Semaglutide and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Bea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Ozempic for 6 months now. After the first few injections, I was so sick, vomiting, and diarrhea all the time. I called the doc and said I couldn’t take this anymore. Of course, I lost weight, as I couldn’t keep anything in me. I researched the medication itself to understand exactly what it was & how it worked. I decided to stay on it. My A1c was 8.8 when I started. 3 months later, 6.4. I am down 36 pounds. I have been exercising regularly for 3 months now, running 3.5 miles 5 times a week. The confidence and energy from the weight loss outweighs all the negative side effects in the beginning for me! Blood sugar control is excellent, and I suspect will only improve after the continued weight loss. I have stalled with weight loss twice now, but not giving up, and sticking to my exercise (changing it up a bit to gain more muscle to burn fat), I have been able to overcome the stalls and continue to lose. Complete game changer medication for me!!"

• Fif...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "On week 4 now, honestly, the first 2 weeks were a nightmare. Doctors don’t tell you to stay away from fatty foods and not to overeat. If they did, I wouldn’t have had the most horrible sulfur burps that made my eyes water, projectile vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, not to mention constant nausea even during the night. I finally figured out not to eat too much and to avoid fatty foods completely! This was a game changer, and now I’m doing okay. I've lost 21 pounds so far, which is mad, but mostly because in 2 weeks I’ve eaten probably 4000 calories. I’m back to wanting to eat again but have to control myself or face the terrible consequences. Blood sugars are all over the place, as you can imagine, however, insulin sensitivity is way better. It just takes time to get used to. Hope this helps."

• Job...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have taken Ozempic for a month now, dosage being 0.25 once a week. At first, I didn’t really see any side effects or anything, but then one day I made the mistake and overate, resulting in constant gas, repeated burping, and an hour later, non-stop diarrhea. After that experience, I have learned never to do that again. I now usually eat a big breakfast and a snack later on throughout the day, which has helped me completely cut out soda. I originally started taking this because I was experiencing rapid weight gain. They checked my thyroid and said it was within normal limits, so they put me on Ozempic, and I am so glad. In the morning, I haven’t had a blood sugar reading over 130 in a month. I am looking forward to going back to my doctor to figure out my A1C. In total, I’ve lost 8 pounds in one month :)"

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

For Type 2 Diabetes "My A1C had gone up as high as 8.0, and my doctor kept adding medications to my arsenal of drugs to control my diabetes. I was taking so many drugs but was getting terrible side effects, including kidney stones, liver enzymes over 600, diarrhea, nausea, and finally, I was hospitalized and taken off all my drugs, but then my diabetes was out of control. Finally, my GI specialist recommended starting with Ozempic .5, and that's when everything started to change. At first, I didn't see much change in my weight loss, so my doctor raised it to 1mm. It was then that I saw my A1C go down to 7.2, and I had lost 10 pounds without trying. Now I have been taking Ozempic for over a year, and my A1C is down to 6.7, and I dropped 20 pounds. I don't have any side effects unless I overeat, which I avoid. If I overeat, I get an uncomfortable feeling in my stomach, but within a short period, it subsides. I wish my mother would have had the ability to get Ozempic 10 years ago, maybe she'd be alive today."

• Los...
• November 10, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am a 70-year-old type 2 diabetic and was taking one Metformin 500 ER for the past year or so. My A1C was 11, and it dropped to 5.6 by changing my diet and taking the Metformin. My doctor wanted me to try Ozempic to help me lose weight and possibly eliminate the Metformin. The side effects were terrible right from the start. Nausea and diarrhea, no vomiting, just nausea. I started at 0.25 and am now up to 1.0. My appetite is gone completely. I have no desire to eat at all. When I do eat, I get full almost immediately. I have gone from 228 lb down to 202 lb in the six weeks I have been taking Ozempic. I'm thrilled with the weight loss, and the nausea and diarrhea have improved. However, I have almost stopped peeing. I go in the morning, then go all day into the evening without going. Since I suffer from incontinence, it's good, but I am worried that it might be damaging my kidneys. I hope I don't have to stop taking it, at least till I lose another 50 pounds or so."

