Semaglutide and Constipation: What Users Say

• Zel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 29, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic 9 months ago. At the time, I was a little over 200 lbs and was taking 1000 mg of metformin daily. Metformin had worked for me for almost 20 years, so I didn't expect that it had suddenly stopped working. For 3 years, I gained weight even though I worked out, and I thought it was just my appetite out of control. One random day, I realized my metformin was the problem. I saw a new doctor who prescribed Ozempic. What a miracle! 9 months later, and I’m down 40 lbs, my A1C dropped from 8.1 to 5.6, and I have virtually no symptoms from the drug other than fullness. The symptoms in the beginning did not last long either. Nausea, headache, fatigue...all cleared up within a week or 2 each time my dose was increased. It can cause what feels like constipation, but for me, it’s just that I simply haven’t eaten enough. This drug feels too good to be true. I’m so pleased with my experience so far!"

• Sti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I did one injection and have been ill since. I have had acid reflux, burping, vomiting, constipation, headache, and dizziness. I tried to eat small meals and drink plenty of water as directed by my physician, but I have been unable to hold anything down. Five days after my first injection, I'm off work, drinking Pedialyte, trying to get my strength back, and avoid being hospitalized. This is the worst that I have ever felt in my life."

• Bac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Wegovy 6 weeks ago at 0.25 mg for 4 weeks, and for the last 2 weeks at 1 mg. I started at 211 lbs and am now 197 lbs, so have lost 14 lbs and counting in 6 weeks. Not bad! Symptoms I've experienced include being slightly more tired than usual on the day of the injection, and some constipation at first but I use Miralax if there's an issue and it works fine for me. I haven't had any extreme nausea, but the injection definitely makes me less hungry and there are certain foods that I feel slightly queasy even considering eating-like high-fat foods-so I don't eat them. I eat a lot more fruits and vegetables and get full very quickly. I work out 4-5 days a week, my energy has been good and I feel like I'm getting back to my old self. I'd like to be about 135 lbs eventually. Wegovy has been a lifesaver. I'm 55 years old and had considerable cravings, especially at night. I'm happy to be free of them. I hope to make my new habits permanent."

• Mac...
• October 18, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "Ozempic has caused me so much constipation!!! I know a side effect is diarrhea, but it does the complete OPPOSITE for me. A day or two after I take my injection, I have no bowel movements at all!! Every week I am forced to take a laxative. It has caused so many problems for me. Anyone else experienced severe constipation. So frustrated."

• Kit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I'm a 54-year-old female whose A1C was 8.3 at the end of March. So, after 4 months on Ozempic, my A1C is now 6.3, and I've lost 34 lbs. Definitely curbs my appetite, and I have been logging my food. My side effects have been minimal - a little nausea in the beginning and constipation. This med has been a game-changer for me. My hope is that many others will have the same results I have."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was terrified to take this after reading some of the reviews online, but I have to say I am so happy I started this drug. I've followed others' suggestions about injecting the drug into my upper thigh and not my abdomen. I was on a 0.25 dose for 4 weeks, then moved to 0.5, and that's what I currently take. My appetite has decreased SIGNIFICANTLY. I was addicted to eating junk foods, and I simply cannot eat them anymore, my stomach cannot handle them. I get full after eating one properly sized meal, and it keeps me going for most of the day, only having a snack like 1 apple in the evening. Side effects were mild for me, I had some constipation, but I started taking fiber supplements to help with that. I have been on the medication for 7 weeks now, and I'm down 10 lbs, and I feel great. Make sure your doctor gets you to increase the dose slowly, inject into your thigh, and be ready to make better dietary choices when starting this drug. I truly believe it saved me from morbid obesity."

• Ann...
• December 28, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started taking Rybelsus at the beginning of August for weight loss. The biggest con for me is that it causes constipation and then usually diarrhea when I finally do go to the restroom. I have only had issues with nausea when I try to eat past the point of being comfortable. It is also important to try to eat something within an hour of taking the medication. When I first started on the medicine, I could only eat a few bites of food and then would feel extremely full and bloated and would have to stop. Now, it is 4 full months later, and I am on the 14mg, and I can continue to eat beyond a few bites without feeling miserable, but I try to stop as soon as I am full. I have, so far, lost 30 lbs with no exercise and have gone from a size 12/14 to a size 6/8. Diabetes does run in my family, so I am hoping continued use of this drug may help prevent the development of diabetes in the future."

