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Semaglutide and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 5)

Brand names: Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy

Reviews for Semaglutide

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Mic...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 7, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I had a horrible experience. Abdominal pain going to the back. Constant nausea. Depression - very strange feeling, almost like an out-of-body experience. For the first time, I found myself HATING my body. Extreme tiredness. Difficulty focusing. Gained 9 pounds in 3 weeks. Constant headaches."

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  • Isa...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 24, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "My endocrinologist prescribed 3 mg to start because the B12 depletion from metformin (I have B12 anemia) was not good and constant yeast infections from Forxiga were very annoying. At first, I noticed a major appetite decline. There was a bit of nausea for the first 2 weeks. I started the 7 mg after a month and while I've been experiencing constipation, I am so happy about the weight loss. I've been on Rybelsus for 10 weeks and have lost 10 lbs. My latest random glucose test had me at 5.7, down from 6.3 - 7 over the previous few months. I am happy about fewer carb cravings and will stay on Rybelsus as long as I can. I am lucky my health plan covers it because it's quite expensive."

10 / 10
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  • Onw...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 18, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am male (early 50s). Blood glucose was already regulated with metformin, diet, and exercise (100 to 150), but I wanted to quit metformin because of its side effects (diarrhea). I was put on 0.50 mg/wk and warned that nausea from Ozempic was a common side effect. I had no idea! Week 1/Week 2: I couldn't smell food without getting queasy. I choked down lots of soup just to get 1200 cal/day (often falling short). Week 3/Week 4 got slightly better. Week 5: I have my appetite back. I feel full, so I eat smaller meals. My weight loss is atypical: 203 lbs to 183 lbs in five weeks, combined with exercise (1 hr/4x wk stationary bike/treadmill). Blood glucose is now between 90 and 120, with occasional dips and peaks. I would only recommend this drug to those who have very high glucose levels, are morbidly obese, fiercely stubborn, and/or desperate. But it works. Good luck."

8 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • 188...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 17, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Wegovy 3 months ago using the gradual phase-up method. From 0.25 mg dose for 4 weeks to 0.50 mg dose for 4 weeks, then 1.0 mg dose for 4 weeks. During the initial phase, I experienced mild nausea and some stomach irritation. With each increase, the symptoms got worse until finally, at the full 1.0 mg dose, I was so sick I thought I had stomach flu for 2 weeks continuously. The belching was horrible. The nausea caused uncontrollable vomiting, and I had frequent diarrhea. After 3 months, I lost 12 pounds and felt horrible every day. I've now reduced the dose to 0.5 mg but still suffer from nausea and stomach upset. I might cut back again, but I'm thinking I will quit. The way I feel all the time is horrible! I'm thinking I lost weight because of all the vomiting. Not recommended."

1 / 10
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  • Dan...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 8, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I've been on Ozempic for two and a half months now for weight loss, and the results have been great. I've lost about 25 lbs. The only thing I don't really like is I truly do have no appetite. At all. So sometimes eating is a slog. Just getting through 3 or 4 bites of a meal can be annoying. And even though it's been almost 3 months, I still get nausea from time to time. I also had to dial back a lot of my social drinking, as I'm eating so little, there's nothing to absorb the alcohol in my stomach most days, causing indigestion, acid reflux, vomiting, and other problems. Still, I'm going to stick with the medication to see how much weight I can potentially lose over the course of six months."

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  • Iam...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 24, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Today is day 10 on 0.25 mg of Ozempic, so 2 doses in. On day 7 (dose 2 injection day), I could not leave the toilet. Exhausted and cold. Never any desire to eat, even if I haven’t eaten for 24 hours. When I do eat something, it is a tiny portion, and I feel incredibly sick for an hour or so afterwards. Last night, I had horrifying nightmares. I cannot wait for this to wear off, I will change my lifestyle long before I take another dose of this medication."

