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Real members of DiabetesTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Ozempic

A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
Macon, GA

I was wondering if anyone is taking Ozempic and if so have you had any gastrointestinal issues? I have been taking 0.25 mg for over a year now and have recently started having some stomach issues so Monday my doctor decided to take me off this medication, she decided to wait a little while to see if that is causing my issue before putting me on something else, I had my A1C checked on January 6 and it was 5.6 and i have lost over 40 pounds and now weigh 159 i try to keep my blood sugar under… read more

January 28
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DiabetesTeam

Are gastrointestinal issues common with Ozempic?

Yes, gastrointestinal side effects are quite common with Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications. Many people experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These digestive issues are actually one of the main reasons people stop taking Show Full Answer

Are gastrointestinal issues common with Ozempic?

Yes, gastrointestinal side effects are quite common with Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications. Many people experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These digestive issues are actually one of the main reasons people stop taking GLP-1 medications.

In fact, studies show that nearly half of people with type 2 diabetes who start GLP-1 medications stop taking them within a year, and digestive side effects are a significant factor in that decision. Your impressive results

Congratulations on your amazing progress! An A1c of 5.6 and losing over 40 pounds is fantastic. Your approach of managing blood sugar through healthy eating and walking is exactly what healthcare providers recommend alongside medication.

Your doctor's decision to pause the medication and monitor your symptoms is a smart approach. This will help determine if Ozempic is causing your stomach issues before starting something new. What to discuss with your doctor

Before stopping treatment completely, talk with your doctor about:

- Whether adjusting your dosage might help reduce side effects
- Other GLP-1 options that might be better tolerated
- Alternative medication classes like SGLT2 inhibitors or metformin if you're not already on them
- Whether your excellent A1c and lifestyle changes mean you might manage with less medication

About 47% of people who stop GLP-1 medications restart them within a year, often after regaining weight, so finding the right balance is important. Important note about low A1c

With an A1c of 5.6, watch for signs of low blood sugar like shakiness, sweating, dizziness, or confusion. While your number shows excellent control, A1c levels below 6.5% can sometimes increase hypoglycemia risk for people with diabetes, especially if you're taking certain medications.

Keep up the great work with your healthy lifestyle choices!

January 28
A DiabetesTeam Member

Ozempic has helped my blood sugar and weight both. BS down 40 points and lost 37 pounds in just under a year with no nausea or anything bad or inconvenient. I take 1.0 weekly. My nurse daughter suggested a stool softener so I have done that and am never constipated. Do not have a lot of energy as did when younger, but keep a 7 room house, work part time reviewing blueprints as am an Elec. Eng. I do force myself to walk 15-20 minutes a day ...at the eye specialist last week for new glasses and asked him if Ozempic had any effect on my eyesight and he said no and that he has many patients on it and none have eye problems....good to know. Gonna start working on cholesterol harder and try keeping it under 120 daily as have some problems with my Liver that have had many years. Any comments appreciated.

January 29
A DiabetesTeam Member

I had problems when I had taken Victoza in the beginning of treatment. I had taken that for 11 years and have taken Ozempic since 2021. Just at the beginning I had problems. Now it is only on injection days. Go by your comfort zone; if it is constant I would get it changed. There are similiar type drugs out there.

January 29
A DiabetesTeam Member

@A DiabetesTeam Member On Ozempic 25 mg I was always nauseous and had no appetite. I looked undernourished and emaciated. My doctor took me off it and I feel much better and stronger and have gained 5 lbs which I desperately needed.

March 30