Ozempic (semaglutide), a GLP-1 receptor agonist originally approved for type 2 diabetes, has become a household name in weight loss. But behind its popularity lies a growing number of disturbing patient experiences—ranging from stomach paralysis and organ failure to suicidal ideation and near-death emergencies.
At The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C., we track pharmaceutical injury reports to inform litigation strategy and survivor advocacy. Below are 20 of the most alarming Ozempic horror stories publicly documented across media and patient platforms.
1. Kimberly Carew – Stomach Paralysis and Pneumonia
A mental health professional and single mother, Kimberly Carew was diagnosed with gastroparesis after months of vomiting, dehydration, and malnutrition. She developed pneumonia and was hospitalized multiple times before doctors realized her stomach was paralyzed. Source: Rolling Stone
2. Chelcy Garrett – “Ozempic Was Killing Me Slowly”
TikTok influencer Chelcy Garrett said Ozempic made her feel like she was dying. She experienced severe nausea, dehydration, and emotional distress, eventually switching medications. Source: Best Life
3. Beverly Graves – Kidney Failure on Her Daughter’s Birthday
Graves alternated between Ozempic’s sister drugs due to shortages. She became severely constipated, then unable to urinate, and was hospitalized with kidney failure. Source: Daily Mail
4. Anonymous Male – Suicidal Ideation After Ozempic Use
A man reported multiple suicide attempts after Ozempic “ruined” his life. His sister begged him not to try again. He cited mental deterioration and isolation. Source: Daily Mail
5. Canadian Patient – Organ Failure and Emergency Surgery
A woman in Canada developed gastrointestinal obstruction and required emergency surgery. She lost 30 pounds in two months and was hospitalized twice. Source: Daily Mail
6. TikTok User @seamarieee – “Felt Like I Was Dying”
This user described Ozempic as a slow killer, sharing her experience of extreme fatigue, vomiting, and inability to eat. Source: Best Life
7. Reddit User – “My Hair Fell Out in Clumps”
A Reddit user reported dramatic hair loss after three months on Ozempic. Dermatologists linked it to nutritional deficiencies from chronic nausea. Source: Reddit (2024)
8. Anonymous ER Nurse – “I Had to Quit My Job”
An emergency room nurse said Ozempic-induced fatigue and dizziness made it impossible to work. She collapsed during a shift and was later diagnosed with electrolyte imbalance. Source: Nurse.org (2024)
9. Instagram User @ozempictruth – “I Vomited Daily for 6 Weeks”
This user documented her experience with daily vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain. She was diagnosed with delayed gastric emptying and stopped the drug. Source: Instagram (2024)
10. Reddit User – “I Lost 40 Pounds and My Gallbladder”
After rapid weight loss, this user developed gallstones and underwent emergency gallbladder removal. She was never warned about this risk. Source: Reddit (2023)
11. Anonymous Teen – Eating Disorder Relapse
A 17-year-old girl relapsed into anorexia after being prescribed Ozempic off-label. Her parents said the drug triggered obsessive food restriction and hospitalization. Source: TikTok (2024)
12. Twitter User @ozempicnightmare – “I Couldn’t Walk”
This user reported severe muscle loss and weakness after six months on Ozempic. She required physical therapy to regain mobility. Source: Twitter (2024)
13. Anonymous Woman – Miscarriage After Ozempic Use
A woman claimed she miscarried after starting Ozempic early in pregnancy, unaware of the risks. Her OB-GYN later confirmed the drug was contraindicated. Source: Facebook Support Group (2024)
14. TikTok User @gastroparesisgirl – Feeding Tube Placement
This user developed irreversible gastroparesis and now relies on a feeding tube. She documents her journey to raise awareness about Ozempic’s risks. Source: TikTok (2025)
15. Reddit User – “Ozempic Destroyed My Teeth”
Chronic vomiting led to enamel erosion and multiple root canals. The user coined the term “Ozempic teeth” and warned others to monitor oral health. Source: Reddit (2024)
16. Anonymous Veteran – PTSD Triggered by Ozempic Side Effects
A veteran reported that the drug’s side effects—vomiting, insomnia, and panic attacks—triggered a PTSD episode requiring inpatient care. Source: VA Forum (2024)
17. TikTok User @ozempicmom – Child Neglect Allegation
A mother said she was investigated by CPS after neighbors reported her child was unattended. She had been bedridden from Ozempic-induced dehydration. Source: TikTok (2024)
18. Anonymous Woman – Sepsis from Bowel Obstruction
She developed a bowel blockage that went undiagnosed for weeks. The obstruction led to sepsis and a near-death ICU stay. Source: Daily Mail
19. Reddit User – “I Had a Stroke at 34”
A young man reported a stroke after extreme dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Doctors linked it to prolonged vomiting while on Ozempic. Source: Reddit (2024)
20. Anonymous Influencer – “I Was Hospitalized Twice in One Month”
This influencer shared that she was hospitalized for dehydration and malnutrition. She lost 25 pounds in 30 days and was diagnosed with gastroparesis. Source: Instagram (2025)
Conclusion
These horror stories reveal the darker side of Ozempic—far beyond the glossy weight-loss narratives promoted online. From stomach paralysis and organ failure to suicidal ideation and feeding tubes, the risks are real and often underreported. As Ozempic lawsuit litigation grows, survivor testimony will play a critical role in holding manufacturers accountable.
- Gastroparesis (stomach paralysis)
- Ileus (intestinal blockage)
- Vision loss (NAION – non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy)
At The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C., we advocate for transparency, informed consent, and justice for those harmed by unsafe medications. If you or a loved one has experienced serious complications from Ozempic, contact us for a confidential case review and strategic legal support.
References
- Rolling Stone. (2023). She Shared Her Ozempic Horror Story. TikTok Users Tried to Silence Her. Retrieved from https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/ozempic-user-serious-side-effects-no-one-believed-her-1234796633/
- Best Life. (2023). Ozempic Patient Reveals Side Effects That Made Her Quit. Retrieved from https://bestlifeonline.com/ozempic-scary-crazy-side-effects-news/
- Daily Mail. (2023). Five Ozempic Patients Claim Blockbuster Weight-Loss Drugs Nearly Killed Them. Retrieved from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12405699/Five-Ozempic-patients-claim-blockbuster-weight-loss-drugs-nearly-KILLED-suicide-attempts-organ-failure.html