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  • Me ...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 25, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, sulfur burps, fatigue, loss of appetite, super sensitive to smells, I have to make myself eat enough. It's like morning sickness, only it's 24/7. Zofran helps for about 6 hours. Cannot tolerate much besides chicken broth and Brussels sprouts. No fried, fatty, oily, spicy foods. Need to stay hydrated with water. Ginger ale helps. I'm up to a 1 mg dose and 14th week. This nausea is constant and impacts my daily routine significantly. However, it is the only effective weight loss option that's worked in 26 years of diets and exercise and eating healthy. I will not give up. The weight is killing me, and I needed this medication. I started at 221 lbs. and now I'm at 194.3 lbs. BMI is close to pre-obesity, and I know I'll cry the day I hit it. Full disclosure, I'm disabled in part due to my weight. There is no way I could have worked and taken Wegovy with the severity of my nausea and fatigue. But the mobility and breathing issues are improving."

10 / 10
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More FAQ

  • Dim...
  • April 7, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been using Ozempic for 7 weeks, lost 12 pounds. I also take Xigduo and Lantus at night. Gas, nausea, headache, and a few low A1c. But my number is down from 8.1 to 5.4. For the gas, I find that Gas-X helps. And for the nausea, I sip on cold water and keep my meals small. I haven't thrown up yet and no constipation or diarrhea."

5 / 10
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  • Dad...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 13, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "This Ozempic was prescribed as a last-ditch effort to get my A1C down prior to starting insulin. The first 0.25 dose caused significant nausea, but I battled through it for a couple of weeks before starting the 0.50 dose. The nausea increased with the higher dose, and I considered stopping but had lost ten pounds, had zero appetite, and my sugar was down, so I chose to continue. It's been about 6 months now, I'm taking the full 1.0 dose, and although the nausea is still an issue, it has lessened in severity and comes in 'waves,' so I know it will pass and just tough it through. I've dropped about 30 lbs and counting, my A1C is now in the prediabetic range, and I've been able to lower doses of other medications that were causing significant side effects. I now feel better, look better, have more energy, and no longer have the constant food cravings or desire to overeat. If you can ride out the nausea, the benefits of Ozempic are huge, for me anyway."

8 / 10
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  • Djo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 17, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I was scared after reading some reviews, but wanted to share my experience so far. I began on .25 one week ago - I injected in my abdomen at night before reading about the thigh being better. The next morning, I woke up with pretty bad nausea, but not vomiting - definitely enough though to prevent me from eating. All day I was lethargic and could not eat much. Each day it improved. It definitely does not allow you to eat heavily - eating very small meals is about all it allows and even then it does give you slight nausea initially. Took my 2nd .25 dose this evening and did inject the thigh. Hoping to update this in a few weeks, but it’s been manageable."

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  • Abe...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 15, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started out with .25 mg. I did that for four weeks and only felt slight nausea after the injection. Today, I bumped up to the .50 mg dose, and within five hours I was nauseous. I finally vomited, and I feel better, but have no appetite now. Nothing sounds good. I’m also sleepy. So far, the weight loss is only about five pounds. If I stay nauseated, it’ll probably increase drastically, but what a dumb way to live! I hope it’s temporary. I could be sick once a week and survive if I get decent weight loss. I am also fairly active, and I exercise 4-5 times a week. I don’t have a thyroid because of cancer nine years ago."

8 / 10
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  • SoH...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 30, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "One word - amazing. I was so skeptical when starting this medication. I thought it would be just like everything I've tried before, but it's not. It works. Two months in and 20 pounds down. It's like magic! I have had some brief periods of nausea, but I drink some ginger ale and it helps a lot. I read that this medication would be a game changer for weight loss, and it has not disappointed."

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  • Jan...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 9, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Took my first 0.25 mg Wegovy dose yesterday. I felt nauseous about an hour later, but within 2 hours, I started vomiting. For the next 16 hours, I dry heaved throughout the day and night. I couldn't even keep water down. It hasn’t been a full 24 hours yet since I took the shot and feel horrible, hoping that these side effects will stop soon. There is no way I’m taking another shot next week."