• Con...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic in late December at 0.25 injection. I also take 500mg metformin per day. Soon after I started Ozempic, I had decreased appetite and my sugars improved, but I had reflux, gas, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea. After 4 weeks, I started 0.50. 2 weeks in, I have bouts of painful constipation then diarrhea, nausea, bloating, gas, reflux, and cramping. I've almost vomited a few times. When I eat, it feels like the food just sits and sits, barely moving through my gut. My doctor wants me to stick with it, saying that these side effects usually improve, but it's been pretty miserable. I'm thinking I'm going to stop taking it. While Ozempic has been effective in regulating my sugars and losing weight, I don't think it's worth the suffering that I've been enduring on this medication. I understand that studies showed it causing thyroid cancer in mice, but no one knows if it causes thyroid cancer in humans. I don't want to be the guinea pig the drug makers use to find out it does."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Just took my last injection of month 5, 1.7. I have lost about 25-30 lbs along with 3-5 days a week at the gym. Definitely curbs your appetite. The nausea is very real! Each month I thought it would get easier. It never does. A couple times I puked for hours. Lots of belching. In the beginning, a little constipation. The first day or 2 after the injection, you can feel fatigue. It works for weight loss if you can tolerate the nausea. This will be my last month. I have a 6-month prescription but I can’t deal with the nausea anymore."

• Mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 1, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started taking Ozempic in June 2020, initially lost 20 pounds by August. Total of 30 pounds so far, last 10 have been a lot slower. I went from 186 pounds to 156 pounds. A1c went from 6.5 to 5.6. Minimal side effects include occasional nausea and constipation. Started using Miralax, which has helped. Side effects I have experienced are worth the benefits. I consistently wake up with glucose levels in 80-90 range, never out of the green zone on a glucometer. I cannot overeat. If I do, I feel ill or get heartburn, so I have learned my lesson. I am really happy with this medication."

• Lon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Having struggled with a need for carbs and sugar for over 2 decades, it caught up with. Constantly sluggish, despite regular exercise. Risk of heart issues as I have an inherited Cholesterol disease. Weight, well that's a given, most females postmenopausal struggle to lose weight. So, after all sorts of natural therapies and a ton of exercise, nothing helped very much. My GP mentioned Ozempic, even though I was only pre-diabetic she still felt it would help. After the usual low-dose start - 6 weeks later up to 1mg. I have been injecting weekly and 6 months later, I am not only 30 lbs down, I feel so brilliant. More energy, better sleep, and no sugar cravings at all. It has been great. No side effects, maybe a little constipation at the start (mainly due to a change in eating habits). Superb med, wish more people could be offered the chance to use it. It is still expensive in the insurance world, however, hopefully like many other meds in this country, the costs will lessen."

• Con...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 26, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took 3 mg of Rybelsus for about two weeks. I noticed right away that I was not able to poop normally. I thought constipation would resolve naturally since I don’t have issues with it normally. Now, I’ve been off of it for a week and I’ve had two ER visits because I can’t poop. I also struggle to pee because the thought is the backed-up poop is pressing on things it shouldn’t. Had to have a catheter drain me out. I did a week of Miralax, two days of Dulcolax, one ER cocktail, and an enema, and none of it has helped. At this point, I’m scared it will take surgery to remove the poop. If you’re taking this medicine please stay in tune with your body and mitigate early if you’re starting to experience any constipation."

• Ama...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 15, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I never had any weight issues until I turned 60. All the weight gain seemed to go right to my stomach. No matter what I did (including exercise and diet), nothing worked to diminish the belly fat. I started taking Ozempic at 0.25mg/week for 4 injections. I lost 15 pounds on that starter dosage. I increased to 0.5mg the following month and lost another 15 pounds. I will begin the 1mg dose this weekend for the next month. The Ozempic seemed to target that subcutaneous belly fat, which is where I had the greatest weight loss. Except for a mild headache after the first dose and subsequent constipation, there were no other side effects. I took something to relieve constipation. My stomach is now almost as flat as a board, and I don’t look pregnant. I know carrying all that excess subcutaneous fat is very dangerous, and Ozempic melted that fat away. I would recommend keeping yourself very well hydrated and asking your doctor for a prescription to address the constipation. Truly amazing!"

