Medication "Not Working" / "Dud" Meds
Users on Reddit report varied experiences with GLP-1 medications, with some finding them ineffective or like a "dud. " Reasons for this can range from individual responses to the specific drug, underlying health conditions, dosage issues, or the type of GLP-1 medication used (e. g. , compounded vs. brand name).
Experiences of GLP-1 Medications Not Working:
A user on Ozempic for T2 diabetes mentioned, "I'm not sure if I need to give the Ozempic longer at this dose or go up to 2 or if maybe the O isn't for me. "[10] Their fasting sugar was still around 180 and post-meal 230, sometimes 300, even after increasing to 1mg for two weeks. [10]
Another user who tried Ozempic pills said, "Didn't work very well, like 2 days out of 6 weeks on full strength... Not worth it since it didn't reduce my appetite on only 2 days. "[8]
Some users are non-responders to certain GLP-1s. One user explained, "I am part of the tiny percentage of people in the world who are non-responders to GLP-1. I had absolutely zero response to Ozempic. It felt like a cruel joke to be at 2mg for many months and nothing. "[11]
A user mentioned, "I never felt right while on it, and I never lost any weight. I was actually happy when my insurance stopped covering it. "[9]
Another user on Wegovy reported, "I was throwing up everyday, yet not losing any weight. It really sucked for me and I eventually had to stop because I was sick of the constant nausea and vomiting. "[12]
One user on Ozempic said it gave them heartburn and made them sick but they "didn't lose weight. " They planned to try Mounjaro. [16]
Someone else mentioned being on Ozempic for a couple of years and it "seems to be doing very little to help with my hunger/weight, but presumably it IS helping me keep my diabetes managed. "[17]
A user who quit GLP-1s due to side effects and later tried to use a leftover vial found, "I get ALMOST no effect from it. I know shelf life is rather short, and it must be refrigerated, but I am disappointed to see just how fast it became worthless. "[20]
Reasons Cited for Ineffectiveness or Being a "Dud":
Individual Response/Non-Responder: Some individuals are simply non-responders to specific GLP-1 medications. [11]
Dosage Issues: Some users wonder if the dosage is too low or if they need more time at a certain dose. [10] One user noted, "I think maybe half the weight came back slowly. Snacking increased. I got back to like 250ish... even now if I miss a dose I hardly notice it. "[13]
Type of Medication (Compounded vs. Brand Name): One user experienced many side effects with a compounded version and their doctor told them "the compound stuff was crap and to try Zepbound. Nervous to switch today, but supposedly less side effects with actual FDA approved stuff. "[7]
Specific GLP-1 Drug: Different GLP-1s can have different effects. A user found Ozempic didn't work for weight loss but Mounjaro did. [11, 16] Another stated, "When I started, I was taking Saxenda and it gave me the worst Acid Reflux pain, acne, and didn't do shit for my weight. I only did it for a month before I switched to Zepbound. A lot better than Saxenda and the side effects were minimal. "[4]
Not a Magic Pill: One user emphasized, "none of these GLP-1s are some kind of a magic drug that makes you drop weight on its own. I have used it as a supplement to hard diet and frequent exercise. GLPs just reduce the feelings of hunger. But it’s still perfectly possible to overeat while you’re on them and not lose weight. "[19]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
Dosage Adjustment and Patience: Giving the medication time to work and adjusting the dosage under a doctor's supervision is often suggested. "Give it some time. 6 weeks is too short to know what it can do for you. "[10] Another user advised, "the guideline is to evalute the dosage after 4 weeks.. so give the 1mg more time. 2mg is a common dose so I would certainly try that for another 4 weeks if I were you and it was needed. "[10]
Addressing Underlying Conditions: Managing conditions like hypothyroidism is crucial, as it can affect the medication's efficacy. [2]
Lifestyle Changes: Combining medication with diet and exercise is often highlighted. "You have to eat low carb and no real sugars. It's the best way to bring your A1C down. "[11] Another user mentioned, "If you want help with your A1C, glucose, or if you need to lose a large amount of weight it’s a genuinely helpful medication. "[14]
Consider Brand Name over Compounded (if issues arise): If experiencing issues with compounded versions, discussing a switch to an FDA-approved brand name with a doctor might be beneficial. [7]
Realistic Expectations: Users caution against viewing GLP-1s as a standalone solution. "Losing weight on a GLP-1 medication STILL requires a caloric deficit (for most people). "[22] It's also noted that "some people do not see any weightless until they reach the higher dosages... It's not the same for everyone. "[22]
Consulting a Doctor: If a medication isn't working or side effects are severe, consulting a doctor is paramount. One user with dysautonomia whose doctor suggested "microdosing" to manage potential side effects and assess efficacy for inflammation and autoimmune symptoms. [14] Another user whose doctor advised them to stop eating so much, which resolved their constipation and led to weight loss.
Experiences of GLP-1 Medications Not Working:
- Some users report that certain GLP-1s simply did not work for them.
Reasons Cited for Ineffectiveness or Being a "Dud":
- Underlying Health Conditions: Unmanaged hypothyroidism and gallbladder disease were mentioned as potential factors affecting efficacy.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Switching Medications: If one GLP-1 isn't working or causes intolerable side effects, switching to another type is a common recommendation.