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  • Ash...
  • May 12, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "My endocrinologist prescribed this to help with PCOS. I weighed 211 lb and started on 3 mg and lost 6 lbs while walking for 2 miles a day most days for a month. I was bumped up to 7 mg, but insurance wouldn't cover it, and I ended up gaining the weight back after trying Victoza and Byetta. My insurance changed, and my endocrinologist started me back on it at 7 mg since I already had Byetta in my system. During this time, I found out I have Ehlers-Danlos and was recommended to start weight lifting to help strengthen my muscles and lost 13 lbs in a little over a month, which I'm sure exercise has helped contribute. My menstrual cycle has been regular and on time for the first time in 4 years. I haven't had any major side effects other than a little nausea when I first take it in the morning and diarrhea, but I had that issue beforehand. I know a lot of people have said the side effects are terrible, but it hasn't been for me, and you should certainly give it a try. It's honestly been wonderful."

10 / 10
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  • OZa...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 14, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Ozempic (semaglutide) for 7 weeks and am presently on 0.5mg dose. Positives - I have lost 15 pounds, my A1c has dropped from 6.8 to 6.0. I feel great. Negatives - Blood level dropped fast with the first shot, after that no issues, slight nausea right after the shot. It doesn't last more than 30 mins. Positives outweigh the negatives IMO."

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  • Ran...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 21, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking Ozempic for two weeks now. I wondered how this drug could allow some - or most - people to lose weight. Now I know - it makes you feel sort of sick to your stomach and takes away your appetite - at least that is my result so far. I am hoping to develop a tolerance to it. Not a really pleasant experience so far, but I have not vomited or had diarrhea as some users have reported. It does appear to be lowering my blood glucose somewhat, which is the primary reason I am taking it. I am also taking metformin but have been able to reduce the dosage. I am still only taking 0.25 mg of Ozempic, so the result of higher dosages is unknown now. I will post again in a month or two with higher dosage usage results."

6 / 10
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  • Ran...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 21, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking Ozempic for two weeks now. I wondered how this drug could allow some - or most - people to lose weight. Now I know - it makes you feel sort of sick to your stomach and takes away your appetite - at least that is my result so far. I am hoping to develop a tolerance to it. Not a really pleasant experience so far, but I have not vomited or had diarrhea as some users have reported. It does appear to be lowering my blood glucose somewhat, which is the primary reason I am taking it. I am also taking metformin but have been able to reduce the dosage. I am still only taking 0.25 mg of Ozempic, so the result of higher dosages is unknown now. I will post again in a month or two with higher dosage usage results."

6 / 10
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  • SSH...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 25, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Rybelsus for 2 months. I started on the 3 mg and did fine, no side effects, and actually felt more awake and focused. Then I went to the 7 mg and was very nauseous and vomited almost nightly. It felt like my food never digested. I apparently am pretty sensitive to this medication and since my blood glucose and A1C have been good, I am taking this every other day, which has lessened the nausea and discomfort. I have lost 6 lbs in the past month and that has been great because I needed that. So we will see how this continues, but I feel pretty good."

9 / 10
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  • CSC...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 9, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "The first few weeks I suffered some nausea, and my food intake was reduced probably about 30% as a result. I started at 0.25 for a month, then 0.50 for a month, then 1.00, which was the full dose. I have been on the drug for about 6 months now. My weight dropped 30 pounds from 264 pounds to 234 pounds, and I seem to be leveling at that range. My target BMI weight for 6 feet 3 inches is 210, but I would be happy at 225. I have found that Ozempic did cause some constipation, but overall, once I achieved the full dose for a few weeks, I felt much better. The weight loss has really helped how I feel, and I will be doing my 6-month blood workup next week. Hoping to see some good results with glucose, which was at 6.0, and cholesterol at 259. Overall, I am very happy with the results to date."

