Semaglutide and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 18, 2021

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "I started this drug to try and lower my A1C, which had climbed to 7.2. My nurse practitioner put me on it. She showed me how to do the injections, but no warnings of side effects. I took a .25 dose for 4 weeks, suffering pain in my stomach that radiated to my back. Absolutely no craving to eat anything at all. Had constipation. Then I went to a .5 injection and was fine for a bit until severe nausea began, along with dizziness and vomiting. I thought it was going to be the end of me, because then the unrelenting diarrhea began. I waited days in bed, so very ill, and decided to quit this awful medication. I have lost 6 pounds, and my morning glucose numbers are 107, it's lower, but feeling this deathly ill just isn't worth it. I quit the medication, though I understand it could take 5 weeks to leave my body. Beware of this drug."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 9, 2025

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "My provider prescribed Ozempic for my type 2 diabetes and high A1C. I ended up losing 30 pounds, and my A1C dropped dramatically, along with my blood pressure and very high triglycerides. I feel so much better in general. Ozempic has been life-changing for me. I do not worry about the effects of high blood sugars on my body anymore. Diabetes comes along with heart disease, changes in eyesight and blindness, loss of limbs, neuropathy, and difficulty healing, among other things. All of those conditions are a great concern, as I have seen members of my family suffer and die due to diabetes. Ozempic changes all of that. The side effects were fairly tough, I experienced nausea, stomach pain, constipation, and a general feeling of being unwell. However, after a bit of time, my body adjusted, and the symptoms got much, much better. It was all worth it to me. I did lose my insurance at one point after taking Ozempic for about a year and a half. I am now back on it. Thankfully."

• 0ct...
• May 24, 2021

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "I was placed on Ozempic last year because Metformin has always caused awful nausea. I have never in my life had any issue with constipation until I started taking this medication. I was so sick with diarrhea and throwing up 3 weeks ago I thought I'd actually die. I have had bad rashes. I think they would have been worse if I were not on allergy medication. The latest rash is healing. I've never had to take laxatives until this medication. I'd rather deal with the nausea than rashes, vomiting, constipation, poor appetite, and legs feeling strange. I wasn't overweight, so that was not an issue. My numbers have never been more than 6.1. Then, when I read that it can cause death, that was the end all for me. It may help someone, but I'm not the someone! Medicine should make one better, not worse. When I first started this drug, I spoke with someone from the company that makes it about the constipation issue and also my doctor. They said that it would get better, but that hasn't happened."

• Lou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2023

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "Almost immediately, my appetite was dramatically reduced. Food still appeals, but I eat more slowly and much less. Midnight snacks have dropped to near zero. Minor nausea and minor constipation, neither require medication. I have lost 5 lbs in the first 10 days, down from 240 to 235. I am a 70-year-old white male, 5' 11", reasonably active."

• One...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2021

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "One of the biggest mistakes I've ever made in my life was starting this drug. You will be sicker than you ever have been from any other drug. My doctor started me out at 1 mg (what was she thinking???) and my life has been miserable ever since. I can't eat. I can't sleep. I can't work. I am so exhausted I can hardly drive. Horrible constipation, horrible nausea, dizziness, an all-over feeling of general unwellness. I took it for 2 weeks and quit. I quit a week ago and am still waiting to have a bowel movement. Still waiting for the sickness to go away. Still waiting to be able to lift my head off my pillow. This is an absolutely terrible drug for me. I'm going to find something else. This is not living. I'm also going to find another doctor. Shame on her for starting me on this stuff."

• yir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 2, 2023

Semaglutide for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Wegovy .25 mg on March 5th. On day 1, I felt a little nausea and a little tired. Felt fine the rest of the week, appetite suppressed after a day or so. Continued to follow a healthy diet, exercised at least 5 days a week, and meal portions became smaller. I did not experience any other side effects aside from a little heartburn at night after the 2nd dose. By the 3rd dose, I started feeling somewhat constipated and noticed my watch was notifying me more frequently than usual that my heart rate was over 100 throughout the day and night. I take blood pressure medication, so I decided to call my doctor. She does want me to get blood work done and will be checking my thyroid. Also recommended I stop taking the med. I am a bit worried as I already feel the cravings are coming back. After I complete blood work, I will provide additional feedback regarding recommendations from my PCP. I have lost about 14 lbs., so it does work. I would give it a shot, everyone reacts differently."

