Semaglutide and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Lyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 18, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took 3 mg for 2 months and then started the 7 mg. The 3 mg I had heartburn, nausea, some diarrhea. Was uncomfortable but doable. But once on 7 mg, I had the same symptoms plus vomiting, constipation to the point of hemorrhoids, and severe heartburn to the point I almost went to the ER. I got out the label on this medicine, Rybelsus, and relooked up side effects symptoms on the computer. I immediately stopped on my own, messaging my doctor. Within 2 days, I felt so much better. This medicine is costly too, luckily I had insurance because I will not use this and it had to be disposed of. $ wasted."

• Apr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’ve been taking Ozempic for a few weeks now after taking Byetta and not liking it. I also take Lantus, Humulin, Metformin, and Phentermine. I also take 2 blood pressure meds, cholesterol, nerve, and anxiety meds. I’ve had PCOS since 2000, had gestational diabetes with my youngest in 2008, and was officially diagnosed as diabetic in 2015. Last year, I had the scare of my life and went into ketoacidosis and was in ICU for a week. I have a new endocrinologist who started me on Ozempic. I started out with an A1C of 11.5 and brought it down to 7.5. I’ve lost 7 lbs so far. I have blurred vision, stumble, no appetite, constipation, no energy, insomnia, sick to my stomach, and gross belches. I feel like stuff is lodged and stuck in my chest all the time. I sure hope these side effects don’t last forever because I feel like this medicine is making my blood sugars under control for the first time in my life. I have the Dexcom G6, and it consistently checks my levels and my average is 149."

• Loc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Wegovy for 10 weeks and have lost 40 pounds. I’m on a 0.25 dose and haven’t had to go up yet. Losing 2-3 pounds per week. The only side effect is constipation and dry mouth right after the injection and only lasts for 10 minutes. No complaints. Love the product! My insurance refuses to cover it. The doctor filed appeals and they still refused to approve. Will continue to use it for a few months to get to my goal weight."

• IBN...
• July 4, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Ozempic for 3 weeks. Yes, it is making me lose weight, obviously because I'm so nauseated all the time that I can't eat. I have stomach cramps, constipation, headaches, body aches, and nausea so severe that sometimes I can't even lift my head up. I'm really trying to give it a chance since a once-a-week injection seems better than taking a bunch of pills. I just don't know how much longer I can suffer with the terrible nausea and stabbing stomach pains."

• 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."

• 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."

• Ste...
• June 7, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I'm a 47-year-old African American who has battled with diabetes for over 25 years. In 2012, I had the gastric sleeve surgery. I started off at 268 lbs, after surgery, I went down to 207 lbs. I also have severe retina disease, for which I have to get laser treatments every month. So my doctor was like, try this medicine called Ozempic. I was extremely cautious and read up on the reviews. I started on a 0.5 dosage around February 2019 and dropped down from 228 lbs to 215 lbs. I was a little nauseous the first week, but it went away. Currently, I'm on a 1.0 dosage a week, down to 197 lbs as of June 5, 2019. My A1C is 6.3, however, I had to have another treatment on my eyes because the bleeding hasn't stopped. I'm so happy with Ozempic. However, I am losing weight so fast, it makes me nervous. Then being a gastric sleeve recipient helps even more to my advantage. I do experience constipation a lot. I'm not hungry, but I do feel tired during the middle of the day."

• All...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 21, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "On December 19, 2022, I saw my medical provider and requested a prescription for Ozempic. She agreed that at 5’3” and weighing 192 lbs, it would be a good option for me. I started Ozempic on January 3, 2023. The first time I weighed myself after starting Ozempic was at the beginning of February, and I weighed 179 lbs. Through February, my weight bounced between 181-175, then I lost another 5 lbs in the first two weeks of March. I’m hoping to reach 160 by mid-April. My weight goal is 130-135. I am very happy with Ozempic’s effect on my weight loss. I have had assorted side effects. I had two days of extreme headaches after my first dose, but I’ve only had mild headaches with dosage increases since. My stomach is mild to moderately upset most of the time, and most of the time I don’t have much appetite. I’m at a 1 mg/week dosage now, and I’ve started having a lot of bad-tasting burps, but constipation is by far my worst side effect. I don’t know if I would have bowel movements without laxatives."

