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Ozempic User Reviews & Ratings

Ozempic has an average rating of 6.7 out of 10 from a total of 1,544 reviews on Drugs.com. 52% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 23% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Ozempic

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • 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."

1 / 10
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  • KCF...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 25, 2025

For Chronic Kidney Disease "I have been on Ozempic for the past 1 1/2 months. Gradually increased from 0.25 mg for 4 weeks, then 0.5 mg since then. After reading other reviews, the best tip I found was injecting into my thigh instead of the abdomen. Mild nausea, backache, and constipation the first 2 weeks, and nothing now but the feeling of fullness soon after eating, about 75% as much as usual. I have less interest in sugary or fried foods and have lost 12 pounds, about 2 pounds a week. At 74, my Type 2 diabetes is diet-controlled with good A1C's, so my primary use is for weight loss and preserving kidney functioning. The tiny 27 gauge needle is painless, just wish I had discovered Ozempic sooner!"

10 / 10
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  • Los...
  • November 10, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am a 70-year-old type 2 diabetic and was taking one Metformin 500 ER for the past year or so. My A1C was 11, and it dropped to 5.6 by changing my diet and taking the Metformin. My doctor wanted me to try Ozempic to help me lose weight and possibly eliminate the Metformin. The side effects were terrible right from the start. Nausea and diarrhea, no vomiting, just nausea. I started at 0.25 and am now up to 1.0. My appetite is gone completely. I have no desire to eat at all. When I do eat, I get full almost immediately. I have gone from 228 lb down to 202 lb in the six weeks I have been taking Ozempic. I'm thrilled with the weight loss, and the nausea and diarrhea have improved. However, I have almost stopped peeing. I go in the morning, then go all day into the evening without going. Since I suffer from incontinence, it's good, but I am worried that it might be damaging my kidneys. I hope I don't have to stop taking it, at least till I lose another 50 pounds or so."

7 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Sal...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 7, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started with .25 for 4 weeks, then .5 after that. I don't have much of an appetite, which is good because I do need to lose weight. I cannot finish a portion of food I usually eat. I have pain, burping, and constipation daily. I am okay in the morning when I wake up and after breakfast (eggs, oatmeal, or yogurt). I usually eat lunch-supper at 2-3 pm. The real pain and burning start 3-4 hours later and last till I go to bed. If I drink water, it gets worse. When I lie in bed, the pain goes away. I have not had problems with indigestion, so I wonder if this is causing it? I worry about kidney and pancreatitis. I will see my MD this coming week and discuss all this with him. I lost 10 lbs, and my A1C went from 10.3 to 9.1. Wonder how long it takes for the A1C to get below 7?"

2 / 10
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  • Nao...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • April 9, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "My A1C had gone up as high as 8.0, and my doctor kept adding medications to my arsenal of drugs to control my diabetes. I was taking so many drugs but was getting terrible side effects, including kidney stones, liver enzymes over 600, diarrhea, nausea, and finally, I was hospitalized and taken off all my drugs, but then my diabetes was out of control. Finally, my GI specialist recommended starting with Ozempic .5, and that's when everything started to change. At first, I didn't see much change in my weight loss, so my doctor raised it to 1mm. It was then that I saw my A1C go down to 7.2, and I had lost 10 pounds without trying. Now I have been taking Ozempic for over a year, and my A1C is down to 6.7, and I dropped 20 pounds. I don't have any side effects unless I overeat, which I avoid. If I overeat, I get an uncomfortable feeling in my stomach, but within a short period, it subsides. I wish my mother would have had the ability to get Ozempic 10 years ago, maybe she'd be alive today."

10 / 10
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  • Sus...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 24, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Well, so far, my experience with Ozempic has not been great. I started out using the 0.25 mg and never had any nausea at all, no lethargy...nothing. My doctor then suggested I increase my dosage to 1 mg, and that, for me, was a HUGE mistake. I have kidney issues, and I began noticing that I was having to urinate less and less frequently, not to mention the constant nausea and extreme lethargy. I felt awful and decided not to do this medication any longer. Since quitting, I feel 100% better, my energy has come back with regular trips to the bathroom now. I would rather have my sugar be a little elevated than wind up on dialysis. For everyone that is on this medication, I wish you the best of luck, and I hope this helps your sugar levels, it just wasn't meant for me."

1 / 10
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  • Ed3...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 15, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "A1c improved, also prescribed for cardiovascular risk. I also lost 15 pounds, from 192 to 177 in 18 weeks. This is my second time on Ozempic, the first time was about 5 years ago. A1c again improved and weight decreased from 210 pounds to 180 pounds, and I obviously, over the 5 years, gained back 12 pounds. I am a Caucasian male, 78 years old, 5 ft. 11 inches tall, and a 100% combat-wounded disabled veteran. I have had an Agent Orange-related cancer, and I am also service-connected for ischemic heart disease from Agent Orange exposure and high blood pressure. My kidney function improved while on the medication, from moderate stage 3 to moderate stage 2. My chronic pain levels have decreased, probably from increased weight loss."

