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Semaglutide and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say (Page 2)

Brand names: Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy

Reviews for Semaglutide

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • 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."

5 / 10
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  • MDl...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 16, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "Do not use this drug. I took my first and only dose and had terrible diarrhea, so bad I had to cancel several engagements. I also had vomiting after eating, no appetite, a decline in vision, and worst was a mental haziness that took over a month to recover from. My doctor called it an allergic reaction, but I don’t believe that. Even after 8 months, I still have episodes of feeling tired and hazy. I feel like I’ve aged 5 years since taking the one dose. Other than type 2 diabetes, I was in good physical condition and health. Now I have aching muscles, reduced vision, and sporadic haziness. Yes, my A1C went down temporarily, but not worth all the rest of the side effects."

1 / 10
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  • Gra...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 26, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have pre-diabetes and obesity and started on the 3 mg dose for the first month and then moved to 7 mg. I was very nauseous and found I could eat very little. I had no appetite. Great for weight loss, but I felt really bad. Maybe two weeks into the 7 mg dose, it was a little better. Then the doctor wanted me to move to 14 mg. I don't like to throw up, and it became too much for me to tolerate. I asked to go back down to the 7 mg dose and have done fine on that ever since. Definitely still keeps appetite in check. Five months in, and I’ve lost 35 pounds. Also showing improvement in my blood sugar levels."

8 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • MDG...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 8, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "First, I started on Rybelsus, the 3mg dose, my blood sugar went up over 200. I stopped on the third day, went back to my old meds, and my levels returned to normal. No nausea, no diarrhea, no side effects of any kind. (I did follow the directions to take it first thing on an empty stomach and not eat for thirty minutes.) Dr. switched me to the 7mg dose, so far my blood sugar is running higher than my old meds. I am on day four, so I want to give it plenty of time. I do notice a lack of appetite. At this point, I am not impressed, but I am willing to give it more time before throwing in the towel."

5 / 10
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  • oze...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 29, 2020

"I have been on Ozempic for 5 full months to help me lose weight. In that time, I have lost exactly 60 pounds (I had about 100 to lose). I was on 0.25 mg for 6 weeks, moved up to 0.5 mg thereafter, and have been on 1 mg for the past 4 weeks. I certainly experience stomach pains, headaches, absolutely no appetite, severe constipation, feel full almost immediately after eating more than 3-4 bites, and I am not sleeping as well. As of right now, the benefits are outweighing the negatives. I do not plan to stay on Ozempic long term because the possible thyroid cancer/tumors scare me. I am nervous upon stopping Ozempic that the weight gain will come right back."

9 / 10
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  • mew...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 27, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’m 63 F with T2 diabetes, and I started on Oz mid-May 2024. Symptoms: nausea, fatigue, GERD, sulfur burps, stomach cramping from severe constipation, constipation, feeling like I need to vomit, ringing in my ears has increased significantly, loss of appetite, reduction of inflammation, occasional migraines, feeling “off” most days, bouts of dizziness, and feeling faint, but blood sugar and blood pressure are normal, improved blood sugar readings, weight loss of 13 lbs. There are some perks: rheumatoid and osteoarthritis inflammation has lessened, though I still feel pain daily, it’s more tolerable. I take no painkillers but will take CBD as needed. Loss of appetite has led to a loss of 13 lbs so far, blood sugar improved so I’m confident that my A1C has improved also. I struggle with what to do: stay on for the inflammatory reductions, weight loss, and blood sugar improvement benefits, or quit because I feel sick most days, so I have no real pleasure in life anymore. No, I’m not depressed."

6 / 10
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  • JDM...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 4, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started on the low dose .25, had nausea, loss of appetite, little loose stool, tired, and just didn't feel good. Lasted for 3-4 days. Next dose, the symptoms increased, especially the loose stool, lasted most of the day for 4 days. The next dose, the doctor had me go to .5, and I say OMG, it was the worst I have ever felt. Couldn't eat, watery diarrhea, burping horribly, tired, and just felt so sick. I told my doctor I can't do this. Symptoms still going after being off for a week and a half. I just hope it stops soon. I do not recommend it to anyone."

1 / 10
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More FAQ

  • Dud...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • November 8, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "Lost too much weight, lost my appetite for food and life, until my diabetic nurse told me to stop the tablet at once. I had to go to A&E with a UTI, but while there they told me to see my GP and get a two-week referral. I looked so ill they thought it was cancer. Thankfully, it was not cancer. I’ve been off Rybelsus for three weeks and I am eating normally and feel much better. I believe in all honesty it would have been a close thing between me and death."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 7, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Loved the weight loss, everything else sucked! Nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, sulfur burps, no appetite. I ended up with a nasty gallbladder that was poisoning my body. I turned septic and ended up hospitalized. The doctors, nurses, and hospital were wonderful, but my ordeal was not over. Ten days later, I had seizures and two small strokes. Had no calcium or magnesium left in my body. The most horrible experience ever! Yes, this medicine may be great. Please be vigilant about getting your blood work done on a monthly basis, especially if you are losing fluids through digestive upset. Like I said, the drug worked as far as weight loss (47 lbs) and A1C (6.6). But I came close to losing my life and am still recovering and working with my doctors to get back to a healthy life."

