Semaglutide and Upset Stomach: What Users Say

• MzG...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started on Ozempic in September 2020, starting weight 312 lbs (5’4”). I am type 2 diabetic and take 2550mg of Metformin daily. HbA1c was 79, sugar cravings, and blood sugar out of control. Started on 0.25 dose for a month. Quite bad stomach cramps and nausea for the first month. Went up to 0.5 dose in month 2, then 1.0 dose for month 3 and since. No. 1 tip - inject into your leg rather than around your belly. Once I changed to injecting in my leg, nausea and cramps disappeared overnight, and never came back. To maximize effectiveness, you can’t eat like you did before. I re-joined Weight Watchers in September. I have lost 80 lbs in 5 months, HbA1c dropped from 79 to 51 which is a normal type 2 level although the doc feels with more weight loss, it could go to normal levels. In Ireland, diabetes is classed as a long-term illness so all medications are covered by the government, so I don’t have to pay for this. Otherwise, it costs €195."

• Kma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "First of all, this does work. I lost over ten pounds in 6 weeks. The weight just fell off. Second of all, this was the worst experience I have ever had with a prescribed medication. Well, I started at the lowest dose and took that for 4 weeks before moving to the next dose, which I believe was 0.5 mg. The maintenance dose is 2.4 mg, I believe. How anyone makes it to the 2.4 mg is beyond me. I made it to the second dose of 0.5 mg before I threw in the towel. This stuff is WICKED. I spent 6 weeks of my life with an upset stomach, the absolute worst reflux and heartburn I have ever had, and constant nausea. I had to literally force myself to eat. Would not recommend. The side effects and the price are not worth it. Easy to lose weight when you are starving yourself and feel too sick to eat. Once I stopped, it took a few days to feel better and the weight came back lightening quick plus a few. Not worth the misery in my opinion."

• Wil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Did the first 4 weeks of Ozempic at 0.25 had mild stomach issues. Nausea was come and go, really not consistent. Helped control my eating. Doctor said if you overeat or eat like you used to, you will throw up. There is no place for overeating but up. Didn't overeat, didn't have much issue. Took stool softener to keep things moving. At the 0.5 dose, ate less but had fewer side effects than my first dose. Glad I have started the med, it works."

• Lyn...
• December 22, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took one dose of Ozempic and I have been sick ever since. Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, and a little dizziness. This is terrible, will never use again. Can someone tell me how long these symptoms last?"

• lei...
• May 19, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on it for 7 weeks. I have had the runs as others have noted, and the sour stomach, but what I also noted is that those symptoms are worse if you've eaten too much or a heavier meal before bedtime. Small snacks are ok. I don't drink any sugar-laden beverages, and I eat lots of fiber already. My diet is mostly vegetarian, but not for any reason other than my stomach just feels better on it. I think that has helped keep the side effects in check. So far, I've lost 8 lbs, which TBH is kind of shocking. I never thought my body would give up this weight, but I'm heading in the right direction. Sugars are dropping nicely, especially my fasting sugar. I have that hypo drop and spike when you wake up, and that seems to be leveling off, which is great. So I'm going to keep going. Oh, and I didn't jump in with dosing, I started with 0.25 and kept on that for six weeks and only just now moving to 0.5. Slow gradual is the right way. Too much at once will make you sick."

• Tan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I was so afraid to try this med because of all the bad reviews. I could not survive endless nausea or stomach issues. I just came here to say that I had none of these issues, and it is helping with cravings."

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started June 11, 2024, at 194 lbs. At 1 month, lost 10 lbs. At 7 weeks, am down 17 lbs. I've tried to lose this weight for over a year now. I am a 59-year-old female at 5’4”. The first shot had a little upset stomach for a day or two, but not bad. I would highly recommend this drug. First time I have had hope to reach my goal weight."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 15, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor gave me Ozempic 0.5 to start with. I always had upset stomach, diarrhea with most foods, and an overall sick feeling all the time. I was able to 'live' with it until now. She decided to up my dose to the 1.0 and my body went into total chaos. I am always nauseous, constipated, got reflux, feels like my food is stuck in my stomach and doesn't go anywhere. I'm constantly burping and feeling bloated. The sick feeling feels intensified and I cannot function at work. I took my last one this past Friday night and was miserable all weekend long. Today I am at work unable to function at my best because the nausea is bad. I would say it is effective in lowering your blood sugar numbers and helping you lose weight but not worth feeling horribly sick over. I will not be using this medication any longer."