• Jed...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Halfway through the 1.7mg dose. Been on for about 4.5 months. Have lost a total of 35 pounds. My weight loss has slowed down since on the 1.7 dose. Still losing but not as quickly as in the beginning. Have no real interest in food anymore. Sometimes have to eat when not hungry due to low blood sugar (had this prior to Wegovy use). Been trying to lose weight for months. Wegovy is the only thing to work for my obesity due to medical issues. Have noticed off and on fatigue, dizziness, constipation, stomach pain, gas, belching, and hair loss. Can no longer eat fried, greasy food without feeling sick, which is good. Now I want healthy food instead."

• Ski...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "My husband began taking Ozempic for his Type 2 diabetes several months ago and experienced minimal unpleasant side effects. His food consumption is down approximately 2/3 (no more 'first breakfast and second breakfast' and 'first dinner and second dinner') and he has been able to reduce his diabetes medications. He has been steadily losing excess weight. A bonus is the chronic loose stools he used to suffer have been eliminated. I started taking Ozempic for my Type 2 diabetes 6 weeks ago. My food consumption is down significantly and I've been able to discontinue all other diabetes medications. I've had some slight nausea and a mild bit of constipation, both of which have been easily alleviated through dietary changes (much smaller meals, more fiber and more spicy food). We absolutely love this medication."

• fin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Took it for 8 weeks, made it through the 2nd titrated dose and couldn't handle it anymore. Nausea, gas, bloat, constipation, diarrhea, and it was worse at night while lying down. Never improved, but actually got worse by week 8. Not sure how anyone makes it to the full dose. Also did not drop a single pound. There were days I only consumed 600 calories and still felt awful. I read another review very similar and agree that you absolutely cannot eat anything spicy. Bland food days were better but there are not enough antacids and constipation meds in the world to make me want to lose 20 pounds this badly. Took my last dose 10 days ago and am still dealing with residual GI upset. Hope physicians are more forthcoming about the side effects and do not tell patients they happen but subside in a couple of days - they do not."

• Nw2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started April 1, 2021, on Ozempic low dose. 3-week intervals it was increased. Side effects were constipation (went on laxatives to help), pain in my back (severe), bloating. Week 11 increased to 1mg, the side effects were major bloating, diarrhea, sounds in my stomach (crazy), nauseous, feeling under the weather. My appetite has decreased to the point that I only eat 2 meals a day that are small. My sugar levels have decreased from 7.1 to 5.2 A1C. I’ve noticed that I have been kept awake some nights like I’m nervous for some reason. In the first 3 weeks, I’ve lost 15 pounds. Haven’t checked since I want to wait but can feel a difference. The pains in the stomach are really uncomfortable, and the bloating I will try gas-x for relief. When I try to eat more than I should, my body tells me that I’m full. If I go beyond that point, I get severe pains in the stomach for hours. But depends on what I eat. Going to stay with smaller portions/healthier foods."

• Slw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm on my 13th week at 1mg now. I love it. Yes, I was nauseated at first, but the quick weight loss results made me want to continue. At this dosage, I am not really hungry for food, and if I do feel hungry, it doesn't take much food for me to feel satisfied. I have really cut my portions and also use high fiber, high protein foods. Constipation is real, people, laxatives help. I make good food choices now and am down 25 lbs. I want to keep going, but the coupon has run out, and now my out-of-pocket cost with insurance is around $900. I am so disappointed to have to stop and worried about gaining back or not losing anymore. Novo really needs to make this affordable. The price is ridiculous, and millions of people are dying from comorbidities to obesity every day. I have high-end insurance, and still cannot afford the copays."

