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Semaglutide and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 3)

Brand names: Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy

Reviews for Semaglutide

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • 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 :)"

10 / 10
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  • 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."

10 / 10
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  • 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."

10 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • 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."

10 / 10
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  • 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."

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  • 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."

10 / 10
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  • 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."

10 / 10
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More FAQ

  • 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."

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  • 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."

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  • 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."

10 / 10
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  • 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."

10 / 10
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  • 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."

9 / 10
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  • 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."

9 / 10
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  • 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."

9 / 10
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  • 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."

9 / 10
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  • 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."

9 / 10
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  • 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."

9 / 10
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  • 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."

9 / 10
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  • 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)."

9 / 10
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  • 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."

9 / 10
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  • 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."

9 / 10
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  • 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."

9 / 10
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  • Cra...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • April 5, 2023

Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic to assist with my A1C. It was at 7.3 or so. After a month or two, it went down to 5.3. I have lost almost 50 pounds in the year I have been on it (up to 1 mg dose). It really works to suppress the appetite most of the time. The bad: diarrhea, belching (especially after high-carb or sugary foods), nausea at times (when I first started, it was horrible), going from not hungry to starving to puking in a matter of seconds. My husband is also on it, but he doesn't have the same side effects. It's easy to use if you can get over poking yourself with a needle every week. I get some injection site burning pain that goes away quickly."

9 / 10
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  • ash...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 30, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I just had my third injection, making it 2 full weeks on the drug. I am officially down 14 pounds as of last night. I am starting actually to see it in the mirror as well. I can't tell you how much of a confidence booster it is to know that this stuff actually works. I never feel hungry (which is a blessing because I have PCOS and used to be hungry 24/7) and still eat at normal times (i.e., breakfast, lunch, dinner) just way smaller portions than I'm used to. I work 2 full-time jobs and have worked 29 days straight without a day off and still have energy to continue, which is shocking with how little I am eating compared to before. I have found that if I stick to high protein and veggies, my stomach and nausea are under control, however, each time I have indulged and followed old eating habits (unhealthy/large portions), it's almost as if my body rejects it and I have either the runs or vomit that follows. In my opinion, it is worth it and I would recommend it to someone who struggles with portion sizes and WL."

9 / 10
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  • Daz...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 29, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Semaglutide in April. I felt sick for pretty much 2 months and almost gave up several times, but since the weight was coming off and my husband was doing it with me, I decided to keep going and took Zofran for nausea. My side effects: exhaustion, diarrhea, nausea, gas cramps, and light-headedness. Sometimes I still feel those things, but my body has adjusted mostly to it. In the beginning, I didn't feel like eating, and nothing sounded good. Now, I am hungry but can control my snacking. I lost weight quickly - 35 pounds. I had to keep buying new clothes. I do not want to lose any more weight since I reached my goal weight. Now, I take 30 units weekly to maintain the results. My cholesterol is the best it's been in years! I do work out 3 days a week, but I always have. I just couldn't lose any weight and ate too many snacks at night. This prevents snacking. Be careful not to lose weight too fast. I now have to deal with sagging skin. My husband and I still feel it's worth it though."

9 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.