8 / 10
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  • Ms ...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • September 19, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Wegovy exactly 1 year ago with a starting weight of 220 pounds. I titrated up through the doses with some nausea while doing that, but manageable and tolerable. I began to see the weight come off gradually. Now I've been on the maintenance dose of 2.4 for 5-6 months and currently fluctuate between 143-145 pounds, weighing 143 today. I must say Wegovy was the best choice I've made with all other failed attempts to lose weight. I am no longer pre-diabetic, and I no longer take blood pressure medication. My labs look great as well. I am amazingly pleased with my progress while on this Wegovy journey, and my doctor was pleased with my progress at my recent annual physical appointment. For anyone hesitant about trying this medication, it is a game changer and REALLY works over time. It's not an immediate fix, but a tool with healthy eating, moderate exercise, determination, and a goal."

10 / 10
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  • JJa...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 29, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "This is the first medicine I've used that has actually helped me lose weight. I take a bunch of psych meds that have packed on pounds (Seroquel). I started with the 3 mg titrating package and had slight heartburn for a few days. By the end of a month on 3 mg, I lost ~6 lbs. I had slight nausea at first on the 7 mg dose (after a month on 3 mg), but that faded. Now, after a month on 7 mg, I'm down a total of 14 lbs total (233 to 219). Before this med, I've been trending only upward for the past 4 or 5 years. I'm super stoked that I might be able to see under 200 lbs again in a few more months."

10 / 10
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  • Lor...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 13, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Ozempic for 2.5 months now (10 weeks as of today) off-label for PCOS. I started with a dose of 0.25 for the first four weeks and have been on 0.5 for the remaining six. On the 0.25 dose, I felt my appetite was slightly reduced, and I had some mild nausea. As soon as I went to 0.5, the side effects started, and I began getting extreme nausea, diarrhea, rancid burps, and I can no longer eat. If I eat more than a regular ham and cheese sandwich in a day, I feel extremely nauseous and the burps come back. As of my last doctor's appointment, I've lost about 3 pounds, but I don't know if I can keep this up. I'm miserable. I won't know until next month whether it's working like my doctor has intended because she needs blood tests to verify all of that, so I can't speak to how effective it has been yet."

5 / 10
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  • Iri...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 12, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic in March 2019. This allowed me to quit taking Actose and Glipizide. I weighed 287 lbs., and my A1C was 7.8 and rising. I was a little nauseous for the first week, and then it subsided. I haven’t experienced any since. Now in October, I weighed in at 231, and my A1C is down to 6.2. My energy is up, and I feel great. This medicine definitely improved my quality of life. I’ve never gone beyond the .5 dosage, and my endocrinologist said that an increase is not necessary for me. I would recommend everyone give it a chance. I know it won’t be for everyone, but if it works, your daily life will change for the better."

10 / 10
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  • Bir...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 12, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "Bad news: I started taking the 3 mg Rybelsus for 30 days, did well. Have been taking the 7 mg for the past 3 weeks, and I have had diarrhea, stomach bloating, nausea, and can barely eat anything or drink. Even the smell of food makes me sick. I am extremely exhausted and hate feeling like this. Calling doctor tomorrow. Good news: dropped A1C from 8.4 to 7.3 in 6 weeks and lost 10 pounds, and also cut back on my 24 hr insulin and fast acting due to not eating. — Is it really worth it though???"

3 / 10
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  • Bak...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 24, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Ozempic for 3 months now, and I find this drug works like none I have tried before. The first 6 weeks were rough: burping, headaches, fatigue, nausea, but I stuck it out. I’m so glad I did. My A1C has gone from 8 to 6.8 in three months. I have lost 20 pounds, going from 180 to 160 lbs. My daily sugars have seen a vast improvement. The major thing I have noticed after being on the drug for this long is that recovery time after eating high-carb or high-sugar foods is back to normal. Appetite is still lacking, but it’s mostly an aversion to ‘bad’ food. I can no longer sit and eat an entire burger, it’s just way too much, but a healthy salad, I can eat the whole thing! I have seen major benefits from this drug. I have way more energy and no more 3 pm crash. Tips while adjusting to the drugs: Tums, Gravol, lots of sleep, light healthy meals, and remember to drink water! Also, I found injecting Ozempic in the hip lessened the symptoms for the first while."

10 / 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.