Semaglutide and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• Dou...
• January 19, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took one Ozempic injection at 0.25 and ended up at the ER 2 days later. I had horrible bloating. Burping smelled like eggs. Unstoppable vomiting and diarrhea. I only took one injection and stopped the medicine. It has been 2 weeks and the medicine is still making me sick. I'm just wondering how long it takes to fully leave your system? I just want to feel human again. I was tested for pancreatitis but was okay, but the doctor said they will repeat labs soon. I don't recommended this medication to anyone! Please be safe taking this medication."

• Ann...
• December 28, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started taking Rybelsus at the beginning of August for weight loss. The biggest con for me is that it causes constipation and then usually diarrhea when I finally do go to the restroom. I have only had issues with nausea when I try to eat past the point of being comfortable. It is also important to try to eat something within an hour of taking the medication. When I first started on the medicine, I could only eat a few bites of food and then would feel extremely full and bloated and would have to stop. Now, it is 4 full months later, and I am on the 14mg, and I can continue to eat beyond a few bites without feeling miserable, but I try to stop as soon as I am full. I have, so far, lost 30 lbs with no exercise and have gone from a size 12/14 to a size 6/8. Diabetes does run in my family, so I am hoping continued use of this drug may help prevent the development of diabetes in the future."

• Con...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic in late December at 0.25 injection. I also take 500mg metformin per day. Soon after I started Ozempic, I had decreased appetite and my sugars improved, but I had reflux, gas, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea. After 4 weeks, I started 0.50. 2 weeks in, I have bouts of painful constipation then diarrhea, nausea, bloating, gas, reflux, and cramping. I've almost vomited a few times. When I eat, it feels like the food just sits and sits, barely moving through my gut. My doctor wants me to stick with it, saying that these side effects usually improve, but it's been pretty miserable. I'm thinking I'm going to stop taking it. While Ozempic has been effective in regulating my sugars and losing weight, I don't think it's worth the suffering that I've been enduring on this medication. I understand that studies showed it causing thyroid cancer in mice, but no one knows if it causes thyroid cancer in humans. I don't want to be the guinea pig the drug makers use to find out it does."

• Sau...
• December 3, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been on Ozempic since mid-April 2020. All side effects listed with the worst being chronic diarrhea. Nausea has been significant but has settled to occasionally. Trying to follow a more plant-based diet, I have lost today an official 60 pounds. I find the less meat I eat, the more energy I have, the better my blood sugars are as well. I am 53, so weight loss isn't impossible for us older ladies..."

• Mar...
• September 27, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was put on Ozempic after taking Glimepiride for several years. I started on 0.25mg, then onto 1mg. I started having the nastiest burps ever, then diarrhea 3 to 4 times a day. After 3 months, I went to a gastroenterologist and was diagnosed with gastroparesis, a side effect of Ozempic. I have all the side effects - nasty, offensive-smelling burps, eye floaters in both eyes, bad diarrhea, stomach pain, and now this disease that has caused precancerous cells. Yes, my appetite has decreased, I have lost 15 lbs in 3 months, and my numbers are good. But it's not worth being sick every day. I just found out my daughter is going through the same exact thing. So, take it at your own risk."

• The...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 6, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "It’s been a week on Rybelsus 3mg. I feel pretty good (except for seasonal allergies). No nausea, no vomiting, no diarrhea, smaller appetite. I am prediabetic with BMI >30. I would like to lose 30 to 40 pounds. I think Rybelsus will help me. (Prior to taking Rybelsus, I was fasting (16-hour/8-hour) and exercising EVERY day and STILL gaining weight.) I think Rybelsus will help. I weigh daily, and I am beginning to see the numbers ever so slightly trend down. I am optimistic. I will start 7mg after 30 days. I hope to come back here and share my journey with you."

