme GI issues and inability to eat more than 500-600 calories on bad days - mostly just soup! Felt like I had food poisoning for 6 weeks straight. Was hopeful for this drug, but it totally didn't work for me, and the side effects were unbearable - and I'm a tough cookie."

• Gre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Took first Ozempic shot in doctor's office. Felt okay through the week. Took second shot and started getting sick that night. Diarrhea and vomiting. My wife had to help me off the floor of the bathroom. Missed 2 days of work. Had to make an emergency visit to the doctor to get pills to stop vomiting. And the sulfur burps were horrible."

• Chu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have taken Ozempic for about 6 months. I take it every Wednesday. By Wednesday night, I am experiencing the sulfur burps. Then comes the vomiting and diarrhea. This reaction has gradually gotten worse as time goes by. I ended up in the ER this last weekend to get fluids and to make sure I wasn’t getting pancreatitis. After four days of this, my digestive system is returning to normal. I have lost weight (26 lbs). But, if you can’t keep anything down, you certainly will. I consider this a dangerous drug, and the FDA needs to remove it from the approved drugs."

• 9ru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Absolutely horrific. I get it works for most people, but unfortunately not me (and should not be promoted as a miracle drug that can help all obese people lose weight, as it doesn't work for everyone). I took 0.25 (the smallest dose) for 3 weeks and nothing (I yo-yoed with my weight; lost a bit then gained it again). After 3 weeks (not sure why 3 weeks for me), the main side effects kicked in. Diarrhea/loose stools, constipation, vomiting, nausea. Worst side effect was for 3 nights in a row, at about 3 a.m. I projectile vomited. First night I almost aspirated and choked on my own vomit trying to make it to the toilet without throwing up. Second night, even though I had the bathroom bin next to my bed, I was still projectile vomiting, and I couldn't sleep as I had a panic attack that I'd pass away overnight and my family would find me dead as I couldn't breathe as I had undigested food stuck in my esophagus. Gave up after 5 weeks of the lowest dose."

• Bis...
• April 7, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am going on week 11 with Ozempic, and have lost 24 pounds. I have had all 5 of the main side effects, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. I am happy with the weight loss, so am learning to manage these. By trial and error, I've found that I can't eat much at one time (don't really want to), need to avoid fatty foods, drink lots of fluids, and take Senna laxative every night for the constipation, and keep Zofran around to help with nausea. Yes, these first few weeks have been difficult, but the weight loss is worth it to me. Plus, the side effects get less the longer I'm on Ozempic. I am currently on 1.0 mg and think that's quite enough. I am rarely hungry and often have to make myself eat. I hope to lose 65 pounds total."

• 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."