Semaglutide and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 2)

• hum...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 7, 2024

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor started me at the 0.25 mg dose for the first 2 weeks, then increased it to the 0.5 mg dose after that. Having taken the Byetta injections over 10 years ago (had to stop due to developing pancreatitis), using the Ozempic is similar, except for taking only once per week instead of taking several times a day with the Byetta. When I first started the Ozempic, I had nausea and constipation symptoms. At times, I still have some nausea, but it subsides quickly. After several weeks of being on the Ozempic, the constipation has decreased and I have developed a once-daily routine for bowel movements, which is okay by me... LOL. (Had my gallbladder out a year ago.) I have lost 14 lbs. since the start (over 4 months ago). I am still trying to regulate my diet to get the best advantage of the medication, but I work the night shift. I am happy with my Hemoglobin A1C levels, it dropped from 6.7 down to 6.2 in 1 month. Hoping it drops even further with the next lab work."

• gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Used for 3 months last year - kept weight off. Using 3 months this year. - So far lost a total of 30 lbs. Biggest side effect - constipation. Dose every 8-10 days."

• Ben...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 21, 2024

Semaglutide for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Severe constipation. Regained the weight as soon as I ceased medication."

• Dut...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2024

Semaglutide for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm almost 2 meters long, and when I started, I was more than 157 kg. Within 11 weeks, I lost 22 kg. Almost every week, I lost 1.5 kg and more after the big water loss. For me, it's an addition to the bigger plan. Yes, I use Wegovy (now on 1 mg), but I also go to the gym 5 times a week and add some hour-long walks to my day. And yes, I also have a strict timeframe where I have my meals. And yes, they are mostly veggies and some yogurt with some granola for some fiber. I had some side effects like heartburn, burping, constipation, and I'm more tired than before. But I think that's a normal thing to process, especially when you make the transition. If you are seriously overweight, please consider this medicine as a small part of the bigger plan!"

• Bar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 3, 2024

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "I had already lost 60 lb before taking Ozempic. I've been on Ozempic for about 5 months and have lost another 10 lbs (now at 220#). I have found that eating oatmeal and taking an OTC anti-diarrheal, I handle these problems very well. The good news is my A1c is now 6.3. My morning finger sticks run between 95 and 107. Once a week very easy to use. I don't even feel the injections. The bad news: recurring diarrhea, constipation, and stomach gas and belching."

• All...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 23, 2024

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "I was prescribed Ozempic because of type 2 diabetes, an overweight condition, and needing a quadruple bypass surgery. Ozempic immediately started my weight loss journey, I had a surgery wait time of 15 weeks. In that time, I lost close to 60 lbs. Post-surgery, I lost another 10 lbs. 2.5 years later, I am a happy 75-year-old male maintaining a weight of 45 to 49 lbs. My side effects are gastrointestinal, primarily. I cycle through constipation and diarrhea week by week. My appetite has been reduced, my energy has increased. I now take 0.75 mg weekly, my A1C last time was 6.4. For me, the benefit of taking Ozempic far outweighs the negatives of using the drug. This is just one person's experience, I assume that everyone has their own unique experience with this drug. I have to say that mine has been all positive."

• Dav...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 23, 2024

Semaglutide "I started using Rybelsus in October of 2023. My starting dosage was 3 mg, and then raised to 7 mg about 4 months later. I have encountered redness, hives, and itching on my calves, scaly skin, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, cramping, and dizziness. Most of those symptoms have gone away. I take it each morning alone and do not take anything else for at least 30 minutes. When I get to work, an hour later, I take my heart and blood pressure medicine (for Afib). I gained a lot of weight for multiple reasons. The main reason was because of depression and chronic back disease. I just had lower back fusion, which has stopped my back pain. This means I can exercise now without severe pain. The good news: since I have been taking Rybelsus, I have lost 70 pounds. I now weigh 330, and by January 1, 2025, I want to be 299. It works, but does have side effects. The key is using it as directed and learning to eat smaller, healthier food portions."

• lou...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 13, 2024

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "Truly a miracle drug! Took it for 6 months in 2023, and it changed my life!! The only side effects I had were constipation, but I'm not sure because I still have it. I also lost my taste for booze and cigarettes, which I was using quite a bit. But most of all, Ozempic changed my eating habits-no cravings, especially for the steaks and sides I used to eat three or four times a week. I started working out at the end of 6 months, my A1C dropped from 7+ to 6, blood sugar to 120 and 130. I lost 30 pounds and felt great. As my weight went down, so did all the other meds. I asked to stay on it till I lost another 15 pounds, but Kaiser and the doctor would not give it to me. They had no real reason but said it had too many side effects and I was too old (75). It was $$$ is why."