• Eri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am a 45-year-old woman. Started Ozempic .25 mg dose 6 weeks ago, increasing to the .5 mg dose after 4 weeks. Lost 13 pounds so far, which makes me happy. Started with some nausea, some explosive diarrhea, and a general fullness feeling, and no cravings. Now I’m experiencing more constipation, and after the last injection, a dizziness/lightheaded feeling. Don’t like that at all. It never goes away. Don’t know if it’s related, but also tingling and some numbness in one foot. I’ll try injecting my thigh next time and see if that helps the dizziness because I definitely do not enjoy that feeling. Almost a jittery feeling as well. Weird. So I’m hoping these will improve over time as I am liking the weight loss results so far. I’m wondering if anyone else has had this dizzy/jittery feeling and if it will go away."

• Mik...
• July 10, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Well, I am on month 2 of Rybelsus and on the 2nd week of 7 mg. I posted my experience last month as well. I am 20 lbs overweight and pre-diabetic for many years. Diabetes runs in my family. I am 60 years old, active, and healthy otherwise. Unfortunately, I do not experience much of anything toward my goal of weight loss. I am slightly nauseous at times. I am constipated. I am not on any other diabetic medication. I weigh 1 lb less, but this could be attributed to a margin of error. I am planning to continue using this medication and see what happens once I am on 14 mg. Considering all the potential serious side effects (thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, and more), this needs to give anyone better results. I believe that people respond differently to everything, so great for those who do well on Rybelsus. See you next time with better news. Stay safe."

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

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Ozempic 0.25 for five weeks, it's great for losing weight, but the side effects are not worth it. Let me review what Ozempic has been like. The first three weeks were okay, and then I started noticing nausea, stomach burning, headache, dizziness, upper back pain, severe constipation, and feeling very tired and depressed. I ended up in the ER with a mild pancreatic attack and high lipase levels. I've had no desire to eat or even drink water. It makes me gag, and I used to drink a lot of water. I'm done with these injections. I will stay on my metformin, but I can do better on a healthy eating lifestyle than on Ozempic and all the negative side effects. Quality of life has gone from a 10 to a 1, and that is not me. I'm taking my life back. It's really just healthy eating, and we can all do that with willpower. Good luck to everyone else."

• DLy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "Have been taking the low dosage for 2 weeks now. I have no appetite and have dropped about 7 lbs during that time. The problem is constant GI pain. No nausea, just never-ending constipation and gut pain. I am taking myself off this until I can find an alternative. The weight loss is nice, but the pain just isn’t worth it."

• 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."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 14, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Ozempic just over a month ago (0.25 mg). Needing to lose about 33 lbs. Had some constipation for the first 3 weeks, which has just subsided. Tired some days. Just had my first shot of 0.5 mg. Have lost almost 10 lbs. Happy so far."

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2022

"I've been on Rybelsus for about 6 weeks now and am up to the 7 mg dose. I was placed on it to help lose PCOS-induced weight gain. It took about a month to get used to (minor vomiting, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea during the adjustment). I've lost almost 15 lbs, my anxiety levels have plummeted, and my skin is the clearest it's been in ages. I no longer have sugar or processed carb cravings, which I think is helping all of this. I'm lucky that my insurance is fully covering the medication since it is pricey."

• Anonymous
• August 13, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Was prescribed Ozempic for weight loss because of being insulin resistant and not being able to lose weight (I'm 50 lbs overweight for my height) after a hysterectomy despite working out 5 days a week and eating healthier. I'm on week 3 of a 0.25 dosage, and I'm finally losing weight, 5 pounds so far! No side effects except that I did have some constipation for about a week, but now I'm back to being regular with more water consumption. It did significantly cut back my craving for sweets, however, it didn't completely get rid of it. I noticed my hunger isn't as intense as it used to be. This medication was a last resort for me because I was having no success losing any weight regardless of my consistent efforts with traditional methods for weight loss, which was pretty upsetting. I continue to diet and exercise with this medication, and it has been a great addition to a healthier lifestyle for me!"