• JEa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking Ozempic for 4 months to reduce insulin resistance (caused by polycystic ovary syndrome). The medication has significantly reduced my appetite. I have had a few minor side effects - a stomach cramp here, an episode of diarrhea there...but nothing at all significant. My weight went from 151 (BMI 25.9) to 133 three months later (BMI 22.8). I honestly could not be happier."

• Lyn...
• December 22, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took one dose of Ozempic and I have been sick ever since. Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, and a little dizziness. This is terrible, will never use again. Can someone tell me how long these symptoms last?"

• Ail...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I went on Ozempic for weight loss after being told by a friend of mine about it - she started at 280 lbs and lost 60+ pounds. My whole life I’ve always been about 130 pounds, and then I rapidly gained 50 pounds within about 2 years. I started taking Ozempic at 182 pounds (I’m 5’4) and 6 months later I am down 25 pounds and continuing to lose. I could not recommend this drug more. It INTENSELY reduced my appetite and obsession over food. Aside from some occasional nausea (maybe once every 2 weeks), and some diarrhea, nothing that I can’t handle, the drug has been pretty great. This is only my experience though!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Worst experience of my life. After the second 0.25 dose, I was up all night vomiting and diarrhea. The next day, I had chest pain, shaking, brain fog, stomach pain, more diarrhea, and had to go to the ER. After they gave me Benadryl and morphine, I started to feel better. Still have burping, gas, and acid reflux terribly. WILL NEVER TRY THIS AGAIN! It is not worth it to me! Wish it would hurry up and get out of my system."

• Ama...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 16, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Listen to me, Ozempic will change your life, but you cannot eat synthetic sugar at all. I had severe Hashimoto's, PCOS, insulin resistance, and severe diabetes symptoms. HbA1c was high, all cholesterols were high despite the healthiest of diets. My numbers cleared from severe to perfect in 1 month! I had full-body swelling, severely cracked ankles, swollen feet, neck, legs, major hair loss... a nightmare. I began taking Ozempic. I was very sick. It made me extremely nauseous. I got severe diarrhea, but let me tell you, I lost 17 pounds of water weight in one month. My doctor couldn’t believe it. In four months, I lost 40 lbs. The nausea was mild to severe the entire time, but the results were borderline insane. It reset my metabolism, took all of the inflammation away from my joints, neck, back, my feet completely healed within one month. It’s barely believable. I spent two months on 0.25 and increased to 0.5 once a week for ten more months. High praise!"

• lei...
• May 19, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on it for 7 weeks. I have had the runs as others have noted, and the sour stomach, but what I also noted is that those symptoms are worse if you've eaten too much or a heavier meal before bedtime. Small snacks are ok. I don't drink any sugar-laden beverages, and I eat lots of fiber already. My diet is mostly vegetarian, but not for any reason other than my stomach just feels better on it. I think that has helped keep the side effects in check. So far, I've lost 8 lbs, which TBH is kind of shocking. I never thought my body would give up this weight, but I'm heading in the right direction. Sugars are dropping nicely, especially my fasting sugar. I have that hypo drop and spike when you wake up, and that seems to be leveling off, which is great. So I'm going to keep going. Oh, and I didn't jump in with dosing, I started with 0.25 and kept on that for six weeks and only just now moving to 0.5. Slow gradual is the right way. Too much at once will make you sick."

• fin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Took it for 8 weeks, made it through the 2nd titrated dose and couldn't handle it anymore. Nausea, gas, bloat, constipation, diarrhea, and it was worse at night while lying down. Never improved, but actually got worse by week 8. Not sure how anyone makes it to the full dose. Also did not drop a single pound. There were days I only consumed 600 calories and still felt awful. I read another review very similar and agree that you absolutely cannot eat anything spicy. Bland food days were better but there are not enough antacids and constipation meds in the world to make me want to lose 20 pounds this badly. Took my last dose 10 days ago and am still dealing with residual GI upset. Hope physicians are more forthcoming about the side effects and do not tell patients they happen but subside in a couple of days - they do not."

