Semaglutide and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "My first 30 days at 3 mg weren't bad. I enjoyed not feeling hungry and only experienced mild diarrhea after eating occasionally, though it wasn't triggered by specific foods, so I always needed a bathroom plan. In my last week of Month 1 on the 7 mg, I had watery diarrhea with nausea for 24-hour periods, 3 times in 10 days. I vomited one of those days. I haven't had my bloodwork checked, and I know I lost weight, but I also lost more than 3 days of my life sitting on a toilet. I ate nothing that would have triggered these episodes. Rybelsus has done one good thing - inspired my butt to get serious about my health without drugs."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "My first 30 days at 3 mg weren't bad. I enjoyed not feeling hungry and only experienced mild diarrhea after eating occasionally, though it wasn't triggered by specific foods, so I always needed a bathroom plan. In my last week of Month 1 on the 7 mg, I had watery diarrhea with nausea for 24-hour periods, 3 times in 10 days. I vomited one of those days. I haven't had my bloodwork checked, and I know I lost weight, but I also lost more than 3 days of my life sitting on a toilet. I ate nothing that would have triggered these episodes. Rybelsus has done one good thing - inspired my butt to get serious about my health without drugs."

• Sna...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 20, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been on this for almost a year. Have had type 2 for 18 years now. A1C's always in the 6.5-7.5 range. Was primarily using Humalog to control BS. With Ozempic, sugars stay lower. The peaks aren't as high, and don't have to use as much insulin. The only side effect I get is diarrhea and stomach cramps (mainly gas buildup) 12-48 hours after taking it. On occasion, I will get nauseated. I have stayed on .25 and never increased. So far, I like this drug, and those side effects are manageable. As long as I'm near a toilet the first 48 hours, just in case."

• Ter...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 1, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "After 6 weeks, I cried 'uncle!' (admit defeat). Severe and profuse diarrhea, ++ nausea, and bouts of ++ vomiting, and stomach pain all the time caused me to give up on this drug. Lost only 5 pounds in 5 weeks, and I'm sure it was from the extreme GI issues and inability to eat more than 500-600 calories on bad days - mostly just soup! Felt like I had food poisoning for 6 weeks straight. Was hopeful for this drug, but it totally didn't work for me, and the side effects were unbearable - and I'm a tough cookie."

• For...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 17, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Wegovy in December 2021 at 281 lbs, and as of May 2022, I am weighing in at 246 lbs (35 lbs lost). I am on the full maintenance dose at 2.4 mg. I didn't notice many symptoms early on; however, as I got to the 1.7 & 2.4 mg, my side effect symptoms greatly increased - including vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and a nasty burnt popcorn taste in my mouth. This medication will definitely cause you to lose weight as it completely takes away your appetite, but the combination of side effects, mostly the vomiting, makes me question if I will stay on this medication much longer. For reference, I take my medication on Saturday evening and suffer the side effects until about Thursday morning. From Sun-Wed, I find myself in/out of the bathroom throwing up when I attempt to eat the most basic of foods. I used to have a large passion for food, but I can't imagine eating some of my favorite things while these side effects take over. I would recommend for those suffering to lose weight with caution."

• Joh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 7, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started with the 3 mg. Within a week, my bowel movements became loose. Other than that, it was fine. Started the 7 mg after a month. Within a week, I was nauseated constantly, along with diarrhea. The nausea got worse, and diarrhea continued. At three weeks, I had to stop taking it. The very next day, nausea stopped, and I have normal bowel movements again. I do not recommend this medication. Also, vomiting was a relief a few times."

• Joh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 7, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started with the 3 mg. Within a week, my bowel movements became loose. Other than that, it was fine. Started the 7 mg after a month. Within a week, I was nauseated constantly, along with diarrhea. The nausea got worse, and diarrhea continued. At three weeks, I had to stop taking it. The very next day, nausea stopped, and I have normal bowel movements again. I do not recommend this medication. Also, vomiting was a relief a few times."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Lost 10 lbs in 3.5 weeks, but the side effects mean I will be stopping. Diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, headaches, bloating. Felt ill most of the time. Working and traveling problematic due to having to be close to a toilet!"

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

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

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."

• Sup...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 31, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Took my third shot of Ozempic at .25 tonight. Side effects have been horrible since the second shot. Not one side effect after the first shot. I was so happy. Took my second on Wednesday night. Little nausea Thursday. Friday about noon, stomach cramped up, I mean like birth labor contractions, horrible nausea, the worst diarrhea I've ever had, and I'm pushing 69. I thought I was going to die. Diarrhea lasted about twelve long hours. Nausea has never let up. Sometimes I can function for a short period. I'm going to give it one more week and see if side effects lessen. Unfortunately for me, this same side effects come with everything I have tried."

