User Reviews for Ozempic

The active chemical compound semaglutide that is in Ozempic can cause weight loss by making a person feel full, keeping them from emptying their stomach longer than usual, and by lowering blood sugar, said Dr. Rekha B. Kumar, associate professor of medicine at Cornell and Chief Medical Officer at Found.

My Husband and I Both Take Ozempic. Here’s What Our Experience Has Been Like

Married couple Susan and Michael Dixon share how their experiences taking Ozempic have affected their health and changed their relationship with food.

Share on Pinterest Susan (left) and Michael Dixon (right). Image Provided by Michael and Susan Dixon

When 51-year-old Susan Dixon was diagnosed with prediabetes, meaning her blood sugar levels were higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes, her doctor prescribed Ozempic off-label.

“I have an [aortic aneurysm], so because of my heart condition and because I’m pre-diabetic, my doctor wanted me to get some weight off,” Susan told Healthline.

Susan was already aware of Ozempic because her 54-year-old husband, Michael, began taking it about six months earlier to treat his type 2 diabetes and bring down his A1C to under 6. Within four months of taking the medication, his A1C lowered to 5. He also lost 15 pounds.

If your health insurer denies your claim or treatment, you have very little time to act. Appeals to Medicare must be filed within 90 days in the most lenient states, with even shorter deadlines in some states, and many insurers and healthcare providers will turn over unpaid medical bills to collection agencies after just 60 days, the AARP

“Seeing Michael’s success absolutely influenced me wanting to try it,” Susan said.

Over the years, she tried several weight loss programs, including Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig, which brought her some short-term success. In 2008, before her and Michael’s wedding, she also took the prescription phentermine, and as a result, lost 40 pounds.

However, over the years, she found it hard to keep the weight off no matter what method she used. She said Ozempic has worked the best for weight management. After taking the medication for six weeks, she lost 14 pounds.

“[Ozempic] made me feel full and made my interest in food not really there. Michael would say, ‘What’s for dinner?’ and I thought, ‘I don’t really care.’ I’d have some cereal and a few bites of food, and I’d be okay. Food did not interest me,” she said.

The active chemical compound semaglutide that is in Ozempic can cause weight loss by making a person feel full, keeping them from emptying their stomach longer than usual, and by lowering blood sugar, said Dr. Rekha B. Kumar, associate professor of medicine at Cornell and Chief Medical Officer at Found.

Michael’s reason for trying Ozempic was solely to manage type 2 diabetes and lower his blood sugar rather than lose weight. In fact, he said for the 15 years he has lived with diabetes, he never tried to lose weight.

“I’m not someone who follows a diet, so I wasn’t the best patient and didn’t watch carbs and sugar intake,” he told Healthline. “I’ve never had a desire or drive to lose weight. I have to get more into that mindset because I know I should lose more weight.”

While taking Ozempic, he feels full faster. This makes him eat half of what he used to eat prior to being on the medication.

“I eat half a sandwich and say ‘Oh, I’m full.’ That’s why I lost weight,” he said.

After being on Ozempic for a few years, he became accustomed to responding to the full feeling.

“I’m able to put that other half sandwich down and I try to stop eating when I realize I’m full,” Michael said.

Susan also learned to eat smaller-sized portions due to Ozempic, and said it affected her desire to drink alcohol, too.

“I wasn’t a big drinker and drank socially before, but now if I have a second glass of wine or drink, it makes me feel ill, so I’ve cut down,” she said.

Since the Dixons are both on Ozempic, they said it helps them manage their weight together.

“Michael not wanting to eat makes me not want to eat. We try very hard not to snack between meals. If I say, ‘it’s time for dessert or popcorn before bed,’ and I notice he hasn’t eaten them, then I don’t have anything,” said Susan.

In 2022, the Food and Drug Administration reported shortages of Ozempic. This created controversy due to some people taking the medication off-label to lose weight.

The shortage affected the Dixons in different ways.

For the entire time Michael has been on Ozempic, he was able to get the medication filled. However, for the past three months, his insurance stopped allowing a 90-day supply, which means he no longer gets the discount (which was paying for two months’ supply and getting one month’s supply free.) He now is only able to fill one month at a time.

“Michael didn’t have an issue because his dosage is lower than mine. At the time of the shortage, my dosage was at 1mg and I couldn’t find that 1mg anywhere,” said Susan.

Due to the shortage, she was unable to fill Ozempic for two-and-a-half months, and during that time, she regained 10 to 12 pounds.

This is common and expected, said Dr. Sethu Reddy, president of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology. If people lose access to Ozempic like Susan did or their insurance coverage changes and they can’t afford it, this could set back their health progress.