• Nw2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started April 1, 2021, on Ozempic low dose. 3-week intervals it was increased. Side effects were constipation (went on laxatives to help), pain in my back (severe), bloating. Week 11 increased to 1mg, the side effects were major bloating, diarrhea, sounds in my stomach (crazy), nauseous, feeling under the weather. My appetite has decreased to the point that I only eat 2 meals a day that are small. My sugar levels have decreased from 7.1 to 5.2 A1C. I’ve noticed that I have been kept awake some nights like I’m nervous for some reason. In the first 3 weeks, I’ve lost 15 pounds. Haven’t checked since I want to wait but can feel a difference. The pains in the stomach are really uncomfortable, and the bloating I will try gas-x for relief. When I try to eat more than I should, my body tells me that I’m full. If I go beyond that point, I get severe pains in the stomach for hours. But depends on what I eat. Going to stay with smaller portions/healthier foods."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 15, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor gave me Ozempic 0.5 to start with. I always had upset stomach, diarrhea with most foods, and an overall sick feeling all the time. I was able to 'live' with it until now. She decided to up my dose to the 1.0 and my body went into total chaos. I am always nauseous, constipated, got reflux, feels like my food is stuck in my stomach and doesn't go anywhere. I'm constantly burping and feeling bloated. The sick feeling feels intensified and I cannot function at work. I took my last one this past Friday night and was miserable all weekend long. Today I am at work unable to function at my best because the nausea is bad. I would say it is effective in lowering your blood sugar numbers and helping you lose weight but not worth feeling horribly sick over. I will not be using this medication any longer."

• Lor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 3, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was prescribed Wegovy for weight loss purposes. I’m 5’11, 225 pounds, with a BMI of 31%, so I can be considered obese. I’ve been on it for one week and have lost 7 pounds. I’m starting with the lowest dosage (0.25). First of all, the injection was completely painless (for me). I also inject Humira bi-weekly, so maybe I’m just used to it, but I was shocked to feel absolutely nothing. I questioned if I was doing it right, it was so painless. Do not let some testimonials scare you! I did a lot of research while waiting for the drug to come back into stock. 90% of what I read were complaints about vomiting, diarrhea, some people getting so sick they had to go off of it. Some of these reviews were written after only a week or two of the drug usage. So far, my personal experience has been completely different than what I’ve read. That could change as I go up in dosage. As of right now, the only side effect I’m experiencing is a complete lack of appetite."

• Dor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started taking Rybelsus 3mg. I was nauseous at first and constipated. I was also belching a lot. After 2 weeks, that seemed to stop. I've been on the 7mg for 17 days and the nausea, indigestion, stomach pain, and now diarrhea have been almost unbearable and are getting worse. I've also started feeling panicky and anxious in the middle of the night with rapid heartbeat. I'm stopping the 7mg tomorrow and calling my doctor. I can't feel like this at Christmas. Going to see if she will put me back on 3mg. My A1C was 9.0. I have no idea what it is now. I've also lost 18 lbs because I can barely eat anything. This isn't worth it."

• 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."

• Soo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I've been on Ozempic for just over a week now as part of a physician-run weight loss program. I was told to expect some GI upset, but I had no idea it would be this bad. Seven days after taking it, I started with diarrhea. One day after injection number 2 (2.5mg), I was up all night with diarrhea, nausea, severe reflux, belching, and eventually vomiting. Medications like Pepto can't seem to touch it. I am going to talk to the doctor next week and see what he thinks. I really don't think it is worth this kind of suffering."

• CAD...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’m prediabetic, HbA1c 5.7. And I’ve been struggling to lose weight for 20 years. I have an excellent diet, but I eat too much. I’m hungry all the time. I started Rybelsus (paying out of pocket - Ouch) to see if it’s worth hassling my insurance company. On 3 mg, I felt nothing - no nausea, but experienced loose stools. When I went to 7 mg, I felt nausea for 1 hour after taking the pill and decreased appetite the rest of the day. I am easily staying on my 1400-1500 calorie diet, which has never been easy for me in the past. At 1 month of 7 mg, I’ve lost 8 pounds (255 to 247) and feel very encouraged. The science behind this medicine is inspiring."