• Gym...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 8, 2020

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "My doctor prescribed Ozempic to me a year ago for weight loss. I’m only taking 19 clicks every 2 weeks when I go see my doctor he gives it to me. Every time I get the Ozempic I get sick 2 days later. It starts by nasty burps, then stomach cramps, then out of nowhere I throw up you don’t get a warning, sometimes diarrhea and sometimes I feel like I’m going to pass out. I got the Ozempic Monday and woke up in the middle of the night with nasty burps and stomach cramps."

• Sup...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 4, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Pros - I've been on Wegovy for 7 months. It started working right away. Lost between 8-15 lbs a month. It mostly has affected my appetite (not feeling hungry). Have lost 65 lbs thus far. Cons - nothing noticeable until I made it to the 1.7 mg dosage, and it got worse on the 2.4 mg. Severe diarrhea and cramps a day after eating. I noticed this became more regular after the 2.4 mg dosage. It happens 4-5 days after the injection, only for it to clear up after I give myself the next injection. Any bismuth anti-diarrhea helps to clear this, but you have to remember to take it with almost every meal."

• 188...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 17, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Wegovy 3 months ago using the gradual phase-up method. From 0.25 mg dose for 4 weeks to 0.50 mg dose for 4 weeks, then 1.0 mg dose for 4 weeks. During the initial phase, I experienced mild nausea and some stomach irritation. With each increase, the symptoms got worse until finally, at the full 1.0 mg dose, I was so sick I thought I had stomach flu for 2 weeks continuously. The belching was horrible. The nausea caused uncontrollable vomiting, and I had frequent diarrhea. After 3 months, I lost 12 pounds and felt horrible every day. I've now reduced the dose to 0.5 mg but still suffer from nausea and stomach upset. I might cut back again, but I'm thinking I will quit. The way I feel all the time is horrible! I'm thinking I lost weight because of all the vomiting. Not recommended."

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

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am male (early 50s). Blood glucose was already regulated with metformin, diet, and exercise (100 to 150), but I wanted to quit metformin because of its side effects (diarrhea). I was put on 0.50 mg/wk and warned that nausea from Ozempic was a common side effect. I had no idea! Week 1/Week 2: I couldn't smell food without getting queasy. I choked down lots of soup just to get 1200 cal/day (often falling short). Week 3/Week 4 got slightly better. Week 5: I have my appetite back. I feel full, so I eat smaller meals. My weight loss is atypical: 203 lbs to 183 lbs in five weeks, combined with exercise (1 hr/4x wk stationary bike/treadmill). Blood glucose is now between 90 and 120, with occasional dips and peaks. I would only recommend this drug to those who have very high glucose levels, are morbidly obese, fiercely stubborn, and/or desperate. But it works. Good luck."

• Bit...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 23, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Wegovy in April 2024. I was 193 lbs at just between 5’1”-5’2.5. I had tried everything, but food noise and the fact that being so short, the calorie intake had to be so low to lose weight. Anyway, the first thing I noticed was a bit of nausea. That went away after a few days. I have had very minimal side effects. Sometimes a little nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. Nothing to really disrupt my life. For the first time in my life, I actually can tell when I am full. My IBS has been almost non-existent. I’m more awake. I have fewer sweet cravings. The food noise is still there, but my stomach is able to signal my brain that if I eat more, I will feel sick. I have lost to date 4/2024-3/2025, 63 lbs. I am just about to hit my normal weight goal. I knew how to lose the weight. I am someone who has a very difficult time shedding the weight with exercise and diet. I am super grateful for this opportunity to prove that a drug works so well."