• Ear...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2023

Semaglutide for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Ozempic 0.25 mg for 2 weeks now. The first one I injected into my abdomen. I fell asleep and woke up nauseous. I had intermittent nausea, empty burping, and slight constipation for the next few days. I took the homeopathic medicine Nux vomica 200C as needed (dissolve a pellet in 1/2 cup of water and take a small sip, letting it rest under the tongue, stirring 10 times before each dose), and the nausea was much better. Better than taking another drug. I had read that these effects are smaller if you inject into the thigh, so I did that next dose at night and took the Nux vomica before bed. I have had almost zero nausea this week. I have lost 6.5 lbs so far, although I have had some hunger this week. I eat very cleanly – low fat, low carb, protein, and vegetables at each meal. Eat Quest bars if you want something sweet/low carb/high protein and fiber. Also, exercise is key. These are crucial to learning to keep the weight off afterward."

• Wri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2021

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking Ozempic for 10 weeks for both weight loss, which I have struggled with for years, and diabetes. I experienced nausea, constipation, slight dizziness, and headaches, but nothing that I couldn't manage, and only for 1 or 2 weeks of each increased dose. Went from 0.25 to 0.5, and now I'm on week 2 of the highest dose, 1.0, and currently have no side effects. I have also lost 19 lb so far, the doctor advised a 1200-calorie diet, and I couldn't be happier. My blood levels have come down from high 7's to 6.4, and the doctor is considering taking me off my usual diabetic medication, Empagliflozin. Some folks are saying, 'don't take it,' but just because their body didn't take to it doesn't mean you won't! And you could be missing out on what I would say is a game-changing medicine. I would say give it a go. And I wouldn't give up now for anything. My health has significantly improved. (Free to diabetics in the UK)."

• Vel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started in December 2022 and on a compounded version, and to date have lost maybe 5 lbs. It's hard to tell as I am constantly bloated, constipated, and have gas pains, terrible heartburn, nausea, and feel really tired. I have experienced these side effects from the first 0.05 dose up to the 2.4 that I am on now. I am weaning myself off of it as it is not beneficial to me."

• War...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2022

Semaglutide for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I have been on Ozempic for four weeks now and am down 5 lbs. I have had nausea and constipation, but it's subsiding now. I have noticed the curb of appetite is huge. I have to make myself eat during the day. I am hoping this helps me get down to a healthier weight so I will feel better mentally and physically."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2022

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "Had usual side effects, 3 mg increased appetite and sugar levels. 7 mg nausea, decreased appetite and lost 9 lbs, A1C down to 7.8 from 8.7. On for 3 months and just starting constipation. Next visit, Dr. will up to 14 mg. Will see how that goes…"

• Boo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 2, 2022

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic at 0.25 mg weekly 6 months ago and have gradually increased to 1.0 mg weekly. I did experience very mild nausea at first, but I paid attention to my body and just ate less. I have experienced some constipation and have taken over-the-counter medication for that. I have lost just under 4 pounds a month for the last 5 months. I need about 30 percent less insulin. My appetite has decreased. I eat less at meals and rarely snack. My A1c is under 7. For me, Ozempic has caused a significant improvement in my life."

• Tra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 25, 2025

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "Rybelsus has worked wonders for me. I started with the 3 mg for 1st month, then 7 mg for 3 mos. Still on my 3rd bottle, almost done. I'm 50 yrs old and weighed 271 lbs and now am at 249 lbs and lost 22 lbs; my A1C went from 8.4 to 5.3. I'm completely satisfied with my results. It really does suppress your appetite. I've had a few bouts of constipation, diarrhea, and nausea when I 1st started it. It wasn't right away either. However, there are no more side effects. I'm good over here!! Make sure you use the discount from the manufacturer online. $10/mo"

• S-L...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 12, 2022

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "Please state how much you are on, it is helpful to others. I am on .5. Type 2 diabetic, 25 years. I started on .25 and moved up to .5 after a month. I have lost about 17 lbs thus far and am back into a size 8 (US) dress. I have had a lot of nausea, constipation, and dizziness. They may move me up to a .75 dose, as my sugar is controlled, but not as well as it could be. However, this medication has been life-changing. I have stopped taking all glucose-lowering pills and take no insulin now. I am on Jardiance too, a similar drug. These new meds are fantastic. If you are on the fence, give these a try, they are much more effective than the older drugs, in my opinion."

• vtn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2024

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "One month on Rybelsus. Blood sugar levels are down from 150 to 116-96. I have extreme nausea, constipation, and I am unable to eat more than 1-2 cups of food at a meal. I am rarely hungry. Food seems to become lodged in my esophagus and is painful. I have lost 13 lbs. in a month. Fatigue is an issue. My autoimmune retinopathy, which surfaced after cataract surgery, is worse. I fear I will not be able to continue this med."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2024

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "On the plus side, Ozempic quickly began to lower my blood sugar, which metformin alone was no longer able to do, despite exercise & diet control, so that I was back into more normal numbers. I still take metformin. I had some constipation, but worked through that issue & mild nausea also appeared, but then disappeared. My overeating for stress & or boredom was much easier to manage, I thought about eating poor choices & then was able to push the thought away. The biggest challenge was fatigue, I often am feeling very sluggish & sleepy & have to push through chores like grocery shopping. I’ve lost 5 lbs in 2 months & want to lose 15 more lbs to achieve my goal, so I hope the fatigued side effect will diminish. Easy to learn how to administer from the instructions. I’m on 0.5 dosage & believe I will increase to 1 dosage within the month."