• DM2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2024

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "At first I was scared to use it because I am insulin resistant and I know this is not insulin, but still a hormone. The worst side effect I had was the constipation, but that resolved in about a month. Now I love this medication! Blood glucose stays in the normal range and my A1c has dropped from 7.3 to 6.5, and that's after 5-6 weeks! I've not lost weight, but my goal is for glucose maintenance."

• Kpm...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 11, 2024

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "Been on Ozempic for almost a year now. Moved up the rank of doses and was on 1 mg for 6 months. The side effects I noticed mostly were the burping and constipation. Bathroom issues might be caused by another med. Lowered my levels substantially. Per my doctor, increased to 2 mg as of yesterday. So far, so good. Not interested in eating, but made myself eat some chicken noodle soup and really tired today. This med has worked for me in the best way possible. Eat small, frequent, light meals. Keep in contact with your doctor concerning your other meds. I am on 1000 mg Metformin, don't want levels dropping too low. You know your body and what is right for it. Sending my best to all."

• Weg...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 4, 2024

Semaglutide for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started on Wegovy on the 1st of June 2023. My weight was 109.7 kg. I started losing 1-2 kg per week at the start. Afterwards, the loss was more between 0.2-0.7 kg. I did not attend the gym or do exercises last year. I have started going to the gym now. My weight now in August 2024 is 73 kg. I have not experienced any side effects besides constipation. The plan is that after the end of August, I will start going down on the dosage and will fully stop taking it at the end of this year. My doctor told me that some of her other patients who have fully stopped it have managed to keep their weight by regularly exercising and by continuing to eat healthy, not overeating."

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2024

Semaglutide "I noticed my husband, who is diabetic, losing weight even though his food intake was not lessened much. For myself, I exercise for approximately 2 hours every day, eat very little, and my weight does not shift. So, in trying Ozempic, in one month, I have lost 10 lbs (eating some naughty things) but mostly just eating like 'normal' people. I feel like I can cheat a little, and my body still eliminates the calories. Being tired of not enjoying food and feeling guilty if I did was a terrible trap. This weight loss keeps me encouraged. I feel no side effects that I have not had from dieting in the past, like diarrhea or constipation, but the diarrhea only lasted a day. The constipation lasted 4 days, and then I was fine. I am a normal, healthy person, so using this drug does not cause me any other side effects. Listing every possible side effect is just a legal requirement, in my opinion. I take a 1 mg dose, am a 67-year-old woman, and have tried every possible form of weight loss. In 67 years, I finally feel free!"

• Kar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am pleased with the results so far but I have had some stomach pain. I also suffer from constipation, so my usual daily dosage is a Magnesium 250 mg gel tab. I have now added 2 teaspoons of Benefiber to my diet. It does help to process the food along my upper stomach. The pain is not all that bad for the benefits. I really do not have an appetite like I did before. I have included more protein and salad and seafood into my diet."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2024

Semaglutide for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Wegovy for 5 months. I have nothing but good things to say about it. I have lost almost 50 lbs and it has given me my life back. I was overweight and depressed for years after having my last child. The only side effect I have had is some occasional constipation. This medication is amazing!"

• Pri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 10, 2024

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "I don't know for sure, but I was in the hospital last week for constipation pain and found out through CT that I was constipated. I also have lumps on my throat. I have lowered my A1C and my weight."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 8, 2024

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "I was a 63-year-old female when I started Ozempic. 5'2", 208#. A1C of 7.2. History of stroke, cardiovascular disease, Hashimoto's, fibromyalgia, and the list goes on. At the beginning, I had some nausea, but not terribly. I have been on it for 14 months and have lost 85#! From 208# to 125#. Average about 5#/month. When increased to 2.0, I had some issues with constipation but worked through it. Now, with a normal BMI, A1C is at 4.9 and steady. Continuing at 2.0 to maintain. I would highly recommend this to anyone! Following recent labs, my endocrinologist sent a message, 'Diabetes is in remission!' Woohoo! Good luck, everyone!"

• big...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2024

Semaglutide for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This is the first week at the 1mg dose, I lost 8 pounds last week. Before this, I was too scared to get on the scales, but I can feel I have lost significant weight. I have reduced appetite and cravings for sweet things that started almost immediately upon starting the drug. The only side effects I have had were, around week 3, constipation and trapped wind that caused waves of stomach pain for a few days. In the UK, you are supposed to be able to get this on the NHS if your BMI is over a certain level with associated health issues. However, no funding has been provided, so I am paying around £150-200 per month. This is offset by reduced food costs and alcohol costs that make it almost pay for itself."

• Bre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2024

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "Started with the 0.25 dose & after 5 weeks went to 0.50. Side effects were minimal, mostly just an upset stomach for the first day after a shot. Pens were easy to use & directions easy to follow. My A1c went from 10.3 to 6.2 after 90 days & I lost 22 lbs. I made significant dietary changes, which were helped because overeating gave me that 'too full to move' feeling you get on Thanksgiving, even with small portions. I eat 4-5 times a day but in small portions & calories under 1200 daily. Constipation was avoided by an increase in fiber/vegetables and water."