• Me ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, sulfur burps, fatigue, loss of appetite, super sensitive to smells, I have to make myself eat enough. It's like morning sickness, only it's 24/7. Zofran helps for about 6 hours. Cannot tolerate much besides chicken broth and Brussels sprouts. No fried, fatty, oily, spicy foods. Need to stay hydrated with water. Ginger ale helps. I'm up to a 1 mg dose and 14th week. This nausea is constant and impacts my daily routine significantly. However, it is the only effective weight loss option that's worked in 26 years of diets and exercise and eating healthy. I will not give up. The weight is killing me, and I needed this medication. I started at 221 lbs. and now I'm at 194.3 lbs. BMI is close to pre-obesity, and I know I'll cry the day I hit it. Full disclosure, I'm disabled in part due to my weight. There is no way I could have worked and taken Wegovy with the severity of my nausea and fatigue. But the mobility and breathing issues are improving."

• Psy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started on Rybelsus 20 days ago after I went in to see my doctor and my A1C was 11. This is while I was also taking pioglitazone and 2000 mg of metformin. After being on it for only 20 days, it has brought my blood sugar average down from 269 to 131. My 14-day glucose is 114, and my 7-day average is down to 109. I am hopeful that my next A1C reading will be 5.6. I did notice a little looser stool when I started it, but nothing worse than when I started Metformin. So far, so good. My only complaint is how expensive it is! I may not be able to continue it because of the cost."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started Ozempic 8 weeks ago, from the beginning I started belching. Dose was 0.25, went to 0.50 and the stomach cramps started. I am in 3 weeks now at 1mg and I have never been more miserable. Constant violent diarrhea and stomach cramps. I am losing weight at a rapid pace, didn’t necessarily need to lose. I called the doctor today because I’m unable to leave the house, she seems to think that this will subside in another week and I should be back to normal. After reading everyone’s comments I find this hard to believe!"

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started this weight loss journey with Wegovy 4 days ago. No nausea, but definitely have some diarrhea starting the second day. I will continue with the treatment unless the side effects change or worsen."

• Ash...
• May 12, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "My endocrinologist prescribed this to help with PCOS. I weighed 211 lb and started on 3 mg and lost 6 lbs while walking for 2 miles a day most days for a month. I was bumped up to 7 mg, but insurance wouldn't cover it, and I ended up gaining the weight back after trying Victoza and Byetta. My insurance changed, and my endocrinologist started me back on it at 7 mg since I already had Byetta in my system. During this time, I found out I have Ehlers-Danlos and was recommended to start weight lifting to help strengthen my muscles and lost 13 lbs in a little over a month, which I'm sure exercise has helped contribute. My menstrual cycle has been regular and on time for the first time in 4 years. I haven't had any major side effects other than a little nausea when I first take it in the morning and diarrhea, but I had that issue beforehand. I know a lot of people have said the side effects are terrible, but it hasn't been for me, and you should certainly give it a try. It's honestly been wonderful."

• Ali...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been exercising, dieting, counting every calorie, weighing food, and meal prepping. No weight loss and fasting blood sugar is still over 160 after 24 hours of fasting. I tried metformin, I got diarrhea, but no weight loss and no decrease in appetite. I need to lose 30 lbs and have lost 8 by skipping breakfast, having lunch, and skipping dinner some days. If I eat before 5 pm, I don't get reflux and I sleep better. I am having night sweats, but I'm 56, so I'm menopausal. I'm not taking hormones. I increased the dose to 7 mg and had diarrhea for 3 days, I'm now up to 14 mg on an empty stomach. No more diarrhea, and I have energy. I am 142 now and trying to eat healthy, but mostly eating no more than the size of my fist and staying as active as I can. I'm feeling cravings go away."

• Ran...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 21, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking Ozempic for two weeks now. I wondered how this drug could allow some - or most - people to lose weight. Now I know - it makes you feel sort of sick to your stomach and takes away your appetite - at least that is my result so far. I am hoping to develop a tolerance to it. Not a really pleasant experience so far, but I have not vomited or had diarrhea as some users have reported. It does appear to be lowering my blood glucose somewhat, which is the primary reason I am taking it. I am also taking metformin but have been able to reduce the dosage. I am still only taking 0.25 mg of Ozempic, so the result of higher dosages is unknown now. I will post again in a month or two with higher dosage usage results."