“The effects of GLP-1 analogs are not permanent and if the therapy is discontinued, their therapeutic effects dissipate,” Reddy told Healthline. “Theoretically, these medications will be taken for several years, but it is well known that those with type 2 diabetes eventually lose their ability to make insulin and eventually will need insulin therapy.”

Kumar added that a long-term commitment should be considered when starting any medication for a chronic condition, such as diabetes and obesity.

“If someone is taking Ozempic off-label or Wegovy on-label, those would need to be continued for weight maintenance as well,” said Kumar. “Long-term use of medicine for weight management is not unique to the GLP-1 class of medicines, but is true for all medicines used for weight management.”

By the time Susan was able to get Ozempic filled again in February 2023, her doctor increased her medication dose. Since then, she lost 5 pounds.

“I don’t feel as successful as I used to feel before I had to stop taking it. It’s working still but not as well as it did in the beginning. My appetite is not as suppressed, but like before, food doesn’t excite me,” said Susan.

Ozempic has been successful at lowering her blood sugar, though. However, if her blood sugar continues to lower to the point where she is no longer pre-diabetic, her doctor told her she would most likely prescribe Wegovy to continue with weight loss.

“I would be happy to no longer have to take Ozempic for blood sugar control, and I’d take Wegovy to try to lose more weight,” said Susan.

Michael plans to stick with Ozempic as long as his doctor prescribes it for diabetes management.

“I also take metformin for my diabetes, so I’ll keep taking that and Ozempic since they both seem to be working,” he said.

How we reviewed this article:

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

User Reviews for Ozempic

Ozempic has an average rating of 5.8 out of 10 from a total of 832 reviews on Drugs.com. 44% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 36% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Ozempic

dana · Taken for less than 1 month · September 26, 2020

“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 use 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!”

9 / 10
Was this helpful? YesNo
Smithy. · Taken for 1 to 6 months · March 14, 2023

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 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 .25 dose because its 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!).”

10 / 10
Was this helpful? YesNo
Zell · Taken for 6 months to 1 year · March 29, 2021

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 yrs so I didn’t expect that is 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 dr 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!”

10 / 10
Was this helpful? YesNo

Frequently asked questions

How do Mounjaro, Wegovy & Ozempic compare for weight loss?
Mounjaro vs Ozempic: How do they compare?
How many doses are in an Ozempic pen?
4 Key Ozempic Side Effects to Watch Out For

Teresa · September 6, 2020

For Diabetes, Type 2 “I’ve been 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 making 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.”

10 / 10
Was this helpful? YesNo
Stingie · Taken for less than 1 month · July 21, 2021

For Diabetes, Type 2 “I did one injection and have been ill since. 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. 5 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.”

1 / 10
Was this helpful? YesNo

Are you taking this medicine?

Add your review
Learn more about Ozempic

MzGormo · Taken for 1 to 6 months · January 30, 2021

For Diabetes, Type 2 “Started on Ozempic Sept 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 on 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 & never came back. To maximise effectiveness, you can’t eat like you did before. I re-joined Weight Watchers in Sept. I have lost 80lbs in 5 months, HBA1c dropped from 79 to 51 which is 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 costs €195.”

10 / 10
Was this helpful? YesNo
Jenni. · Taken for 1 to 6 months · April 1, 2023

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 so just about 25 lbs in 5.5 weeks!! I started out at .25 for 4 weeks then moved to .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!”

10 / 10
Was this helpful? YesNo

More FAQ

Taking Ozempic: What foods should you avoid?
Ozempic vs Wegovy: What’s the difference between them?
How long does it take for Ozempic to work?
Does Ozempic need to be refrigerated?

Susie. · Taken for 6 months to 1 year · July 14, 2021

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.”

10 / 10
Was this helpful? YesNo
Mary · March 6, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction “I was prescribed it for prediabetes and weight loss. Today in one week since my first injection and I lost 6 lbs. in one week, last diet (one of very many) it took me 3 month to lose 10 lb by starving myself, which tells you how elevated sugar prevents you to lose weight. I am not diabetic, my a1c 5.5. I has slight nausea and fatigue first 2 days and after that, it’s all gone and I never felt better, I have no cravings, I eat approximately 1000cal. A day and it’s more than enough, instead of contact thoughts of food I do other things that I USED to enjoy: exercise, etc. I am worried coming off ozempic before I lose all 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 DT2 and obesity drastically”

See also D-Amphetamine Salt Combo

10 / 10
Was this helpful? YesNo
Doubt. · January 19, 2021

For Diabetes, Type 2 “I took one Ozempic injection at .25 and ended up at 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 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 ok but dr said will repeat labs soon. I DON’T RECOMMEND THIS MEDICATION TO ANYONE. PLEASE BE SAFE TAKING THIS MEDICATION.”

