Semaglutide and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Bec...
• December 28, 2020

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "I started taking the Ozempic injection a week before Christmas and took my second 0.25 dose on Xmas Eve. I've felt slight nausea since taking it and very little desire to eat. My BS levels have been 95% in range ever since and have managed to reduce my long-acting insulin by 20 units. I have lost 6 lbs so far. I was astounded it came off in the first week. The only time I have had bad stomach pains is when I've eaten something bad, and I get terrible runs 20 mins after eating, but once I've been to the loo, pain stops. I had vomiting once because I think I overate a few days after taking it. I was super bloated, and a few hours later I threw up, then I felt fine again. So I just eat little and often, mostly grazing and picking at fruit. I was worried about taking this because of the comments I've read, and with having IBS, I didn't know if it would be bad for me. But I have no issues taking it, and so far, so good. It's still early days for me, but I would 100% recommend it."

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

Semaglutide 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

Semaglutide 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."

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

Semaglutide 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 :)"

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

Semaglutide 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."

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

Semaglutide 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."

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

Semaglutide 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."

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

Semaglutide 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."

• Bea...
• October 14, 2019

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic at the end of July 2019. After 10 years of Metformin 1000 mg a.m. and p.m. & Januvia, the result turned into explosive diarrhea. Tried Jardiance, which resulted in yeast infections. Then Janumet, all of these with Metformin. Constipation. Started Ozempic in July, 0.5 mg with Metformin. Lost weight and appetite suppressed, but diarrhea continued. Changed to 1000 mg Metformin in a.m. & Januvia in p.m. Constipation again. Changed to 1 mg Ozempic after several months and 1000 mg Metformin in a.m. and 500 mg p.m., no Januvia. Constipation. Finally taking 1 mg Ozempic and 750 mg Metformin a.m. and p.m. works great. Bowel movements normal. My daily readings went down using Ozempic. No side effects. Lost 19 lbs. Not due for A1C until December. Love it. Went from 200 lbs to 181. Sugar cravings decreased. Feel positive. I am an active 70-year-old female. I don’t plan on taking Ozempic forever because the possible long-term thyroid side effects scare me."

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

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "I started on Ozempic in January this year. I have been type 2 diabetic for over 15 years. I was on metformin but found my A1C increasing, so it was recommended that I try this. I have had no problems with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pains, etc. that others have had. I have lost 26 lbs and am using 1 ml per week. I started with the .25, after two weeks increased to .5, and then after 4 weeks increased to 1 ml. My daily blood test has decreased down from around 10-11 to 4.5-6, and my A1C reduced down from 11 to 8, that was 2 months ago. I will redo next month. I truly think it will be down under 7 when I do it. For me, it is the miracle drug, I feel so much better, and with the weight loss, I feel less tired. I am sure it does not work for everyone, but for those it does, it is a very good product. I did have to get approval through my endocrinologist for my drug plan to cover this. Those without a drug plan would be well advised to think carefully as it is very expensive."

• Nen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2019

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking Ozempic for 3 weeks. At .25. My hunger is gone! Before, all I ever thought of was food. Now I am full with about half of what I serve on my plate. I am not eating between meals. I get some nausea but not severe and some diarrhea often. No yucky burps! I am losing weight."

• Tho...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2019

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "Started my weight gain journey upwards on the American Heart ADA Diet, 1400-calorie low-fat diet until I got so fat I could no longer exercise. Then started the ketogenic lifestyle, lost 60 lbs eating fat, bacon, calories 5000 to 6000 calories, sedentary lifestyle. Blood sugar was way down off all blood pressure meds except metformin, 500 mg twice a day. Weight loss stopped, glucose began to rise to 160. One doctor said start eating oatmeal and meditation and yoga. BG greater than 200, back on keto, glucose still too high, A1C 7.9, no weight loss. Changed MD who prescribed Ozempic. Glucose now 114-130 on .5 dose SQ weekly on Wednesday. Started losing again, now down to 220. Some diarrhea, no cramping, just take Lomotil once in a while if no access to bathroom. Don't know what my A1C is, but I predict it will be much lower. Great appetite control with keto. Intermittent fasting is a breeze. No cravings, feel strong."

• kor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 16, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started this medicine 5 months ago (took a month off due to kidney stones NOT caused by this medication...caused by double dosing calcium). I am pleased with this medication. I have lost 40 lbs so far and my A1c went from 7.4 to 6.0. It does affect my appetite, but the key to not being ill is, as others have said, to eat small meals, stay away from really fatty fast food, keep hydrated, and keep something on your stomach. I have been using SlimFast and Ensure to keep my nutrition level up as it was getting irritating not being able to eat at work as required (due to the busy hospital and OSHA rules). I feel much better since I started the supplements. The nausea isn't any worse than I had before I took the medication, and neither is the diarrhea. I have other conditions that cause these, so I can't say they are necessarily caused by the medication. I will continue taking this medication as I am pleased with the results."