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

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking Wegovy since August 2021. I am down 45 pounds. I did low carb with this which has really helped me to lose the weight I have wanted to lose. The side effects are very real, extreme constipation and nausea for two days after injection. The doctor prescribed Zofran for the nausea and I have taken a stool softener for the constipation. All things said, it really helped curb my appetite. But you have to diet with it."

• KCF...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2025

For Chronic Kidney Disease "I have been on Ozempic for the past 1 1/2 months. Gradually increased from 0.25 mg for 4 weeks, then 0.5 mg since then. After reading other reviews, the best tip I found was injecting into my thigh instead of the abdomen. Mild nausea, backache, and constipation the first 2 weeks, and nothing now but the feeling of fullness soon after eating, about 75% as much as usual. I have less interest in sugary or fried foods and have lost 12 pounds, about 2 pounds a week. At 74, my Type 2 diabetes is diet-controlled with good A1C's, so my primary use is for weight loss and preserving kidney functioning. The tiny 27 gauge needle is painless, just wish I had discovered Ozempic sooner!"

• Fin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 5, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "57-year-old on this for 3 1/2 weeks. I'd like to tell you how much I lost (was 4 pounds at 3 weeks), but I am so constipated for 4 days I cannot be sure what my real weight is (it could be 6 pounds now). Get a telemedicine provider to send you a vial of semaglutide (not the pre-loaded syringes) and use an insulin syringe to administer 1/2 the dose on one day with an ODT Zofran, then take the second half of the dose 24 hours later with another ODT Zofran. I administer in my outer thigh, like you would give insulin. The provider will tell you exactly how many 'units' to administer per week, just cut it in half, say Saturday and Sunday. Take a stool softener on Sunday, which I forgot to do this week! I have had zero gastrointestinal issues, no nausea, no vomiting. The Zofran may be causing some of the constipation, and I don't consider this a real issue, just a minor side effect with an easy fix. I am a Nurse Practitioner, so I have been watching everything for real side effects. I'll update."

• 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."

• Dor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started taking Rybelsus 3mg. I was nauseous at first and constipated. I was also belching a lot. After 2 weeks, that seemed to stop. I've been on the 7mg for 17 days and the nausea, indigestion, stomach pain, and now diarrhea have been almost unbearable and are getting worse. I've also started feeling panicky and anxious in the middle of the night with rapid heartbeat. I'm stopping the 7mg tomorrow and calling my doctor. I can't feel like this at Christmas. Going to see if she will put me back on 3mg. My A1C was 9.0. I have no idea what it is now. I've also lost 18 lbs because I can barely eat anything. This isn't worth it."

• Tou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 14, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am on my 3rd 0.25 dose of Wegovy. I feel terrible most of the time. I have lost 5 lbs and am definitely not hungry due to nausea. My prescriber will not prescribe Zofran with Wegovy because she feels nausea that severe should be considered a negative side effect and the medication stopped. That's reasonable. I read the reviews before I began the med and take Omeprazole daily, as well as Miralax. I am 57, menopausal, and used to feel really good most of the time. Sadly, this med is not worth the side effects for me. I really, really wanted to tough it out, but as a nurse, I feel it's creating problems that I did not have before taking this medication. The nausea is constant, the belching/burping is so frequent that it's embarrassing, stools are like a rock, and the worst feeling is chest tightness. I had so hoped I would be one of those without adverse side effects, but I am not."

• usm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 29, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "At this time, I’m on my 5th week of the maintenance dose. The only side effect I’ve had is occasional constipation, but as a 25-year medical professional, I know how to deal with it medically and in conjunction with my VA doctor and pharmacist. At times, I would get hypoglycemic, but again I knew how to combat that. At this dose, I find myself somewhat more fatigued but I can deal with that. Cat naps usually do the trick. I started at 393 and 6’3”. I’m 56 years old. I’m down to 349 since I started, which for me is great. I have critical low testosterone and can’t take testosterone due to my history of pulmonary embolisms. So, I don’t mind losing only 2 pounds a week. I can now walk so much better and farther. I’m 95% VA disability rated, and I’ll tell you, I feel and look so much better after starting to use Wegovy. The VA truly cares for us veterans no matter what you hear. Stay blessed and hang in there."