• siv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor put me on Rybelsus as I had high blood sugar. I had too much difficulty taking the 3 mg with nausea, diarrhea, and headache. I planned to quit, but I read the reviews here. I somehow managed my symptoms and tried harder. My doctor then increased the dosage to 7 mg. Rybelsus was able to bring my blood sugar levels from 10.6 to 5.6, almost normal levels in a period of 3 months. If anyone is planning to quit, please persevere, and the results are amazing. It practically stops your cravings for food and helps you stabilize. Another miracle was that I was finally able to quit coffee in the morning as I get migraines without it. Compared to the nausea, diarrhea, and the churning of the stomach, migraine wasn't a big deal, and I finally went without taking coffee. This is really a miracle drug for diabetes. Thank you."

• Ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 9, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Have been on Ozempic for 10 months. The first 3 months were very difficult with strong side effects. Mainly constant, but low level, nausea, occasional vomiting, and diarrhea (especially two days after the injection). However around month 3 the nausea and diarrhea subsided greatly and my appetite returned. I had lost weight very quickly (42 lbs in 3 months due to not really eating much). Had to take supplements for a while but am now eating well. The rapid weight loss led to telogen effluvium, a temporary hair loss condition. (I shed A LOT but never showed any baldness or anything). Currently, my weight is still down (I was taken off my blood pressure medication!), my blood counts are perfect, my hair is getting thick, and I eat normally. I now experience virtually no side effects. Really, really, glad I stuck out the side effects at the beginning."

• SHa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 2, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I feel that the best practice for this medicine would be to take about only 8-10 clicks (17 clicks = 0.25) for the first several weeks and then build yourself up to the full 0.25 dose. That way you can see what side effects you are going to experience and if they are tolerable or not. I took 0.25 and suffered from severe diarrhea for almost the full 7 days. Ended up in the hospital for the last 4 days until the side effects wore off. The only positive was that I lost almost 20lbs. I would be very careful taking this medicine."

• Won...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 9, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "Was placed on this medication to help with PCOS-caused insulin resistance and obesity. The first two months were a bit uncomfortable - I was nauseated a lot and had bouts of constipation and diarrhea. Fortunately, immediately starting it, my sugar cravings disappeared. I think I had a rough couple of months because of my old eating habits since this medicine slows how fast your stomach empties. As I developed better eating habits, this has gone away completely. I’ve been on this for almost a year now and have lost almost 60 lbs. I’m about 5 lbs away from being a normal weight and I’m barely making any effort at this point; the weight is just coming off. I feel the healthiest I’ve felt in over a decade and have been seeing my PCOS symptoms reduce as the weight comes off. This medicine was a miracle for me. I’ve struggled for a decade trying to get my weight under control. Once the insulin resistance was resolved, it literally fell off."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’ve been on this med for 7 weeks. I’ve lost 25 lbs and my daily blood sugars range from 60 - 90. I use it along with 500 mg Metformin. The first couple of weeks were hard with nausea and stomach cramps. I also had the headaches that others have mentioned in the first couple of days. In week 3, I increased from 0.25 to 0.50. Then came the diarrhea. It wasn't too bad, I was just happy that I could go. I’m now taking 1.0 and experiencing sulfuric burping. Ugh! After doing some research on home remedies to help with the burping, I’m trying a spoon of apple cider vinegar. If you can make it through the first few weeks and you can be somewhat disciplined, you will notice a huge difference in how you feel. In my opinion, the side effects are manageable when I compare the weight gain while taking Insulin. BTW - I’m not severely obese. Prior to being on this drug, my weight was 205, and I’m 5’9 and 47 years old. I hope this is helpful to someone."