• Sal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic exactly one week ago. The nausea hit by the second day but only seemed to happen in the morning. However, 5 days in, the diarrhea hit. It has been absolutely horrendous. The gurgling sounds can be heard from across a huge room. I have woken up to bowel leakage and been running to the bathroom about 10 times a day for the last 3 days. Then there’s belching, which is worse than a typical 'burp.' It’s happening regularly too. I’m really sad and afraid. I really thought this was going to help me bring down my A1c. But I don’t see how I can continue taking it. I’m calling my endo tomorrow. I need something to work, but these side effects are just not livable. Especially because I work in a corporate atmosphere."

• ric...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 28, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Rybelsus for a little over a month for PCOS and have had an overall positive experience - just started the 7 mg dose. My doctor recommended it since I am at risk for type 2 diabetes (>30 BMI, borderline high fasting glucose with a normal A1C, and signs of insulin resistance from PCOS). I get some pretty extreme nausea whenever I eat junk food (fatty and/or sugary), but otherwise feel good. I'm hoping that the nausea I do get helps instill better long-term eating habits. I've also experienced appetite suppression, which has helped me prioritize proteins and vegetables. I did get alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea when starting this medicine and am expecting that I'll experience the same with the dose increase. I have felt far more energy, and my cravings for junk food have drastically reduced. So far, I've lost slightly more than 10 lbs and am shooting for another 50 to help get my PCOS under control."

• Big...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I used to take Saxenda until my insurance would no longer cover it. Worked great. Lost at least 50 lbs. Now I’m on Wegovy, more or less the same side effects. Diarrhea and burps that taste like rotten eggs. On Saxenda, they went away once I was up to full dose. Right now, it’s my 3rd week on full dose, and I’m still getting those side effects, just not as bad. I’m sure they’ll eventually go away. One side effect I have and can’t find listed (which is what brought me here) is my skin is sore and tender. Not unbearable, but riding in a car and hitting bumps is quite uncomfortable. Anyone else experience this?"

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2023

"I started this medication on Dec 20th, 2022, 3 mg when my doctor told me I was diabetic. I weighed 206 lbs. A1C 6.5. The first month on this, I was nauseous and felt sick. At 30 days, I told him what I felt. He said, 'I am putting you on 7 mg now. Your body will get used to it.' Here I am now, 3 months later, and I am so sick. I get nauseous still, have constipation, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, and the smell of food at times is so nasty. I am constantly feeling sick, dizziness, and I feel lightheaded, always exhausted, no energy, which scares me. My A1C is lower now, 6.1. I have pretty much stopped having sweets, carbs, or anything bad. Weight loss is out of control. My current weight is 157 lbs today when I went to the doctor. I have lost 49 lbs in 4 months. I told him I can’t take this anymore. He changed me to metformin 500 mg, let’s see how this one works. This medication hurt me more than it helped me."

• Gre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Took first Ozempic shot in doctor's office. Felt okay through the week. Took second shot and started getting sick that night. Diarrhea and vomiting. My wife had to help me off the floor of the bathroom. Missed 2 days of work. Had to make an emergency visit to the doctor to get pills to stop vomiting. And the sulfur burps were horrible."

• Chu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have taken Ozempic for about 6 months. I take it every Wednesday. By Wednesday night, I am experiencing the sulfur burps. Then comes the vomiting and diarrhea. This reaction has gradually gotten worse as time goes by. I ended up in the ER this last weekend to get fluids and to make sure I wasn’t getting pancreatitis. After four days of this, my digestive system is returning to normal. I have lost weight (26 lbs). But, if you can’t keep anything down, you certainly will. I consider this a dangerous drug, and the FDA needs to remove it from the approved drugs."

• 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."

• Gab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Horrible, I had smelly sulfur burps and nausea at 1.7 mg. After the 2.4 mg limit, I became violently ill for two days. It was projectile from both ends. Very embarrassing. After that, just constant diarrhea for days. Throw it in the garbage."