• Kar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 19, 2025

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "I have been using for 10 months proximately (0.5 mg). It has steadied glucose with less insulin (Lantus), and I have lost about 25 lb (started at 302 lb). I would like a higher dosage to help with the weight issue, as it's been very helpful with appetite reduction. The doctor has not raised it for fear of hypoglycemia issues. I've had no real side effects beyond occasional nausea and constipation. Slower movement through the gastrointestinal system gives me a rather hard-packed stool. I have consistently had flatulence since week one."

• OCo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2023

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic at the end of March 2023 for overall better A1C control, weight loss, and reduction in cardiovascular risk. Started at 0.25 mg for the first week and increased to 0.5 mg since. For the first month, I had strong nausea, lightheadedness, and significant constipation with abdominal discomfort. I also felt very tired all day, which I found was due to not eating enough carbs daily, as Ozempic tends to significantly reduce the appetite. I stuck with it, and after one month at 0.5 mg, the only remaining issue is constipation, which I try to manage through over-the-counter laxatives and prescription medication once a day. Over two months, I lost 25 pounds (235 lbs down to 210 lbs)! My daily fasting blood sugar results are down 20-25 points from before starting Ozempic (A1C to be tested in one more month) and managing my energy level by ensuring enough carb and protein intake. So far, so good!"

• Jea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2023

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "Nausea, bad acid reflux at night, nightmares, headache every morning, constipation, chills, fatigue. Just started a week ago. Blood sugar levels in the 80s and 90s. Have lost no weight. Zero appetite. Blurry vision."

• 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."

• Lee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 1, 2022

Semaglutide for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I have been prescribed Ozempic off-label in the UK for the last 5 months for weight loss purposes. At the beginning, the side effects were quite bad, but my prescriber gave me anti-nausea, acid reflux, and constipation relief with every prescription, which helped immensely. I no longer need to use any of these meds, as the side effects have gone, aside from occasional acid reflux. The side effects started to ease around week 8 for me, so consistency and perseverance are key. I have gradually titrated up to 2mg once a week, which is amazing for me. I can't eat as much as I used to, and I'm not tempted to binge as much. I have lost just over 2 stone. This is a MIRACLE DRUG for me, as no matter how much effort I put into exercising, I couldn't lose the weight. It's cheaper here in the UK to buy than it is in the US, but it's still costly to pay for monthly. For me, the cost is nothing compared to the sense of my physical appearance and feelings. I feel so much healthier and look so much healthier."

• Mil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 3, 2023

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Ozempic for 7 weeks. I started at 0.25 mg and moved up to 0.5 mg after 1 month. I had some nausea but no vomiting. I have constipation. I started magnesium two weeks ago. It's working much better now. My A1C was 8.9 and I weighed 205 lbs. This morning my fasting blood sugar was 5.2 and I weighed 180 lbs. I find avoiding high-fat food helps with nausea. Also, eating even if you are not hungry helps as well. Just a little bit of something high in fiber and low in fat for me works great (All Bran cereal is my go-to). I am very pleased with the results, and the side effects have been manageable and decreasing as time goes on."

• Shi...
• September 9, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’m very happy with my weight loss progress on semaglutide! I’m currently using 0.5 mg and have had a bit of nausea in the beginning, but that’s greatly improved. The only other negative side effect I’ve noticed is some constipation, which I manage with sugar-free Citrucel. I’m easily able to extend my daily fasting to 22:2. Cravings are gone, and I definitely don’t eat as much as before (this also changes bowel habits, so less in = less out.) I’m easily losing +8 lbs/month. Grateful as anything to my endocrinologist for helping me with this project. I find it very easy to use. I do log my food, watch my macros, and drink lots of water (100 oz/daily.) I sip all day long, so it’s more of a habit and little effort."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 14, 2022

Semaglutide for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I began taking Wegovy in April. The first month was fine, no side effects, but I had to go up to 1 mg because nobody had the .5 mg. This was awful for me, with nausea and constipation. I did go up to the 1.7 mg, which in the first week I was fine. Then began the nausea, throwing up, I felt as if I was pregnant, just as the slightest smells would make me puke. As I got towards the end of my month on 1.7 mg, the sickness went away. I have decided to stay on the 1.7 mg for another month before moving up to the 2.4 mg. I also take it in my stomach, opposed to my arm or thigh. I plan to start taking it in my thigh to see if the side effects are as bad. I have currently lost 14 lbs while being on Wegovy."

• fem...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 23, 2023

Semaglutide 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."