Semaglutide and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started in 3 mg, now in 7 mg. My blood sugars have come down enormously, I have lost about a stone in weight after being on it for 4 months. You must take it first thing with just a dash of water, don’t eat or drink for half an hour. The side effects are a bit brutal but do die down, bit of constipation and food suppression. Feel better than I have in a long while on this tablet."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 5, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I wanted to warn people of the side effects, as my doctor did not prepare me for this med. I am very glad I didn't try to work, otherwise, I would have lost my job or, at the very least, been written up for various reasons. On it for a month. I tried spacing out the second shot and never ended up taking the last injection. Side effects: severe fatigue, severe hair loss, decreased hormones, severe headaches, changes in your sleep architecture, bad nightmares for all sleep, naps, and overnight. Warning: if you have PTSD, that may mess with you. Bladder urgency and UTI symptoms started on day 3 and were constant the whole time on the med, I had to take AZO. Bloating, burping, throwing up, and all food smells make you sick, severe constipation, hypoglycemia, and increased binge eating. I also had increased topical psoriasis and arthritis pain. Started having problems with my foot and wondering if it's impacting ligaments. I am getting that checked out. Did not reduce the need to eat, no weight loss."

• Rit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "For the first three weeks on this drug, I had oscillating constipation and diarrhea. I felt very nauseous and did not want to eat much. After upping the dosage, the digestive problems have decreased, but I still feel nauseous and don't have much of an appetite. I have been on it since November and have lost 16 lbs. with Metformin, diet, and exercise."

• Rem...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Other medications I am required to take have caused increased appetite and subsequently weight gain. Almost immediately after starting Wegovy (0.5), I wasn't hungry, was not craving carbs or sweets, and was able to eat good food and be satisfied with less than half the amount of food I usually had. In seven weeks, I have lost 9 kilos. It seems effortless after years of dieting. Side effects are definitely constipation and dehydration. I did have a problem with the pen on week 4, wasn't sure I got the dosage, but seems ok so far."

• Cla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 12, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I just got my A1C after 3.5 months on Rybelsus (one month at 3 mg and 2.5 at 7 mg), and I’m very excited that it’s dropped from 7.8 to 6.5! I have had some side effects - mainly stomach pain, gas, and occasional constipation - but the results are worth it. I haven’t had any significant weight loss, but my BMI was under 27 to start with, and because we had Thanksgiving recently, I normally would have gained a couple of pounds. If you have just started and are having side effects, try to hang in there. The first month was the worst for me."

• Hoo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2025

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I wanted to lose about 45 pounds and asked my cardiologist to prescribe Wegovy because I have cardiovascular disease. I'm on a Medicare Advantage insurance, and the med was approved. I have been on it for 2.5 months and am down 25 pounds. I haven't had any noticeable side effects except insane constipation. I already had issues with that, so I take a Linzess every morning, and that does the trick. I started noticing the curbed appetite the day after my first dose. It's not as intense now, but I have zero food noise, and I just can't eat like I used to. I have had migraines for 35+ years, and I haven't had one since starting Wegovy. I don't think it's my weight loss or improved eating habits, I think it's the medication. Before I became disabled, I was a size 4 and ate very healthy, but had 12+ migraine days per month. I inject my dose in the stomach each week and have never had any reaction to the injection. Overall, I am thrilled with Wegovy so far."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 9, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "No adverse side effects. Just took 8th injection and last at 0.5 mg. Next week, dosage goes to 1 mg. Down 16 pounds in 7 weeks. I was already taking Metamucil every morning, so no constipation as some have reported, but I am having less bowel movements now. I imagine I would be constipated without it. Also take Nexium daily, so heartburn really hasn't been an issue more than it already was. Started at 6 ft and 251 pounds. Was 235 today. Goal is between 180 and 200."

• Arc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Began Wegovy three weeks ago, have lost 11 pounds so far. Ready to move up to the 0.5 mg dose. Side effects have been minimal, some tiredness and a bit of constipation, but nothing awful. The key is to listen to your body. If you feel full, then stop eating. That's Wegovy doing its job. Don't ignore it. Good luck to all."

• Nan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been using Ozempic for 3 weeks now. I'm down 4 lbs. And have had a little constipation the first week...and then loose to normal b.m.s. I have no headaches, no vomiting, no bad tastes. I'm using .25 for one more week then use .50. Will keep you informed."

• 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?"

• Dro...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 2, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've lost about 40 lbs since starting Ozempic 11 months ago. My A1C is now within normal limits, but I still take Metformin. My non-alcohol fatty liver disease has resolved as well. I experienced nausea and vomiting early on in treatment, but that has mostly resolved. I feel hunger less and feel full longer. Constipation is a big problem, so I use an occasional stool softener or eat some prunes to keep things moving. The medication decreases the pleasure I get from food, which is weird sometimes. When I go out of town, I used to look forward to trying a new restaurant, but now it's just 'meh' no matter what I eat. I found that I have more nausea if I inject in the abdomen, so I do it in my arm or thigh instead."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• February 7, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor put me on Ozempic to lower my blood sugar and A1c, as every time I check my blood sugar it’s extremely high in the 200s and 300s. So that is why my doctor put me on Ozempic. At the beginning of the year, before the medication, my A1c was 10.8, and my blood sugar was in the 200s. Five weeks later, I went to the doctor this week and got my sugar checked, it was 72. I couldn’t believe it, plus my A1c is 8.2, and I lost 5 lbs in just a short period. I take my shot every Sunday, .25. The day after I take the shot, I do experience some nausea, headaches, and constipation, but it’s only for one day, and it’s worth it for these low numbers. I was scared to take this new drug because I already take metformin 1000 mg once a day, but I’m so happy my doctor introduced me to this medicine. If you guys can get through the side effects, keep taking it, this medicine really works."