• Pat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2024

Semaglutide "I have been on Metformin for many years and A1C kept climbing. MD prescribed Ozempic. Started 0.025 1x per week for 4 weeks. Really decreased my appetite. Continued 2nd month on 0.50 with no side effects. Now on max dose of 2.0 mg per week for the last 4 months and have lost a total of 25 lbs. Main problem is constipation, but once taking 1 dose of Miralax per day, eat Raisin Bran and fruit, and more veggies and lots of water, it improved. Has cleared that up. Also got the doc to prescribe Zofran for nausea, and all is great! Take the Zofran in the am and you prevent it altogether! I have never read a review where anyone said they took steps to help their side effects, so thought I'd let you know what works for me! I have gone down 2 pants sizes after losing just 25 lbs. A1C is down from 6.4 to 5.7, cholesterol and triglycerides normal. It's a game changer, just get what you need from your doc to prevent the nausea and constipation, and you will be amazed!"

• ADC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2024

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "I’ve been on Ozempic for 14 weeks for type 2 diabetes after I had allergic reactions to Metformin. I started with .25 for 1 month, then .5 for another month, then 1 mg. I had minimal side effects, but I did find that I had some bad bouts of anxiety, which lasted for about 2 weeks. The one physical side effect I have had is constipation, but no nausea, no diarrhea, no headaches. It’s been a very good decision to take Ozempic, my blood sugar levels are close to normal, and I’ve lost 20 lbs so far. I have found that drinking water helps and small meals is key. I found during my loading phase that I could tell when the Ozempic was working and when it was waning, and when I finally got to 1 mg, I felt like it was working all week."

• Ava...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 22, 2023

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor prescribed Ozempic in 2017 to manage blood glucose levels. The side effects I’ve experienced are not drinking as much fluids, constipation, not urinating as much, and weight loss. I’ve learned what works best for me is to keep up with my fluid intake daily and increase the fiber in my diet. My hard work is paying off with the help of Ozempic, a healthier diet, and exercise. I’m maintaining an A1C below 6.0 using a maintenance dose of 0.5 mg subcutaneously once weekly."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I just took my 10th week subcutaneous injection. I have lost 22 pounds and overall am feeling great. I do have some fatigue and constipation. I have increased my fiber intake and use polyethylene glycol as needed. The biggest thing is a healthy diet and exercise. I lost 20 pounds before I started the medication, so I thought that it would be a nice way to jumpstart my weight loss. I will be at the regular dose on week 12 and plan to continue on the medication until I reach my goal weight and then slowly come off of it by tapering my dose. I work one-on-one with my nurse practitioner and check in with her weekly to discuss my goals, diet, and side effects of medication. I would recommend semaglutide if you have trouble losing weight with just diet and exercise. I am happy that I decided to proceed with this treatment. It is expensive, and I pay for 100% of it out of pocket. I never thought I could give myself injections, but the needles are so small and I hardly feel them."

• msB...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 8, 2023

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on it for about a year now. So far, I haven't had much in the way of side effects. The only thing I have noticed is some nausea and reduced appetite, especially when I increase the dose. Constipation also has been an issue off and on. I have experienced the bonus of weight loss while on it, losing 27 pounds so far. It has definitely helped my blood sugar, as I have been able to reduce the amount of insulin needed by 6 units so far, and it is rare I need to use any shorter-acting insulin at all. Pleased with my results so far."

• Fit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Semaglutide 0.25 mg SQ weekly. Excellent results suppressing hunger and cravings. Only side effects were constipation and some hair loss (minimal, just noticeable when washing my hair, no patches or bald spots). I found it to be very helpful, and the side effects were minimal."

• Edd...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 3, 2023

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "Around November 1, 2022, my doctor told me I had to face the fact I was a Type 2 diabetic. Although my A1C was 5.9, my fasting glucose was 147, and my triglycerides were close to 600. I am 6' 1" tall, and my weight was 278 pounds, which made me obese. It is now June 1, 2023. I am 68 years old. After 6 months, without even dieting, my weight is 231 pounds, my fasting glucose was 92 and 100 (measured on two occasions), my triglycerides were down below 200, and my A1C was 4.6. The side effects from Ozempic are as others say-- gas (which is countered by taking Gas-X chewable pills), constipation, and sometimes diarrhea. It is manageable. I was raised to 2 mg of Ozempic within 3 months, which is what I am on now. One thing I have learned is that you cannot overeat. If you do, you will regret it. You must eat manageable portions spread out throughout the day. I plan to increase my exercise routines, but Ozempic is working without it."