• Oze...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 14, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "With just one 0.25 mg dose, I became very ill. Relentless nausea, vomiting, and explosive diarrhea, as well as unbearable stomach cramps. Needed to go to the ER for fluids and to check for pancreatitis. It’s now been 9 days since my first dose, and I still have relentless diarrhea, nausea, and disabling fatigue. I don’t want to eat. I didn’t want to take it in the first place but was ambushed by my kidney doctor. She told me that using Ozempic was a no-brainer and that I would just have a bit of nausea. If you have any gastrointestinal symptoms when taking any medicine, I would think three times about it before using it. I have read it can take up to a month for it to be flushed out of your body, but I am hoping and praying that these horrible side effects stop real soon."

• Jah...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 16, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "So far, so good! Only on the 3rd day on it, but I'm loving it. On .25 mg dose to start. I'm female, 5'4", 215 lbs, and I'm looking to drop about 40 lbs with it. Very mild stomach discomfort here and there, but it's barely noticeable the vast majority of the time. When I first injected, I felt that my heartbeat got quicker for a little bit, but it subsided in an hour or two. I don't crave junk food anymore. I feel like I'm always full, and I have an increased desire for whole foods. I'm not going to increase my dose until I feel the beneficial effects subsiding, I'm taking it very slow to avoid side effects. Will check back in after a month or two, I'm very optimistic!"

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I’ve been on this med for 7 weeks. I’ve lost 25 lbs and my daily blood sugars range from 60 - 90. I use it along with 500 mg Metformin. The first couple of weeks were hard with nausea and stomach cramps. I also had the headaches that others have mentioned in the first couple of days. In week 3, I increased from 0.25 to 0.50. Then came the diarrhea. It wasn't too bad, I was just happy that I could go. I’m now taking 1.0 and experiencing sulfuric burping. Ugh! After doing some research on home remedies to help with the burping, I’m trying a spoon of apple cider vinegar. If you can make it through the first few weeks and you can be somewhat disciplined, you will notice a huge difference in how you feel. In my opinion, the side effects are manageable when I compare the weight gain while taking Insulin. BTW - I’m not severely obese. Prior to being on this drug, my weight was 205, and I’m 5’9 and 47 years old. I hope this is helpful to someone."

• Tom...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 13, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Wegovy in March 2022 with a goal of losing 50-75 pounds. I ended up losing a total of 85 pounds in about 11 months. I felt great upon taking the Wegovy. Only had mild headaches and mild stomach discomfort. I was not tired, I actually felt energized. However, by December, the nausea had reared its ugly head. I took Zofran, and it helped. I was able to stick it out with the nausea until February, at which time I stopped taking it. I could no longer live with the nausea. Since I stopped taking it, I have continued to suffer nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. My doctor and I are still trying to find the source of this continuing issue. I love the weight loss, and I love Wegovy!"

• Jan...
• March 26, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started on Rybelsus and only took 4 doses. I didn’t get terrible stomach upset, but my abdomen went completely numb. I’ve been off the medication for 4 days and am still completely numb. I went to the ER, and they ran blood work and a CAT scan, all was normal. I went to a chiropractor, and again, all was normal. Numbness is listed as a rare side effect on drugs.com website, which my chiropractor looked up. My endocrinologist isn’t helpful, and I called Rybelsus, and they were less than helpful. I’ve now spent hundreds of dollars. I’m very concerned and praying this goes away. I am so numb it hurts to touch my skin. Beware of this medication!"

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 9, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "First month had some minor stomach issues, to be expected, then acclimated to the drug. Once the dose increased to 1 mg, began having blurry vision due to one eye having a BRVO, Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion. Never had issues with my eyes prior to taking the medication. Two doctors told me to stop taking the medication. Only restarted the Ozempic after my ophthalmologist confirmed my eyes were healthy and healed, this was 6 months later. Now, only inject 0.5 mg, which maintains stable normal blood sugar levels and keeps a strict low-carb diet. I take an antioxidant, pycnogenol, which protects veins, especially retinal veins. Also, being my food intake was greatly reduced, it may have caused nutritional deficiencies, so I take a multivitamin and taurine. Taurine is very important for retinal health as well as heart health."

• Haz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Blood sugar levels started getting high 33 a year ago, tried several different prescriptions before being placed on Ozempic (4 months ago), metformin & Invokana. Now reading 6.5 levels, with a recent 7.0 A1C. In the past 4 months have gone from 170 to 141 lbs. I was told weight loss included muscle loss so I’m trying to keep on a high-protein diet and weight workouts. I don’t think I’ve had a hunger pang in 4 months, and eat way less. I do get burps after eating and occasional stomach pain that is tolerable. Perhaps it’s the combination of all bringing down my levels that gives me two things I didn’t expect, clear clarity in thinking (better memory recall) and a lot more energy (as in stable for a good 10 hours and then I start getting fatigued). I honestly am very happy to lose weight and eat off a smaller plate."

