Generic Name: Ozempic (semaglutide)
"Started taking this medication off label for weight loss only. I am not diabetic. Started on Aug 30, 2020. First 2 weeks I had some mild nausea, nothing terrible, and some mild dizziness. The past 2 weeks, I have had no symptoms. I definitely cannot eat what I used to, or you will feel sick. I am doing the weekly injection at 0.25 along with Weight Watchers, and in the past 26 days, I have lost 10.5 lbs :). My sweet tooth cravings are pretty much gone. Really happy so far. I am increasing to 0.50mg next week. I'll keep you all posted!"
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was hesitant to try Ozempic for weight loss (need to lose 30 lbs) because I have a lot of kids/responsibilities and don't have the time to be nauseous or have debilitating diarrhea, etc. After keeping the pen in the fridge for weeks, I decided to risk an injection, and I'm so happy to say I've had zero side effects except a disinterest in food. I'm on week six of the 0.25 dose because it's enough for me, and I don't see a reason to increase the dose. My lack of interest in food is liberating! For the first time in 30 years, I don't go to bed kicking myself for what I've eaten or making promises to myself to make amends for overeating. Zero sugar cravings...food isn't a reward or pleasure anymore. I'm never ravenous, so I make good, calm choices about what I eat. This has been life-changing and a complete shift in perspective. Obviously, some people have terrible side effects, but I've had none (not even a headache!)."
For Diabetes, Type 2 "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!"
For Diabetes, Type 2 "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."
For Diabetes, Type 2 "I’ve been on Ozempic for 4 weeks. I am so glad that my doctor sat me down and told me what to expect. She also asked if I could handle it. She said that if you can make it through the 4th week, I promise it will get better. She was right. I was pretty sick the first two weeks. I learned that it had a lot to do with me trying to eat my normal intake of food. Once I started to catch a clue and make my portions smaller, I learned it would make me feel better. I could guarantee if I ate too much, I’d feel like crap. People aren’t kidding about the side effects. It’s real. But I made it and am now starting to feel better with each day. I’ve lost 18 pounds now and I’m amazed. Yes, it makes you sick, but if you keep trying to eat like you did, it will be worse. You have to start listening to your body. You can’t keep eating your same amounts and expect to lose weight."
For Diabetes, Type 2 "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."
For Diabetes, Type 2 "I took one Ozempic injection at 0.25 and ended up at the ER 2 days later. I had horrible bloating. Burping smelled like eggs. Unstoppable vomiting and diarrhea. I ONLY TOOK ONE INJECTION and stopped the medicine. It has been 2 weeks and the medicine is still making me sick. I'm just wondering how long it takes to fully leave your system? I just want to feel human again. I was tested for pancreatitis but was okay, but the doctor said they will repeat labs soon. I DON'T RECOMMEND THIS MEDICATION TO ANYONE. PLEASE BE SAFE TAKING THIS MEDICATION."
For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I have been on Ozempic for exactly 1 year as my insulin intake (injection) was far too high, as well as Metformin. I was asked if I wanted to try Ozempic and was told that it may help with weight loss too. In the course of the year, I have lost over 9 stone in weight and gone from a ladies size 26 in clothing to a size 14 to 16. I have never been happier with my weight, my blood sugars are normal levels now which they were previously out of control."
For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I was prescribed it for prediabetes and weight loss. Today, in one week since my first injection, I lost 6 lbs. In one week, the last diet (one of very many), it took me 3 months to lose 10 lbs by starving myself, which tells you how elevated sugar prevents you from losing weight. I am not diabetic, my A1C is 5.5. I had slight nausea and fatigue the first 2 days, and after that, it’s all gone and I never felt better. I have no cravings. I eat approximately 1000 calories a day, and it’s more than enough. Instead of constant thoughts of food, I do other things that I used to enjoy like exercise, etc. I am worried about coming off Ozempic before I lose all the weight I need. It is a miracle drug for me! I hope it will help you all! If they keep working on meds like this, it will reduce type 2 diabetes and obesity drastically."
For Diabetes, Type 2 "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."
For Diabetes, Type 2 "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."