3 / 10
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  • Tim...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 28, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am on my second month on Rybelsus. My A1C was 11.1 when I went to the doctor 3 months ago, and I weighed 201 at 5’4. I felt like I was going to have a stroke, in spite of being on metformin. The doctor put me on Glimepiride to quickly lower my sugar. That helped me to manage cravings, feel better, eat better, and start walking. My blood sugar would drop too low, though, and I would have to eat to bring it up. The doctor took me off that and put me on Rybelsus in addition to Metformin. I have not had any side effects other than decreased appetite, especially now that I’m on 7 mg. It's been almost 2 months on Rybelsus, and I now weigh 189 lb. I also got a Libre Freestyle 2 so I can check my sugar as much as I want with my phone and see how my body reacts to various foods. Combined together, total game changer! Highly recommend! It tells me my blood sugar average is now 118, and it keeps trending down. I am hopeful for the first time in a long time."

10 / 10
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  • AJa...
  • July 4, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking 3 mg Rybelsus since June 4th. I am not experiencing nausea nor diarrhea, however, I am experiencing constipation and loss of appetite. Since I have been taking this medication, I notice I get tired very quickly. Overall, I notice that it has helped my diabetes tremendously, and I have lost 8 lbs with very little exercise. I also take metformin 750 ER. Before starting Rybelsus, my A1C was 8.1, I do expect it to be much lower on my next visit in September."

10 / 10
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  • Has...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 7, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Rybelsus for almost 7 months, the first 3 months I was on 3 mg, then increased to 7 mg three months ago. I was previously on glimepiride and metformin for blood sugar control, but I was having multiple lows. My doctor replaced the glimepiride with Rybelsus. So far, I have lost 44 lbs and my A1C went from 7.3 to 6.6 after only 3 months. The only side effect I have is decreased appetite, which has helped immensely with the weight loss. I think this is a weight loss drug. With the weight loss and decreased appetite, obviously, your A1C levels are going to be lower. I am happy with the weight loss, I am just concerned as to when it will finally plateau and even out and if my appetite will return at some point. I have also been suffering from some insomnia, but I suffered from that periodically prior to the change of medication. I wish my insurance would cover it at the copay of $10.00 instead of it being on the list of higher-cost medications."

8 / 10
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  • Mac...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 13, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "Well I took the shot on a Wednesday. And by Saturday I felt weak. I had severe diarrhea and no appetite. That lasted for about 3 days. Then I started itching all over my body. So I got some cortisone to help with the itching. Then as I continued to itch, my body was turning red, and I'm African American. Then I began to blister and then peel. I peeled from my legs, arms, my buttocks, and then my hands, and now my feet. I told my doctor, she insisted it was my laundry detergent, but I tried to tell her different. Anyways, I believe that there was an ingredient I was allergic to in the Ozempic. I do not recommend this shot. I've been dealing with this for a month. The only upside, I lost 7 to 8 lbs. But look what I went through. Good luck!"

1 / 10
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32 Report
  • CRK...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 16, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor gave me a sample box of 3 mg Rybelsus for T2D. I could only tolerate it for 10 days. The first thing I noticed was my appetite was gone. As days went on, I felt like I was in my first trimester of pregnancy, although I didn’t ever feel like vomiting. Continuous nausea, lack of appetite, lethargy, and horrible constipation were my friends during the time I took the drug and for about a week afterward. I ended up in the ER with terrible IBS with very painful cramps. I thought I had a blockage from no BMs for 12 days. After being off the drug for about a week, one day I woke up and the symptoms were gone (about a week after I stopped taking it). I felt like myself again. During that short time period, the pounds just started melting off me, and I only weighed 138 going into this. I dropped down to 130. I really wanted this drug to work for me. My doctor tried to prescribe Trulicity after this. No way. It’s too similar. My A1C is 8. Not sure where to go from here."

4 / 10
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22 Report
  • Wan...
  • September 24, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started with the 0.25 dose. The next day, I had a mild sinus-type headache and loss of appetite. No food cravings, no overeating. So far, so good, right? Well, it's now 6 months later, and I've lost 36 pounds. I can hardly eat anything. I am nauseous all the time. No energy. I'm eating primarily cereal, jello, and peanut butter. My A1C is 6.7. However, I need to go off it so that I can get some nutrition in me. Miserable experience."