10 / 10
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More FAQ

  • Tam...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 9, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was scared at first, just like I guess anybody. Now from the commercials on TV about lawsuits, and you could get cancer or kidney problems, pancreatic cancer or gallbladder problems. But I ain't going to lie, I like it. It's not bothering me whatsoever. I've lost weight, my blood sugars not what it's supposed to be, but it's came down a lot. It's very expensive, thank God I've got insurance that will pay for it. But other than, you know, maybe a couple of stomach aches that I had right at first, it's leveled off and it's fine, and I'm on the lowest dose there is, my doctor said. So I'm fixing to up it, hopefully, and let's see how much weight I can lose and how much better my blood levels can get!!! I recommend you give it a try and see if it will work as good on you too. I'm not getting paid for writing this. I don't write reviews a lot sometimes, but I didn't have nothing else to do, so I thought I would... I'm 52 years old, I'm overweight, and I take metformin. Also, my blood sugar is getting better. 5⭐s"

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 25, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "After 2 injections of .25, I started having watery diarrhea. On day 3, I woke up and the diarrhea had leaked out and was in my underwear. I started violently vomiting that same evening. This was day 4 of diarrhea, now with vomiting. My blood sugar levels kept crashing. I rushed to the ER, I had an X-ray, every lab work/panel you can think of, and a CT scan - nothing. Ozempic is the only culprit. I am texting this review from my hospital bed. I was admitted and put on fluids and a liquid diet. They are trying to keep the nausea under control and stop these symptoms before it affects my kidneys from being dehydrated. The Ozempic has been thrown in the garbage, but I don't know how long the nightmare from that so-called medicine will last."

1 / 10
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  • THH...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 10, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was hospitalized with acute global amnesia, and during the stay, my A1C was checked and was 10.9. I had not been managing my type 2 diabetes as well as I thought. I was given insulin 4 times in 24 hours to reduce my blood sugar, and the treating physician wanted to put me on insulin. Being reliant on insulin scares me more than fighting a rabid bear. I watched too many relatives die reliant on insulin and having kidney, liver, and cardiac issues resulting in early death. I agreed to increasing, and actually taking Metformin and taking Ozempic. I had some minor gastro issues as I started the medication. After 4 months, my A1C was 5.4 with 1 mg/week Ozempic and 1000 mg twice daily Metformin. Additionally, I dropped from 220 to 200 pounds. After 9 months, a follow-up A1C resulted in 6.1, which can be accounted for by the absence of gastrointestinal issues and a sweet tooth."

9 / 10
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  • 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."

5 / 10
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  • Sue...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 9, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "Within 3 days of the initial 0.25 mg dosage, my glucose was at 148. My glucose was at 260 fasting previously for months. After three months, presently at a 0.5 mg dosage, my A1c has gone from 8.2 to 6.0. I have lost 16 pounds in three months but have greatly decreased my caloric intake, so I do not credit Ozempic solely with the weight loss. I still have an appetite. Many other people who I know that are taking it say they do not even want to look at food, but that has not been my experience. I have been nauseated since day one on this drug, but I’ll tolerate the nausea for the impact on my glucose. This effect is solely due to Ozempic and diet. No other diabetic drugs are being taken. It is very convenient to use, as you only inject once a week. I am very concerned about the effect of thyroid issues/cancer in animal testing, but I guess it’s better than blindness, kidney disease, etc., that I will most certainly have if I don’t get my diabetes type 2 under control."

8 / 10
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  • 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."

1 / 10
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  • Jea...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 17, 2025

"I have been using Ozempic for 6 weeks at a dose of 0.5 mg. I am losing just over 1 kg per week. I am happy because this weight loss places less burden on my kidneys. I am focused on drinking plenty of water with Ozempic in my condition. Initially, I felt very nauseous, but now that has worn off (perhaps because I inject into my thigh rather than my abdomen?). I do not overeat anymore and am free to make healthier choices. I am not diabetic. My eGFR or kidney function is stable. My resting heart rate has increased. My doctor says Ozempic may help prevent heart issues or delay further kidney decline once I reach the dose of 1 mg per week. I am over 50 years old and have had a shingles outbreak. Not sure if Ozempic is affecting my immune system? Overall, I'm happy with Ozempic and its ease of use."

8 / 10
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  • Dee...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 18, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Ozempic lowered my A1C, and I lost weight due to the constant nausea and diarrhea. When I was on the 0.25 dose, the stomach issues were there but not as severe. Once I went up to the 0.5 dose, the diarrhea was constant. I lost over 22 lbs in 4 weeks. I was unable to eat most foods because I lost my taste or the food made my stomach turn. I became severely dehydrated and ended up in the hospital for 3 days because my potassium and magnesium were at dangerously low levels, as well as my kidneys were not working properly. Needless to say, I will never use this medication again."

