Victoza and Constipation: What Users Say

• Sin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 22, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’ve been on Victoza since May 2019 and to date I have lost 34 lbs! Yeah, it does take a bit to get used to, and you will lose your appetite, but stick with it. I find that I do get constipated, and I’m not sure what to do about it right now since I’ve always had issues with bowel movements. One other thing that drives me crazy is that I will be starving and then when I finally eat, I take 3 bites and then...full! My husband teases me about it because I will be ready to hurt someone, then get full almost from just looking at food. I’ve not exercised at all with this medication, but I definitely feel well enough to do so. 6 more lbs until I’m out of my 200’s.... so onward!"

• Gia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 4, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on Victoza for 4 months, started out on 0.6, increased to 1.8 now. I've lost 41 lbs. My main issues with Victoza are constipation and lightheadedness. I am planning to continue for the near future."

• Zen...
• June 16, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My doctor just prescribed me Victoza. I was really scared to take it at first. I have been on it now for a week. I experienced little nausea and a slight headache the first two days, the third day, constipation. Other than that, everything is back to normal now. I will post later with results. My starting weight is 235, so ready to see if Victoza works for me. Hope I don't give up, lol."

• Tra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Follow-up... I'm about 1 week and 3 days in, and I have lost 12.2 lbs! I can notice that my appetite is suppressed, but no crazy headaches or other side effects. Today, I battled with constipation, so I will increase my fiber. Overall, I'm very satisfied with the results and will try to incorporate some exercises to maximize my results! Stay tuned! #Victoza"

• J-s...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started using Victoza on 7-10-19 on a dosage of 0.6 mg a day. No hectic side effects. Before I started, my weight was 112 kg, and I am now at 106.8 kg on 16-10-2019. I do intermittent fasting as well, so coffee with no sugar in the morning and lunch and supper, with supper no later than 8 PM. I usually eat light meals for lunch and supper. I drink a lot of water, a minimum of 2 L a day and some days more. I'm struggling with constipation, but I'm thinking of trying veggie smoothies for lunch next week. I don't exercise at the moment because I have knee problems, although I want to try walking at least for an hour on the treadmill. My goal weight is 60-65 kg. I'll see my doctor at the end of October, and she will most likely increase my dose. Fingers crossed I reach my goal weight within 6 months."

• Hei...
• August 10, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Victoza 8 days ago. When I started Victoza, I weighed 212 lbs. So far, I have lost 10 lbs, and I didn't even exercise. I did feel nauseous for the first 2 days, and constipated. Also, I have no appetite."

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started trial of Victoza from Dr. He wanted to check side effects before prescribing Saxenda. Lost 12 lbs in 2 weeks. BUT, insurance denied coverage for Saxenda, so back to Dr. Second request for authorization and gave me another trial of Victoza. Insurance denied Saxenda again. I registered for the Saxenda prescription savings card and today went to my pharmacy, $1021!!!! Talking to the pharmacist, he recommended getting a script for Victoza because insurance likes the price. Approved, and my copay is $25! I do get nausea when I increase the dose, it doesn't last. Dry mouth bad first few weeks but helped me be motivated to drink water. Diarrhea, yes, rotating with constipation. Food doesn't appeal to me. Often don't eat dinner or just a few bites. LOT of fatigue. Heartburn mild but I think it's because I forget to eat and my stomach is empty. BOTTOM LINE.... love this for weight loss. Side effects aren't permanent. I'm losing weight. BEST part? I figured out how to get insurance coverage!!!!"

• Lan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 23, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking Victoza since February of 2017. At first, I had nausea and constipation. I upped the dose to 1.2 and was really feeling bad. When I went up to 1.8, it was continually making me feel sick. My doctor told me to go back to 1.2. After a week on the 1.2, things started getting better. I still have the nausea, but it is only sometimes. The constipation I solved by taking a stool softener. I feel full after eating about a fourth of what I used to. Sometimes, just the thought of food makes me feel queasy. The best thing is the weight loss. I started out weighing 323 lbs. I went to the doctor today, and my weight is down to 280. It feels so good to lose weight without feeling hungry. A1c number went down from 9.3 to 6.6."

• Wet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 22, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started Victoza in December 2015, now in April 2016, I'm down 45 lbs. It has helped control my appetite. I have some constipation, but no other symptoms. I was on Lantus but have been able to stop using it, and blood sugars have remained in the low 100s. I am currently on 1.2 ml."

• Nov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 26, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Victoza for 18 days. Started with 1.8. Since day 1, I was a little weak and constipated for the first 3 days, but after that, I started to feel good again. So now I only eat 3 little meals a day, and I've lost 6 pounds so far from 202 to 196."