• Dav...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 23, 2024

"I started using Rybelsus in October of 2023. My starting dosage was 3 mg, and then raised to 7 mg about 4 months later. I have encountered redness, hives, and itching on my calves, scaly skin, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, cramping, and dizziness. Most of those symptoms have gone away. I take it each morning alone and do not take anything else for at least 30 minutes. When I get to work, an hour later, I take my heart and blood pressure medicine (for Afib). I gained a lot of weight for multiple reasons. The main reason was because of depression and chronic back disease. I just had lower back fusion, which has stopped my back pain. This means I can exercise now without severe pain. The good news: since I have been taking Rybelsus, I have lost 70 pounds. I now weigh 330, and by January 1, 2025, I want to be 299. It works, but does have side effects. The key is using it as directed and learning to eat smaller, healthier food portions."

• Nik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Checking in about my experience on Wegovy thus far. Tomorrow, Monday, May 8th, 2023, will be my second box of Wegovy 0.25 mg. So my 5th injection. I’ve lost 6 pounds since I first started. My biggest issue is diarrhea and nausea. I get occasional stomach cramping. Otherwise, I too have noticed that drinking more water seems to help. Lots of saltine crackers for me. The first week, I was scared to eat. I felt like I had the flu. It wasn’t a good experience for me. Then, gradually it let up, and by that first Friday, I felt like myself again, but still ate with caution. I have no taste! It’s odd. I know I’m eating, but it’s like I’ve lost my sense of taste. I will update after these 2 boxes are complete and hopefully will have a total weight loss that’s up to date. I don’t own a scale, lol."

• Dix...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 11, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Two days after my first injection, I had horrible sulfur burps that were making me feel sick. By that evening, I had horrific stomach cramps; by 11:30 pm, I had uncontrollable diarrhea! My prescriber advised me to eat six small meals a day and that the symptoms would improve with each injection. I left it twelve days before my next one (as I had a couple of social things I didn’t want to miss if it happened again) and thought at first it was better. A headache day one, nausea on day two, but sulfur burps again by day three. I got indigestion medicine, but it didn’t even touch it. That night, same again; cramps, diarrhea, more burps, and this time intense nausea too. I decided at that point it might not be for me! I really hope it helps some people lose weight, but don’t expect a quick easy fix! I actually felt fatter the whole time I was on it as I was so bloated and tender."

• 9ru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Absolutely horrific. I get it works for most people, but unfortunately not me (and should not be promoted as a miracle drug that can help all obese people lose weight, as it doesn't work for everyone). I took 0.25 (the smallest dose) for 3 weeks and nothing (I yo-yoed with my weight; lost a bit then gained it again). After 3 weeks (not sure why 3 weeks for me), the main side effects kicked in. Diarrhea/loose stools, constipation, vomiting, nausea. Worst side effect was for 3 nights in a row, at about 3 a.m. I projectile vomited. First night I almost aspirated and choked on my own vomit trying to make it to the toilet without throwing up. Second night, even though I had the bathroom bin next to my bed, I was still projectile vomiting, and I couldn't sleep as I had a panic attack that I'd pass away overnight and my family would find me dead as I couldn't breathe as I had undigested food stuck in my esophagus. Gave up after 5 weeks of the lowest dose."

• 9ru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Absolutely horrific. I get it works for most people, but unfortunately not me (and should not be promoted as a miracle drug that can help all obese people lose weight, as it doesn't work for everyone). I took 0.25 (the smallest dose) for 3 weeks and nothing (I yo-yoed with my weight; lost a bit then gained it again). After 3 weeks (not sure why 3 weeks for me), the main side effects kicked in. Diarrhea/loose stools, constipation, vomiting, nausea. Worst side effect was for 3 nights in a row, at about 3 a.m. I projectile vomited. First night I almost aspirated and choked on my own vomit trying to make it to the toilet without throwing up. Second night, even though I had the bathroom bin next to my bed, I was still projectile vomiting, and I couldn't sleep as I had a panic attack that I'd pass away overnight and my family would find me dead as I couldn't breathe as I had undigested food stuck in my esophagus. Gave up after 5 weeks of the lowest dose."

• Thi...
• June 27, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking this for 2.5 months. I've lost a solid 10 pounds. I take it right before bed so I can sleep off the initial side effects, if any. There is a little bit of diarrhea, nothing too crazy. I have major loss of appetite, I can eat half meals or half kids' meals and I'm always full after a few bites. Sugars are low. The major side effect is nausea, but it isn't every day. I've thrown up 3 times within the past 3 months, which is something I never did prior. It comes out of nowhere, and honestly, I'm unsure if it is this injectable or just from taking an iron supplement and vitamin. Could be the vitamin. I feel tired also, not sure if it's just work or a side effect. Overall, I'm happy with the injectable, plus it beats taking a pill every day."