1 / 10
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  • 46y...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 24, 2024

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I have been diagnosed recently (Aug 2024) with prediabetes, a very close call towards Type 2 Diabetes. Underlying health issues include high cholesterol, arthritis, receding spinal fluids, sleep apnea, and ultimately a walking cardiac arrest risk. I am 182 cm tall, 99 kg, at 46 years old, a guy who has been struggling with weight management seems like forever. Body fat of 28%, visceral fat level 14, waist size of 38. My endocrinologist put me on Ozempic first on a 0.25 mg/week dosage for 4 weeks. After that, he added piolet and increased to 0.5 mg/week for another 4 weeks. My testosterone level dropped from 20 to 7 after 1 month of use of Ozempic, and I was given a shot of Nebido. My testosterone rose up to 15. Now, at the end of Dec 2024, my weight is 82 kg, 18% body fat, visceral fat level 7, testosterone 19, normal sugar, kidney, liver level, while keeping Ozempic at 1 mg/week, not needing to increase further. No side effects at all from taking Ozempic, luckily."

10 / 10
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  • Chu...
  • October 1, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "After a period of 6 months, I have lost a few pounds and my A1C certainly has been in a better range. However, I have bouts of confusion, headaches, flatulence, and now a rash under one armpit and frequent kidney infections. I do not know if Ozempic is the cause of the issues, but they are mentioned in the side effect list. I have contacted my physician for advice and was told to withhold it for a week to see if the issues subside."

9 / 10
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  • 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."

2 / 10
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  • sth...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 27, 2023

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I dropped 12 lbs. the first month without dieting in any form. About two weeks later (currently), I am having problems with my blood pressure bottoming out with the need to sleep. This is currently being worked up as I have chronic kidney disease, Grade 3, plus some lung issues. It is my hope this is not from the Ozempic as I think it is a fantastic medication for those that need to lose weight, especially fast, whether in the mood to diet or not."

8 / 10
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  • Nev...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 28, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started this drug at 6 pm on Sunday, and by 9 pm, I was feeling nauseous, so I went to bed early, hoping to feel better when I woke up. At 3 am, choking on my own vomit. After puking my guts out, my right kidney felt like it had been punched about a dozen times and my stomach pumped. Felt lightheaded. Talked to my doctor on Monday, and he gave me instructions for rehydrating, so I followed instructions hoping to feel better the next day. No way, instead my symptoms worsened to include diarrhea, and I almost went to the ER but could barely walk, let alone drive. It’s been 72 hours since I’ve had any food at all. The doctor said today that I should feel better tomorrow...he said that yesterday, too. Hopefully, he’s right. This medication is the worst! I do not recommend and will not take anymore."

1 / 10
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  • Sha...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 28, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "Type II diabetic with kidney disease. Been on Ozempic 18 weeks, and at 2.0 for 4 weeks. I felt great at 1.0, but not at 2.0. Lethargy and headaches non-stop now. Will see Dr. to go back to 1.0 after blood work. Good news: A1C went from 7.3 to 6.5. Glucose now close to normal range. Previously was between 260-335. Kidney function increased from 30-37. Lost 44 lbs. I am 62 and on disability."

9 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • April 28, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic to hopefully lower my always high blood sugar. Even on high doses of insulin, my blood sugar stayed around 200. Ozempic not only lowered my blood sugar, I also lost about 15 pounds. Unfortunately, there was a shortage, and I was off of it, and then the dose was lowered. I gained the weight back, and my blood sugar went up. I am now on it regularly, and it keeps my sugars fairly normal. Occasionally, I do get annoying sulfur burps, and I do have bloating and constipation. My eyes and kidneys are okay."

7 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 8, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "After taking Metformin and my doctor seeing it could cause kidney problems, he switched me to Pioglitazone. I asked if there was something that would help me lose weight (5'11", 270 lbs). He prescribed Ozempic 2.5 to handle both T2 diabetes and help with weight. It has aided in keeping my glucose down around the 100 mark, and I have lost down to 247, and that's in less than a year. I only eat when I am hungry, which is never, but eat for nutrition in smaller amounts. I am pleased so far with the product. I did find out through research that it slows the stomach emptying, which explains a pooched stomach for a few days until I can evacuate it. So eating less in quantity and more in quality helps with that."

10 / 10
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  • dar...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • January 5, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took Ozempic for about a year, and yes, A1C went down. I lost some weight, but now I am in total kidney failure. If you are on this, make sure you get blood tests done every month!"

1 / 10
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  • Ore...
  • January 17, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was on Ozempic for 8 months. Nausea and vomiting and kidney stones. Kidney stones every month I was on it. Had to have surgery twice. Went off Ozempic, no more kidney stones."

1 / 10
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