• Div...
• September 8, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started taking Victoza on March 25th, weighing 318 lbs. Experienced mild side effects - loss of appetite, upset stomach, constipation. I have now lost 30 lbs, and this drug has drastically changed the way I eat and view food, and I no longer have any day-to-day side effects. I am eating much less at meals, no snacking, and it has changed my cravings for junk food and sugar. Most peculiar of all is the fact that I am unable to drink beer anymore! I love beer, but after 1, my stomach turns inside out and I feel sick - not good for my love of beer, great for the health benefits of not drinking beer. :) I have hit a few plateaus, but then the weight loss begins again. I have gone down 2 pant sizes - this is a miracle drug for me!!"

• mov...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I tried Victoza 0.6 a few months ago, had severe dizziness 24/7; stopped. Wanted to try it again, as I have to lose weight and am insulin resistant. This time started at 0.3 (5 clicks). Had the headaches (head, neck), burping, and some nausea, but stuck with it for 3+ weeks before moving up to 0.6. After 2+ weeks of 0.6, I'm now at 0.9, largely without side effects except constipation. My endocrinologist says the best weight loss is at 3.0, but at 0.9, I'm absolutely seeing weight loss (6 lbs in a month) and noticing a distinct lack of hunger. I'm cautiously giving it a rating of 8 because it still beats amphetamine-like appetite suppressants. If you have trouble, start very low and take your time moving up; so far, I believe it's worth it."

• Ner...
• January 27, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "4-week update: Well, I'm a bit disappointed. I started Dec 28th, 2015, and was doing well until the past couple of weeks. Brutal constipation and upset stomach. Gastritis attacks. That was on a 1.2 dose. Dr. told me to stop it for a week and then try again at 0.6. I am going to do this as I really like the med. It lowered my blood sugars from 13 to 5.7, and I am losing weight, and the appetite suppression is great. I tried to forge through the side effects, but my stomach was too bad, and I was missing work. I don't want to scare anyone about this review. Just give it a try. I was scared at first. Will update again when I re-start."

• Dcp...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 1, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "Tried metformin and other oral meds, but none could control my fasting levels, and metformin makes me very nauseous. Endo suggested Victoza. Gave me samples to test. Lost about 10 lbs in the first 1-2 weeks of using it. No obvious side effects initially. Sugar levels seemed to normalize, and I had a complete loss of appetite. All seemed well. The samples ran out, and I went for a period without using it while I awaited an endo follow-up. I could see the difference in my blood sugar levels when I stopped. However, after getting back on it, the weight loss did not continue. The longer I use it, the less it works. Now experiencing shortness of breath. Seeing a cardiologist tomorrow. Side effects I've experienced are constipation, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath."

• Ang...
• May 18, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm 56 years old and was at 285 lbs, 5'8'. My history is I have had a full thyroidectomy due to cancer, spinal disc disease, high blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and had also bladder cancer. My food intake is low, 40 carb and under a 1,200 calorie diet, walk 3 miles daily. I'm on Victoza 0.6 once a day and the weight I lost was 10 lbs. My side effects include constipation, which is the main issue, and I also have mild nausea for a few days. My blood pressure meds were cut in half, no need for cholesterol meds, nor prescription omega-3 for high triglycerides. Anyway, I feel great. I sleep better, going up to 1.2 dose next week. 100% total success, worth it all so far. You must drink a lot of water, that's the only thing - I drink a lot of water and eat lots of fiber from vegetables. I recommend Victoza treatment. I have Medicare and Tricare for Life coverage."

• Jan...
• May 4, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "Have been on Victoza for 1 1/2 months. Have lost about 10 lbs, which is good for me. BS is great, now I am at 1.2 mg. My only real complaint is that I get very sleepy about 2 hours after the injection. Have mild constipation and occasional nausea after 2 weeks. Initially, had bad nausea. I am real pleased with how it is working for me so far."