1 / 10
Was this helpful? YesNo
Kitkat · Taken for 1 to 6 months · July 20, 2021

For Diabetes, Type 2 “I’m a 54 year old female who’s 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 I that many others will have the same results I have.”

10 / 10
Was this helpful? YesNo
Mac · October 18, 2020

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”

1 / 10
Was this helpful? YesNo
Anon · Taken for 1 to 6 months · May 19, 2020

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 .25 dose for 4 weeks then moved to .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 proper 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, 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 10lbs 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.”

10 / 10
Was this helpful? YesNo
Conce. · Taken for 1 to 6 months · February 1, 2021

For Diabetes, Type 2 “I started Ozempic in late December at .25 injection. I also take 500mg metformin per day. Soon after I started Ozempic I had decreased apetitite and my sugars improved, but I had reflux, gas, bloating, nausea and diarrhea. After 4 weeks I started .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.”

5 / 10
Was this helpful? YesNo
Saucy · December 3, 2020

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. “

7 / 10
Was this helpful? YesNo
Sane. · March 13, 2020

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!”

Was this helpful? YesNo
jamison · Taken for 1 to 6 months · June 2, 2021

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.”

5 / 10
Was this helpful? YesNo
Cheryl · Taken for less than 1 month · January 30, 2022

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 on .25. (Had my second .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 1kg (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 (20kg/44 pound to go). Although my doctor said he will increase my Ozempic to .5 then 1mg over the next 2 months, I am going to say no, and stay on .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.”

10 / 10
Was this helpful? YesNo
Momo · Taken for 1 to 2 years · April 30, 2020

For Diabetes, Type 2 “I have been taking Ozempic for 16 months and have lost 80Lbs! I started at .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 now! 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”

10 / 10
Was this helpful? YesNo
Will · Taken for 1 to 6 months · February 7, 2021

More about Ozempic (semaglutide)

Check interactions
Compare alternatives
Pricing & coupons
Drug images
Side effects
Dosage information
Patient tips
During pregnancy
Support group
FDA approval history
Drug class: incretin mimetics
Breastfeeding

Patient resources

Drug Information
Ozempic (Advanced Reading)

Viral Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic and Wegovy Sell For $10,000. Here’s Why.

Viral demand for the shots producing dramatic weight loss has sent prices upward.

From Hollywood starlets to the millions of the 3.9 million members of the #loseit forum on Reddit, it seems like everyone has been talking about viral weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.

In New York City, the busy 42nd-Times Square station has boasted a wall of full-size Ozempic ads for several months now.

Both made by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk (NONOF) , Ozempic and Wegovy are a weekly injection shot that binds to the body’s GLP-1 receptors to lower blood sugar levels and curb appetite through a feeling of satiety.

Here’s Why Ozempic Can Cost More Than $10,000 A Year

Ozempic was approved as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes while Wegovy is meant only for weight loss.

A ‘Lifelong Medication’ That Is Currently Facing Shortages

“As of yet, most eligible people can’t get them, because they’re prohibitively expensive,” Bloomberg reporters Emma Court and Robert Langreth write in a long feature on the weight-loss drug. “In the US they cost upwards of $10,000 a year, potentially for the rest of someone’s life.”

Heightened popularity have also been causing shortages for people who were prescribed it as a diabetes medication and, in some cases, even black-market sales at exorbitant costs.

Even as Novo Nordisk started ramping up production of the drug itself in 2023, the pens used to inject it are still not being manufactured fast enough to meet demand.

And while some influencers have improperly advertised Ozempic and Wegovy as a quick way to drop some pounds and then go on to one’s regular life, Novo Nordisk has always positioned them as a something one takes permanently to treat chronic conditions. As such, those who paid for a few doses and then either couldn’t find or afford more usually end up regaining the weight.

“Data from our clinical trials for Wegovy showed that, not unexpectedly, patients experience weight regain once they stop taking the medication,” Novo Nordisk told NBC News.

While a given drug’s “star factor” has limiting availability for those who may need it the most, both demand and current prices may be offset by the number of new drugs to treat obesity and diabetes are currently popping up on the market.

Tirzepatide, which pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Co. (LLY) – Get Free Report launched in May 2022 under the brand name Mounjaro, has also been seeing a rise in prescriptions for patients who have struggled to lose large amounts of weight.

User Reviews for Ozempic