• TN ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking Rybelsus, along with metformin and Farxiga, for over 3 months. I had some minor diarrhea/constipation with the 3 mg that worked itself out quickly, but I lost over 5 lbs and A1C went down over 1 pt (8.3 to 7.2). Just started the 7 mg dose 5 days ago. So far, the diarrhea is a lot worse, and I'm having a lot of dizziness/nausea/fatigue/headaches, but I'm hoping it'll stop soon. I seem to start feeling worse about 5-6 hrs after taking the pill, so I'm sick in bed for hours in the afternoon and evening lately. Not good, as I'm a disabled housewife with two special needs adult children who depend on me. Not sure how someone who works a 9 to 5 job would be able to handle this transition period. If it doesn't sort itself out within a couple of weeks, I'll call my doctor. One tip: keep some saltine crackers and eat a few every hour or so. I know, against diabetic diet, but that and plenty of water help the nausea."

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

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!"

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

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!"

• Fay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Wegovy 2 weeks ago. I have acid reflux and constipation. I took 1 magnesium/citrate gummy to help with the constipation and ended up with severe cramping with diarrhea in the middle of the night. The acid reflux happens every evening, and acid reflux meds cause constipation. I’m not enjoying the Wegovy."

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

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."

• San...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My experience has been good on Ozempic. I haven’t been on it for six months, and I have lost 50 pounds. My side effects have been very mild. I was a little nauseous the first week, my worst side effect is being constipated. It is now under control, and the appetite suppressant has been fabulous. I do not crave for anything or overeat anymore. I am feeling wonderful, lots of energy, and sleeping well."

• Dke...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I had high hopes for this drug and stuck with it as long as I could, but it caused severe constipation, stomach cramping, and fatigue. I started out with .25 mg for 4 weeks, then .50 for 2 weeks. I didn’t lose weight, so my doctor increased the dose to 1 mg, but I just couldn’t tolerate the side effects at the lower doses, so I didn’t even try the 1 mg."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "T2D 15 years, morbidly obese. At the 3rd week at a dose of 0.5, I was unable to keep water down or take other medications. Other side effects were sulfur belching, burning acid, and pain in the stomach and up the throat, brown water vomit. Unable to sleep more than 2 hours at a time. Blood sugars as high as 345. Lost weight because I couldn't eat, but no appetite anyway. Constipated for days. Then had a bowel movement and horrible effects eased. Started at 325 lbs, lost 22 lbs. Couldn't handle any more and stopped taking it. Consulted the doctor and restarted after 3 weeks. Manageable up to the 3rd injection, and horrible symptoms started again. Going through all the same dramas again. Will quit for good now! Weight loss not worth it!"

• Mer...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on it for 2 months. I am at .5 right now and have lost 18 pounds. That’s great, but I am exhausted lately and very constipated. Going to my primary on Friday for blood work. If the side effects continue, I will have to stop."

• Evi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm starting my third month on Wegovy, and yesterday was my first 1 mg dosage. I'm down 20 pounds and thankfully haven't had any noticeable side effects. I'd had bariatric surgery in 2019 and lost 100 pounds. Over the pandemic, my weight crept up 20 pounds, and I am NOT going back up there. I've injected in my thigh and abdomen with no noticeable difference in efficacy. That said, constipation has been the new normal since my surgery, so I wouldn't notice it as a side effect of Wegovy. If you're reading this and your insurance covers it, I would recommend it. You may have some mild side effects or even be one of the minority who have intolerable side effects and need to stop the medication - but I think the odds of it working well, without making you miserable, make it worth a shot. Unlike past weight loss meds, it doesn't make me agitated or anxious. I'd recommend starting it on Saturday (if you're off Sat/Sun so you're home if there are any side effects). Good luck!"

• oze...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2020

"I have been on Ozempic for 5 full months to help me lose weight. In that time, I have lost exactly 60 pounds (I had about 100 to lose). I was on 0.25 mg for 6 weeks, moved up to 0.5 mg thereafter, and have been on 1 mg for the past 4 weeks. I certainly experience stomach pains, headaches, absolutely no appetite, severe constipation, feel full almost immediately after eating more than 3-4 bites, and I am not sleeping as well. As of right now, the benefits are outweighing the negatives. I do not plan to stay on Ozempic long term because the possible thyroid cancer/tumors scare me. I am nervous upon stopping Ozempic that the weight gain will come right back."

• Anonymous
• November 9, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking Ozempic now for three months. I started at 0.25, felt somewhat nauseous, not terrible. Then increased to 0.5 and again, not terrible. I also take Synjardy. I then went to 1 mg and that’s when the trouble started. I was at first getting sick maybe twice a week. But I lost weight and my A1C came down. But I noticed I was, after a while, getting bad stomach pains and constipated and/or the opposite. The worst was how many times I was getting sick. It went from possibly twice a week to two or three times every other day. And without warning, I would be driving, and it would hit me. So I called my doctor and asked to be decreased back down to 0.5. I did not want to get off it because I know it’s been helping. I do still get nauseous and sick sometimes, but not nearly as bad as at 1 mg. My appetite has decreased a lot to where I might only eat twice a day."