• Top...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 12, 2018

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "I started on the low dose of 0.25 in July - had no nausea, no loss of appetite, a little loose stool once a week. It's now December, I've stayed on the 0.25 dose and have lost 35 pounds! I feel great, better than I've felt in 10 years. I've even started riding my bicycle. I make sure to drink plenty of water daily and eat regular meals."

• sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "I'm getting acidic burping whole day and watery stools. My food intake is reduced. It is the second month of dose 7 mg, which is showing more side effects."

• Bec...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 21, 2025

Semaglutide for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started at 0.25 ml mid-January 2025. After one month and no side effects, I was down 16 pounds. Second month I titrated up to 0.5 ml. No side effects and lost an additional 8 pounds. Third month titrated up to 1 ml. Three days in, I have been experiencing explosive, uncontrollable diarrhea, sulfur burps, and mild stomach cramps. Trying to control it with Pepto-Bismol and Imodium offered only a brief half-day respite, and then the diarrhea was back with a vengeance. Still losing about 2 pounds per week, but only sticking to the BRAT diet, supplementing with saltines and oatmeal. Water and Gatorade are my main sources of fluids as I am trying to stay hydrated. Decided to speak with the doctor and seek blood work and stool sampling just to make sure nothing else is going on. Depending on what comes of this, I hope to keep continuing on with this medication as it has helped me tremendously with weight loss, lowered my A1C, and boosted my self-confidence with respect to how I look and feel."

• Bec...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 21, 2025

Semaglutide for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started at 0.25 ml mid-January 2025. After one month and no side effects, I was down 16 pounds. Second month I titrated up to 0.5 ml. No side effects and lost an additional 8 pounds. Third month titrated up to 1 ml. Three days in, I have been experiencing explosive, uncontrollable diarrhea, sulfur burps, and mild stomach cramps. Trying to control it with Pepto-Bismol and Imodium offered only a brief half-day respite, and then the diarrhea was back with a vengeance. Still losing about 2 pounds per week, but only sticking to the BRAT diet, supplementing with saltines and oatmeal. Water and Gatorade are my main sources of fluids as I am trying to stay hydrated. Decided to speak with the doctor and seek blood work and stool sampling just to make sure nothing else is going on. Depending on what comes of this, I hope to keep continuing on with this medication as it has helped me tremendously with weight loss, lowered my A1C, and boosted my self-confidence with respect to how I look and feel."

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

Semaglutide 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 14, 2025

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "Overall positive, typical side effects at the beginning with nausea and diarrhea lasting about 3 to 4 months, then intermittent since being on Ozempic for over 4 years now. It is not perfect, but it has helped me manage my blood sugars to the point my A1C is below 6.5 consistently for over 2 years. I am now on the highest dosage as of June 2024. I don't know how long the benefits will last before it is no longer effective at helping me manage my DM2."

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 15, 2024

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "The best change was the Metformin diarrhea stopped within a week, which drastically improved my quality of living as this side effect was a problem. My problem with acid reflux also decreased."

• Oze...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 4, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "Lost 10 pounds. A1C reduced from 7.6 to 6. Experienced side effects: stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea."

• did...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 13, 2024

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "Caused some G.I. issues (diarrhea, upset stomach), but after a few doses (0.5 mg) things improved. Still have bouts occasionally, but the reward (lower blood sugars and A1C) outweighs the negative. Seldom have a problem with the injection, but on occasion get a mild burning sensation, very mild."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2024

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "After 4-6 weeks, I still suffer various levels of intensities of nausea, but short-lived diarrhea, plenty of burping, and fatigue that is often overwhelming. Some days, no problems. I manage the symptoms by enduring until they ease up, or I may choose to seek fast relief using what's available. Its benefits are now close to 'tight control' and significant weight loss (overcoming the stagnant plateau of a period of weight loss)."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2023

Semaglutide for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "In February of '23, I learned that I had a hiatal hernia where 2/3rds of my stomach was above my diaphragm. The doctor said she could operate, but it wouldn't stay fixed because of my body mass. So my primary care PA suggested Wegovy. I agreed to try it. The first 3-4 days of my first week were rather rough. I had horrible gas, diarrhea, and nausea. I could eat berries and yogurt, but not much else. Over the first 2 months, I lost 12 pounds. Then I plateaued. There also was a mix-up with getting my next 4 doses on time, so I went a couple of weeks with no doses. Most recently, we upped my dose, and now at 1.7 mg, I don't have many stomach problems, but I feel tired all the time. I get up and do a few things, and then I take a nap. And repeat. I had one time when I started to feel dizzy and faint because my blood sugar was low, but a sweet drink and a burrito helped with that. I am still slowly losing weight, which makes me happy! I've lost a total of 18 pounds in about 4 months."

• Cri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 11, 2023

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "The first dose I took (0.25 mg) I had nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea for three days. The second dose was also 0.25 mg. Thereafter, the dose increased to 0.5 mg, and I have found that my glucose readings have stabilized to just below 7. I am now in my 7th week. I occasionally have a loose stool, perhaps once a month. My appetite has reduced a lot, and I have lost weight. I haven't weighed myself, but I would say about 6 kg. I feel good. I do need more sleep, and my body craves rest."