• Foo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I'm in week 6, and I have lost 15 pounds!!!!! Total miracle. I started out at the .25 dose for a month and last week began .5. I have absolutely no appetite. Very easy to stick to a healthy diet. Predominantly low carb but do allow some complex carbs here and there. I eat very small meals--I am full very quickly. I am a little nauseous in the morning, slight constipation, which easily was alleviated with taking daily probiotics, and after going out to dinner the other night and eating what I thought was a small meal, had really bad acid reflux. The food was spicy, and although I didn't eat a lot of it, I ate later than usual. I will never do that again. I fortunately have not had any of the other side effects others mention. I want to lose another 70 pounds, so I am hoping that at the 1 mg dose I can accomplish this. I would think the weight loss will slow at some point. I remain a little nervous about increasing the dose, although I had no ill side effects when last increased."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been using it for about 1 1/2 months and have lost 14 pounds. I don't have much of an appetite, but some of the other side effects are bloating, constipation, diarrhea, throwing up, and feeling very tired. I love the weight loss, but the side effects are too much!"

• Suc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 26, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I've been on Ozempic for 4 months. My doctor tiered the dosage from 0.25 mg for 4 weeks, then 0.50 mg for 4 weeks, then increased to 1 mg for the remaining time. I've just gone in for a check-up and increased to the 2 mg dose beginning this week. Each dose, I experienced some stomach knots, but they resolved after the first day of the adjustment. I did initially have some very mild nausea, but all I needed to do was take a sip of cold water to take care of it. I stress, the nausea was very, very mild. I do have a bit of constipation, but I balance with stool softeners and strict keto (high fat). I've lost 21 pounds to this point, and this medication is the first thing that's controlled my appetite. I used to feel hungry all the time, but now I don't feel like I need to eat all the time. I don't snack all the time like I used to. I was doing everything I was supposed to, I was working out and strict keto. But I was stuck and couldn't lose any more weight. I've gone from 203 to 181."

• WmB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Wegovy hasn't resulted in any weight loss. At times, I'm nauseous, full, and constipated regularly. Also, the injection device failed to work, no clicks or moving yellow bar. The product failed to go in and leaked all over, thereby causing me to get no shot/dosage."

• jaz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 15, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "UPDATE: I've been on Ozempic for 6 weeks now. I didn't have any of the major symptoms listed by many, but in my 5th week, I noticed I haven't been able to pass stool as frequently as I normally do. Yes, I was constipated in the 4th and 5th week. I stopped taking Ozempic, and I was normal again. I like this medicine shot except for the constipation part. I did lose some weight over it and inches, which was a big plus. I wish I could keep taking Ozempic, minus the side effect."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Taking Ozempic for insulin resistance type A and PCOS. Took 0.25 for the first 4 weeks. Side effects included: severe nausea and flu-like symptoms. Constipation is still a problem. Mild nausea when I upped the dose to 0.50, but taking a generic store-brand nausea medication has helped a lot. Appetite greatly reduced, and I find smaller meals and snacking more frequently throughout the day to be very helpful. My side effects only lasted 1.5 weeks and have not returned with increased dosage. Started at 193 lbs and down to 186.8 lbs in only 1 month. Will continue to take!"

• Lem...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started on a 0.25 dose. After 4 days, I'm constipated, I usually go daily, yet I haven't gone for 4 days. Have tried fiber and veggies, nothing. Day 5, finally got a small size bowel motion matter, very dry, and have to really strain to push out, which you're not supposed to do. Called the doctor, no response. Not continuing. I feel like my bowels are full, I may have to do a clean out like for a colonoscopy to get me to go. Also, have had back pain as well."

• Der...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor prescribed Ozempic for me at the beginning of January, starting at the .25 mg dose and working up to the 1 mg dose, which I have been on for a few weeks now. I have seen noticeable improvements in my glucose levels, which are now at a normal range, which they had not been for years. It was also prescribed to help with weight loss. I have not found it to be particularly helpful in this regard. I am losing small amounts of weight, but a lot of this has to do with a modified diet that is conducive to weight loss. The side effects I have experienced and continue to experience are stomach cramps and diarrhea, sulfur burps, some constipation, lightheadedness, and dizziness, which is the worst one for me. I was at the hairdresser today, and on leaving I almost passed out and had to go back inside to sit down, and there was a big fuss, etc., etc. It was very embarrassing and scary. I so desperately want to lose weight and think that it will eventually work for me, so I am going to keep taking it."

• Sic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2019

"I’ve been on Ozempic since May to help with weight loss. Started with 0.25 and now am up to 1 mg. The nausea has been fearless. The constipation is unreal. I’ve ended up with major hemorrhoids. I’m always tired. I have lost 14 lbs, but these side effects are ruining my life. This is not worth it."