• Gym...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 8, 2020

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "My doctor prescribed Ozempic to me a year ago for weight loss. I’m only taking 19 clicks every 2 weeks when I go see my doctor he gives it to me. Every time I get the Ozempic I get sick 2 days later. It starts by nasty burps, then stomach cramps, then out of nowhere I throw up you don’t get a warning, sometimes diarrhea and sometimes I feel like I’m going to pass out. I got the Ozempic Monday and woke up in the middle of the night with nasty burps and stomach cramps."

• 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."

• Gre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 6, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been injecting Wegovy for the past three months on a weekly basis. I am at the 1 mg dosage. I have been having brief dizzy episodes. These could be related to my Lisinopril dosage. I have had stomach upsets and fatigue, but no trouble with the injecting. I have lost 25 pounds since starting - 220 - 195 lbs. I have been able to tolerate the side effects."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started Ozempic 8 weeks ago, from the beginning I started belching. Dose was 0.25, went to 0.50 and the stomach cramps started. I am in 3 weeks now at 1mg and I have never been more miserable. Constant violent diarrhea and stomach cramps. I am losing weight at a rapid pace, didn’t necessarily need to lose. I called the doctor today because I’m unable to leave the house, she seems to think that this will subside in another week and I should be back to normal. After reading everyone’s comments I find this hard to believe!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I lost 25 lbs on a 0.25 Wegovy dose between February 25th and May 7th (about 10 weeks). I went from 178 lbs to 153 lbs. I am a male, 5'6''. I was already exercising for 45-50 minutes a day for 6 days a week, but I could not lose the weight. Wegovy helped me control my appetite mentally, resulting in fewer calorie intake, and boom, the weight started to come off. I also have fatty liver disease and have recently seen some studies showing promising results with this drug. I sometimes have mild bloating and stomach cramps, but not extreme."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 16, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am on my first week of the 2.4 dose (so I am just starting month 5). My weight loss seems a bit slower than others (story of my life), BUT I am still losing! I’ve lost 26 pounds in 5 months with making few modifications to my diet. I eat similarly to how I did before, but my portions are much smaller. I have experienced some side effects, but everyone’s experience is different. I can usually combat the upset stomach and gas with Gas-X and Pepto. I have experienced constipation, but that’s honestly something I’ve battled all of my adult life. Miralax in my morning tea or coffee certainly helps with that. Bottom line for me is this… the occasional side effects are 100% worth the results I’m seeing!"

• Jer...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "It was a disaster for me. My A1C used to stay between 7.5 and 8.5, and morning fasting readings were high, like 130 to 160. Increasing Glimepiride from 4 mg up to 8 mg didn't work. My doctor started me on 3 mg/day of Rybelsus. It caused constipation, upset stomach, and a lot of burping. But morning fasting readings came down to around 100, so I was tempted to try it out. After finishing the 3 mg dose for 30 days, I started taking 7 mg/day. My symptoms worsened: constipation, loss of appetite, noisy stomach, lots of burping, GERD, and weight loss from 152 lbs to 139 lbs in just about a couple of months. I could not afford to lose any more weight. I also saw some foamy urine indicating it was affecting my kidney function too. I stopped taking Rybelsus under my doctor's advice, and since then, the constipation is gone, the burping is gone, the appetite is good, and life seems back to normal. I still need to check on my kidneys for any issues since foamy urine is still there. The last A1C was 7.9."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 2, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "No weight loss at all in 3 months. I’m at 1.5 dose now. I also have a sluggish thyroid, so not sure. Feel an upset stomach, acid reflux, and nausea. And very tired after the injection. Have lost about 3 lbs and gain it back by the next day. I eat low carb, and usually I’m not hungry. I have no idea why I'm not losing any weight."

• Ter...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 12, 2025

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "My experience with Wegovy. - Experienced upset stomach and nausea initially, but these symptoms were manageable. - Lost 32 pounds in six months, with reduced appetite as a significant benefit. - Knee issues have limited exercise, but weight loss has contributed to lower blood pressure. - Monthly cost is around $200, with insurance coverage easing the financial burden. - Wegovy's injection is easy to use and comes with excellent support and reminders."

• CRR...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am on my 4th week of Ozempic (0.25, 0.25, 0.50, 0.50) and have experienced very little in the way of side effects. A little upset stomach in the first hour of injection, but after that, it has been smooth sailing. I have lost 20 lbs using this along with Farxiga and doing KETO with intermittent fasting."