Semaglutide and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 5)

• mac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "After the first 0.25 mg injection, I was extremely bloated and burping within 5 hours. I woke the 2nd day with extreme bloat, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. I could not eat or drink a thing because of severe bloating. This lasted 5 days. Foolishly, I did a 2nd dose the next week of 0.25 mg. This time, I became much, much sicker with the same symptoms but more severe. Abdominal pain severe, bloating was so bad I had to go to the ER, my stomach was as tight as a drum. They were talking about sticking a tube in my stomach to release the incredible pressure, instead, I came home and rolled around in agony for 3 days. I stopped using it, but the side effects continued. 7 weeks of severe gastroenteritis that caused so much inflammation in my body, I have been in so much pain. No amount of weight loss is worth this level of suffering. If you have any GI issues like gastroparesis, you really should not be risking it with this drug, it says so right in the insert."

• 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."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 28, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was on Metformin and had an A1c of 8. The doctor told me to get off Metformin and gave me a sample of 3 mg Rybelsus and prescribed the 7 mg dose after 1 month. My morning blood sugars with Metformin were 111 to 88. With Rybelsus, my blood sugar in the morning has been 148 to 208! I had diarrhea with Metformin, but that went away with Rybelsus, however, my stomach has become bloated, lots of burping, slightly nauseous, no appetite, a tightness in my chest, and now that I am using the 7 mg dose, I have become exceedingly tired with zero appetite. Today my blood sugar was 177. This is unacceptable. It was way lower with Metformin. I am quitting this. I can't be this tired and feeling so ill. I used to have energy with Metformin, but Rybelsus has completely drained it. I feel the doctor had just been visited by the Big Pharma salesman and gave her the sales pitch, and she started prescribing it. Is she getting a kickback? This Rybelsus is not good and causes cancer."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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?"

• Lyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 18, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took 3 mg for 2 months and then started the 7 mg. The 3 mg I had heartburn, nausea, some diarrhea. Was uncomfortable but doable. But once on 7 mg, I had the same symptoms plus vomiting, constipation to the point of hemorrhoids, and severe heartburn to the point I almost went to the ER. I got out the label on this medicine, Rybelsus, and relooked up side effects symptoms on the computer. I immediately stopped on my own, messaging my doctor. Within 2 days, I felt so much better. This medicine is costly too, luckily I had insurance because I will not use this and it had to be disposed of. $ wasted."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Avi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 16, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am 58, have IBS-D, no gallbladder, GERD, and am 60 lbs overweight. This is my second attempt at taking Wegovy. The first attempt was disastrous! I didn't make it through the first week before I was hit with diarrhea, nausea, acid reflux, dizziness, cramps, and had headaches. I missed four days of work and went to ER twice. The doctor did tell me to stop taking this, but I honestly did not think it was the Wegovy (I had not done any research on side effects). Once I got back to my normal state of digestive issues, I became proactive. I started back on Wegovy (.25 lowest dose) 6 weeks ago, but now I take a dose of Pepto-Bismol daily (twice a day the day of and day after the shot) and I take an OTC daily antacid. I still get mild side effects (nausea, headache, and fatigue) the day after the shot or if I overeat. I have not lost any weight at this dose so I am going up to the .5 dose next week. As others have said - everyone will react to this med differently."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I lost 15 lbs in 2 months, but during the end of my treatment, I discontinued use due to worsening side effects such as: chest tightness, weakness, lethargy, extreme nausea, diarrhea, shortness of breath. I also experienced cotton mouth; however, I am unsure if this was due to this medication, as I had a wisdom tooth removal during this time. My treatment started at 0.25 mg for 4 weeks and then increased to 0.5 mg for weeks 5-8, then increased to 1.0 mg at week 9, which is when the side effects became alarming, and I chose not to increase the dose. At week 10, I did increase to 1.0 mg and decided to stop after, as I chose to listen to my body and not push it. The ease of use was fine as I don't mind needles too much; the sensation was slightly uncomfortable but not painful."

• 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."

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

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Rybelsus tablets for 6 weeks now. I felt no difference on the 3 mg, but the 7 mg has given me headaches, bloating, diarrhea, and blurred vision sometimes. However, because it has brought my blood glucose from an average of 14 - 16 mmol in the morning to 9 mmol, the side effects are worth it. I've tried so many medications over the past 15 years, and only insulin and this Rybelsus have ever actually made any real difference. Since moving up to the 7 mg tablets, I have lost 5 pounds in a week, so all in all, this drug has been a Godsend to me. I only wish the tablets tasted better and were smaller to take. They taste vile to me, and I do struggle to swallow them because of their size and mostly because of their taste. So far, I am very pleased to finally have a drug that actually does seem to work. I am so grateful that I am in the UK and I get this medication for free."

• Bis...
• April 7, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am going on week 11 with Ozempic, and have lost 24 pounds. I have had all 5 of the main side effects, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. I am happy with the weight loss, so am learning to manage these. By trial and error, I've found that I can't eat much at one time (don't really want to), need to avoid fatty foods, drink lots of fluids, and take Senna laxative every night for the constipation, and keep Zofran around to help with nausea. Yes, these first few weeks have been difficult, but the weight loss is worth it to me. Plus, the side effects get less the longer I'm on Ozempic. I am currently on 1.0 mg and think that's quite enough. I am rarely hungry and often have to make myself eat. I hope to lose 65 pounds total."

• 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."