• Ner...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "I know it's a bit early, but thought I could always update as I continue on my Victoza journey. I started with the 0.6 dose on Dec 28, 2015. My blood sugars were continually averaging between 8.0 and 15.1. I noticed right away my blood sugars were down in the 8's and 7's after meals and in the morning. After reading a lot of reviews on different sites, I was terrified to take this. Side effects so far: mild nausea, not all the time, just here and there, a bit itchy at the injection sites, a bit bloated, and mild constipation. You have to be careful not to overeat because you do feel full quickly. Blood sugar in the morning 6.7, five pounds lost. Will update."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I'm a 35-year-old woman with PCOS, prediabetes, and high resistance to weight loss. Started Victoza 7/14/17. Sugars now in normal range, and I've lost 16 lbs so far! Side effects included some stomach pain/cramping at first that has now eased up. I eat less and stay away from heavy/greasy foods to avoid side effects. I find that I always feel full. Never hungry. Occasional constipation, nothing too bad. Overall, I'm very pleased to finally be losing weight and getting my sugars under control! I started at .6 ml and now am at 1.8. I find the dosing easy and painless. I'm excited to see how this affects my A1c, thrilled the scale is finally moving in the right direction! I'll update in a few weeks."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2013

For Type 2 Diabetes "When I first started Victoza, I got very sick. I waited a week and tried it again. This time I made sure I had very light food. I had bought some pudding and jello (sugar-free). I also had some ginger ale on hand because that settles my stomach. Started with the 0.6 and had nausea for the first 4 days. Then felt fine. Then went to the 1.2, again nausea for 4 days. Now I am doing the 1.8. I have lost 13 lbs in 6 weeks, and I feel great. I also have been drinking a lot of water to help with the constipation. Thank you, Victoza."

• mar...
• April 12, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on it for 3 months. I started with the smallest dose and went up to the highest. At the lower dose, I started seeing my fasting numbers go down significantly. At the middle dose, they leveled. At the higher dose, I was sick to my stomach with anything I ate. I was a zombie for a few hours. The first two months, my A1C went down significantly. The interesting thing about the med is that I never got the diarrhea, instead, it has given me constipation. I haven't lost any weight. I'm on the middle dose now. Another interesting thing about the med is that at the middle and higher dose, I am hungry all the time. I feel like I'm eating more than before. My fasting numbers are back up. I don't think it's working for me."

• Cha...
• May 13, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am on Victoza now for 2 months. Was on it before for a month. Had some side effects in the beginning, but now it's fine. My blood sugar levels are under control, as well as my high blood pressure. Do experience some constipation. Very good drug. Pray my medical aid will consider it for chronic meds."

• Ama...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Victoza for weight loss and appetite control. As everyone, I started at 0.6, then 1.2, and I wanted my max to be 1.8. I’ve lost 15 lbs in 3 weeks with the use of the pen and dieting. It does control my cravings and appetite, but not to the point where I have zero appetite. The first week, I had some mild generalized body aches and felt tired, but it didn’t interfere with my day-to-day life. The second week, a couple of episodes of nausea - nothing drastic. The third week, a couple of dull headaches and still slightly tired. At baseline, I have constipation issues, so it's difficult to say if this drug is contributing to that. I will say my nausea is worse when I exercise. I’ll feel fine before, then exercise, and I’m nauseated the rest of the day - again it’s manageable. I take the injections each morning. All in all, it’s working well for me, although I’m always paranoid and on the lookout for further symptoms of more serious issues, but this will not be a long-term drug for me."

• fem...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2017

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Began last year and took for 4 months successfully. Lost about 12 to 16 lbs easily. Victoza suppressed my appetite by the means explained in the literature; apparently, my stomach contents are slow to pass through to the small intestine, so the sensation of fullness remains. Constipation is my main problem. When titrating up, I experience GERD and some discomfort; this has probably kept me awake 2 or 3 nights total. After discontinuing in 2016, I restarted again this July 2017 with the same successful results (I had gained weight back through my own carelessness). I have lost about 10 lbs in 2 weeks, not a healthy rate, perhaps, but it reflects my appetite suppression. Be careful when titrating up. I am back at 1.8 now."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 26, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been using Victoza for 3 weeks. I followed protocol exactly to increase the dosage to 1.9. I've lost 10 lbs, but the side effects are so severe, it's not worth it. I have alternating constipation and diarrhea with painful cramping. I am nauseated all day with little appetite. Most food tastes terrible, so I am eating very little. I also feel tired with little energy all the time. I've tried taking Victoza in the evening, but nothing seems to help. I'm prediabetic, but I think I may have to try something else."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 9, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Approached use with a bit of apprehension following reviews posted here by other users. (Thanks to all who share stories here and to site host drugs.com). Prescribed product for weight loss following an obese diagnosis by Dr. after trying diet and exercise alone unsuccessfully. First 3 days were as described by many users - nausea, headache, constipation, and irregular sleep. Experienced gradual improvement each successive day after that period and now on day 11 with diminishing side effects. Have lost 12 pounds thus far on the journey to lose 75. So far it works for me. Definitely curbs appetite and supports eating less. Using a fiber supplement to help with constipation, and it seems to work. Will post again in 14 days with an update."