For Diabetes, Type 2 "After reading this, that junk in the fridge will go in the garbage. Do NOT put yourselves through this for weight loss and even diabetes. I mean seriously, which is worse? Pancreatitis? Thyroid cancer? Horrible gastro conditions? Injecting ourselves with this lizard juice can't be good for us. And, it’s beyond expensive to say the least. Pharmaceutical companies should be ashamed of themselves but that’s nothing new. This is totally off the charts. Just say no to drugs these drugs. Please be fair and unbiased and publish this comment, if you’re fair and unbiased!"
For Diabetes, Type 2 "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."
For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Ozempic on 2/22/23 weighing 216 lbs. As of today, 4/1/2023, I am 191.2 lbs, so just about 25 lbs in 5.5 weeks! I started out at 0.25 for 4 weeks, then moved to 0.5 last week. I've been nauseous maybe 4 times, I’ve gotten a few headaches, and kinda backed up about 3 days a week. I started taking magnesium at night before bed, and that really helped me get more regular. I’m barely hungry and need to force myself to eat. Anyways, I’m really excited and I’m looking forward to summer!"
For Diabetes, Type 2 "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."
For Diabetes, Type 2 "Been on Ozempic since mid-April 2020. All side effects listed with the worst being chronic diarrhea. Nausea has been significant but has settled to occasionally. Trying to follow a more plant-based diet, I have lost today an official 60 pounds. I find the less meat I eat, the more energy I have, the better my blood sugars are as well. I am 53, so weight loss isn't impossible for us older ladies..."
For Diabetes, Type 2 "I have been on 0.5 Ozempic for 2 months now. The nausea is no better. I vomit almost every day. Driving down the road and I begin to vomit. Almost caused me to wreck my car twice now. I've lost 30 pounds and feel terrible. My stomach hurts all the time and now my back. I do not urinate much at all even though I've increased water. Calling today and going off it. Losing weight is great, but not at the cost of feeling horrible every day."
For Diabetes, Type 2 "I have been taking Ozempic for 16 months and have lost 80 lbs! I started at 0.25 and have moved up to 1. At first, I was terribly sick, but I took my time to adjust bit by bit while the dose was slowly raised, and now I don't feel sick at all from it. If you can hold on and push through (the push was hard, REALLY sick some days), it does get better. It has saved my life."
For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I did lots of research before starting Ozempic, so was aware of potential (hideous) side effects. I started a week ago on a starting dose of 0.25. (Had my second 0.25 dose this morning). Super, super, super happy! Based on research, I have opted to inject in my upper leg rather than my tummy. I don’t know if it’s based on the injection location, or if I’m just lucky, but I have had ZERO side effects. No nausea, no dizziness, nothing. I am eating three sensible, small, low-fat meals a day, with perhaps a small amount of fruit as a snack, and walk my dog regularly. I am down 1 kg (2.2 pounds) over the week, and am super confident that I will be able to continue on Ozempic until I get down to my goal weight (20 kg/44 pounds to go). Although my doctor said he will increase my Ozempic to 0.5 then 1mg over the next 2 months, I am going to say no and stay on 0.25 for as long as that works for me. Why increase if the current dose is working! I am 55. Cost in Australia = $132 per script."
For Diabetes, Type 2 "I was put on Ozempic after taking Glimepiride for several years. I started on 0.25mg, then onto 1mg. I started having the nastiest burps ever, then diarrhea 3 to 4 times a day. After 3 months, I went to a gastroenterologist and was diagnosed with gastroparesis, a side effect of Ozempic. I have all the side effects - nasty, offensive-smelling burps, eye floaters in both eyes, bad diarrhea, stomach pain, and now this disease that has caused precancerous cells. Yes, my appetite has decreased, I have lost 15 lbs in 3 months, and my numbers are good. But it's not worth being sick every day. I just found out my daughter is going through the same exact thing. So, take it at your own risk."
For Diabetes, Type 2 "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."
For Diabetes, Type 2 "I have been taking Ozempic for 4 months to reduce insulin resistance (caused by polycystic ovary syndrome). The medication has significantly reduced my appetite. I have had a few minor side effects - a stomach cramp here, an episode of diarrhea there...but nothing at all significant. My weight went from 151 (BMI 25.9) to 133 three months later (BMI 22.8). I honestly could not be happier."
For Diabetes, Type 2 "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."
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."
For Diabetes, Type 2 "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?"
Wegovy, Rybelsus
Wegovy, Rybelsus