2 / 10
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  • Nei...
  • April 16, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Month 1, I was started on Ozempic at 0.25 mg and had very mild symptoms of bloating and reduced appetite. Month 2 & 3, uncomfortable. Stomach cramps, gas, and diarrhea probably for 4 days after injection. This can be really embarrassing in a small office. By the end of Month 3, I was feeling quite a bit better. At this point, my HbA1c was down to 5.2 from 9.4, I had virtually no diabetic symptoms. No blurred vision, no numbness in fingers and toes, and I was sleeping through the night without visits to the bathroom. And I lost 16 kilo in weight. Month 4 to 7. OMG. Increasing to 1 mg, the side effects are horrendous. Weight loss has stalled, though this is probably due to lockdown. The sickness and eggy burps are constant, and now my doctor says it will be at least 6 months before the side effects could be gone. But I have no diabetic symptoms, my HbA1c is pretty much normal, and I think the effort has been worth it. Not an easy journey, but worthwhile."

7 / 10
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21 Report
  • 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."

1 / 10
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  • 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."

1 / 10
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  • 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."

10 / 10
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  • Dck...
  • January 13, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’ve been on Ozempic for 8 weeks, .25 starter dose for the first 4 weeks; it suppressed my appetite, a couple of mild headaches, and intermittent nausea. Moved to .5 at week 5 and have no desire to eat at all. It’s almost a problem as I feel so weak and have all-day nausea. Hard to tell if the nausea is from not eating, Ozempic, or both. At week 6, I also started taking Humira for spondyloarthritis; the combined side effects are brutal. Sick nearly 24 hours a day, constant nausea, vomiting with any exertion. Backed off the Ozempic to .25; the side effects are better, but still troubling. As a positive, I’ve lost 30 lbs in 8 weeks, all from not eating as I feel too sick and weak to walk or work out. The docs prescribed Zofran 8 mg po every 8 hours as needed. It helps, and I do manage to eat a couple of small meals. Weigh the benefits and downsides, but it does work. A1C dropped from 8.7 to 7.4 in the first 8 weeks and should continue downward with prolonged use and accompanied weight loss."

9 / 10
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  • Apr...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 27, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’ve been taking Ozempic for a few weeks now after taking Byetta and not liking it. I also take Lantus, Humulin, Metformin, and Phentermine. I also take 2 blood pressure meds, cholesterol, nerve, and anxiety meds. I’ve had PCOS since 2000, had gestational diabetes with my youngest in 2008, and was officially diagnosed as diabetic in 2015. Last year, I had the scare of my life and went into ketoacidosis and was in ICU for a week. I have a new endocrinologist who started me on Ozempic. I started out with an A1C of 11.5 and brought it down to 7.5. I’ve lost 7 lbs so far. I have blurred vision, stumble, no appetite, constipation, no energy, insomnia, sick to my stomach, and gross belches. I feel like stuff is lodged and stuck in my chest all the time. I sure hope these side effects don’t last forever because I feel like this medicine is making my blood sugars under control for the first time in my life. I have the Dexcom G6, and it consistently checks my levels and my average is 149."

7 / 10
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  • G R...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • June 3, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "I call this a wonder drug. Dropped my A1C to 5.8, so far, and I barely have to worry about counting carbs or finger sticks. I didn’t check my BG levels once the last 6 months and ate pretty much what I wanted “within reason”. I still stay away from sugary drinks and limit my carb intake but other than that I feel back to “normal”. The only side effect I’ve experienced is the appetite suppression. Lost 40 lbs because of that side effect. I happily tell all my family and friends who are also type 2 all about my experiences. Some have also begun to take Ozempic as well. I can’t endorse this medication enough!"

10 / 10
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6 Report
  • All...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 21, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "On December 19, 2022, I saw my medical provider and requested a prescription for Ozempic. She agreed that at 5’3” and weighing 192 lbs, it would be a good option for me. I started Ozempic on January 3, 2023. The first time I weighed myself after starting Ozempic was at the beginning of February, and I weighed 179 lbs. Through February, my weight bounced between 181-175, then I lost another 5 lbs in the first two weeks of March. I’m hoping to reach 160 by mid-April. My weight goal is 130-135. I am very happy with Ozempic’s effect on my weight loss. I have had assorted side effects. I had two days of extreme headaches after my first dose, but I’ve only had mild headaches with dosage increases since. My stomach is mild to moderately upset most of the time, and most of the time I don’t have much appetite. I’m at a 1 mg/week dosage now, and I’ve started having a lot of bad-tasting burps, but constipation is by far my worst side effect. I don’t know if I would have bowel movements without laxatives."

9 / 10
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  • DLy...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 7, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "Have been taking the low dosage for 2 weeks now. I have no appetite and have dropped about 7 lbs during that time. The problem is constant GI pain. No nausea, just never-ending constipation and gut pain. I am taking myself off this until I can find an alternative. The weight loss is nice, but the pain just isn’t worth it."

5 / 10
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  • Top...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 12, 2018

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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25 Report

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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.