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

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Beginning weight was 234 and began at 0.25 in June 2024, and just began 2.4 today at 177. Been going up very slowly, but weight loss has slowed way down. Still have 17 pounds to lose, but prefer 27 more. Have gone from 2XL/Size 22 to size 14. Have dealt with nausea, headaches, occasional constipation/diarrhea, depending on what I eat. Small meals, five times a day, plus drinking lots of water is key. I get extremely tired the day or two after taking the shot. I take the shot at night, hoping to be at my goal weight by the end of May 2025. 63-year-old woman and all blood work now within normal limits."

• Lor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Ozempic for 2.5 months now (10 weeks as of today) off-label for PCOS. I started with a dose of 0.25 for the first four weeks and have been on 0.5 for the remaining six. On the 0.25 dose, I felt my appetite was slightly reduced, and I had some mild nausea. As soon as I went to 0.5, the side effects started, and I began getting extreme nausea, diarrhea, rancid burps, and I can no longer eat. If I eat more than a regular ham and cheese sandwich in a day, I feel extremely nauseous and the burps come back. As of my last doctor's appointment, I've lost about 3 pounds, but I don't know if I can keep this up. I'm miserable. I won't know until next month whether it's working like my doctor has intended because she needs blood tests to verify all of that, so I can't speak to how effective it has been yet."

• Bir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 12, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "Bad news: I started taking the 3 mg Rybelsus for 30 days, did well. Have been taking the 7 mg for the past 3 weeks, and I have had diarrhea, stomach bloating, nausea, and can barely eat anything or drink. Even the smell of food makes me sick. I am extremely exhausted and hate feeling like this. Calling doctor tomorrow. Good news: dropped A1C from 8.4 to 7.3 in 6 weeks and lost 10 pounds, and also cut back on my 24 hr insulin and fast acting due to not eating. — Is it really worth it though???"

• New...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was moved to Ozempic from Januvia. At the time I started Ozempic, I'd brought my blood sugar down to what would translate to an A1C of 5.5 or so, and I'd managed to kick most of the insulin I was on. I started Ozempic at 0.25 units per week and had mild nausea and diarrhea, but my appetite vanished and I could barely bring myself to eat. Once I started the full dose, my blood sugars began to climb rapidly. I'd be fine in the mornings at first and then experience wild spikes between meals, until finally, my fasting sugar started to climb out of my desired range. I actually had to take MORE insulin, not less, just to keep my fasting BG below 7. Ozempic was absolutely NOT worth it - even with the lower price here in Canada, the cost is ridiculous, the benefits never materialized, and the effects on my appetite destroyed the healthy diet I was trying to eat. Good example of how new isn't always good."

• Sun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 8, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic on Friday. I'm hoping the side effects go away because it has helped my blood sugar readings and helped with cravings. The side effects I'm having are horrible diarrhea, joint and muscle pain, and fatigue. I don't know how long these symptoms will last, but hopefully not long."

• Deb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 25, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started using Ozempic in Feb 2023. During the first three weeks, I experienced a lot of vomiting and diarrhea, so I stopped using it. I waited for three weeks and then tried again. However, after two injections, I became severely dehydrated and ended up in the ICU at the Heart Center. I had collapsed at a baby shower due to dehydration and was experiencing blood loss in my stools, anemia, and electrolyte imbalances. I could have died, but thankfully, I am still here to share my story. Ozempic may work for some, but it is definitely not for me."

• Cta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was on Ozempic .5 for 6 months. During that time, I had severe stomach cramps and diarrhea. My blood pressure went out of control, causing my vision to double. I have 6th cranial nerve palsy caused by a spike in blood pressure. EKG now shows I have a right bundle branch blockage and may need a pacemaker. I never had anything like this before. I have had the same doctor for 15 years, and he is also concerned. I believe Ozempic is the root cause, my eyesight may not get completely normal. Will be getting legal advice."

• 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."