Semaglutide has quickly become one of the most well-known drugs for managing type 2 diabetes, and more recently, it has gained significant attention as an effective medication for weight loss. You may recognize this drug by its brand names: Ozempic, which is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy, which is FDA-approved for weight loss in individuals who are obese or overweight. Its effectiveness in helping people lower blood sugar levels and lose weight has led to widespread usage and praise, with many seeing dramatic health improvements.

However, alongside its rise in popularity, concerns have emerged about the potential side effects associated with Ozempic, particularly gastrointestinal (GI) problems. One of the most serious issues that has come to light is the potential development of gastroparesis, a condition in which the stomach's ability to empty itself is impaired, leading to severe nausea, vomiting, and digestive complications. As these concerns grow, so does the number of lawsuits being filed against Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic. These legal challenges have put a spotlight on the potential risks of using Ozempic, sparking debates about whether the benefits of the drug outweigh its side effects.

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What is Ozempic?

Ozempic, the brand name for semaglutide, is a prescription medication approved by the FDA in 2017 to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. This medication has become increasingly popular in the treatment of diabetes due to its dual benefits of blood sugar control and weight reduction. Beyond its effectiveness in managing diabetes, Semaglutide has gained considerable attention for its weight-loss benefits. The drug is often prescribed to individuals who are either overweight or obese, particularly those who also have diabetes or other related conditions.

How Does Ozempic Work?

Ozempic belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists. These medications mimic the action of the GLP-1 hormone, which is naturally produced in the intestines in response to food. GLP-1receptor agonists play several important roles in the body:

• Stimulate the release of insulin, which helps absorb glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream.
• Suppress the production of glucagon, a hormone that signals the liver to release stored glucose, helping to keep blood sugar levels more stable.
• Delay gastric emptying, or the rate at which food moves from the stomach to the small intestine, promoting a feeling of fullness.

What Are Possible Ozempic Side Effects?

According to Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of the drug, the most common side effects of Ozempic include a range of mainly mild gastrointestinal symptoms.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal Pain

More severe side effects listed by the manufacturer include:

• Possible Thyroid Tumors, including cancer
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Changes in your vision
• Kidney problems, including Acute Kidney Injury or Kidney Failure
• Serious allergic reactions
• Gallbladder problems
• Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar (added in September 2023)
• Ileus (added in September 2023)

Additional adverse side effects which have been reported by those using the medication include:

• Gastroparesis
• Bowel obstruction
• Biliary disease
• Cyclic vomiting syndrome

What is Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis is a chronic condition in which the normal movement, or motility, of the stomach is slowed or stopped altogether. Under typical circumstances, the muscles of the stomach contract to help move food through the digestive tract and into the small intestine for further digestion. However, in people with gastroparesis, these muscle contractions are weakened or impaired, resulting in delayed stomach emptying. This means that food remains in the stomach for much longer than it should, leading to a variety of digestive issues.

What Causes Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis can occur due to damage to the vagus nerve, which controls the stomach muscles. This can often result after surgeries such as gastric bypass or a cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal). Diabetes, infections, and some autoimmune diseases are also known causes of the condition. Evidence also exists that gastroparesis can be medication-induced and has been linked to the use of weight loss drugs, including GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic, which slow gastric emptying as part of their mechanism of action. In cases where this slowdown becomes excessive or prolonged, it can lead to the development of gastroparesis.

What are the Common Symptoms of Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis presents with a range of uncomfortable and sometimes severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including:

• Nausea and Vomiting
• Bloating
• Abdominal Pain
• Feeling full after consuming small amounts of food
• Heartburn or Acid Reflux
• Loss of Appetite
• Indigestion
• Vomiting whole pieces of undigested food

Over time, these symptoms can lead to complications such as weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration. It can also cause blood sugar complications, such as hypoglycemia. Pieces of undigested food left in the stomach for too long can harden into a mass called a bezoar, which may be too big to pass from the stomach into the intestine. This can lead to a blockage requiring medication or even surgery.

What Should I Do if I Experience Adverse Side Effects from Ozempic?

If you're taking Ozempic or a similar weight loss drug and begin to experience gastrointestinal issues, it's crucial to monitor your symptoms closely, as they may be an indication of a more severe condition like gastroparesis. Ignoring or downplaying symptoms like persistent nausea, vomiting, or weight loss can lead to further complications, such as dehydration, malnutrition, and a significant decline in quality of life. Minimize adverse medication effects by speaking honestly with your provider, as they can evaluate and document any symptoms you are experiencing and help you decide if discontinuing the medication is in your best interest or if symptoms can be effectively managed with other treatments.

As the number of individuals reporting severe side effects from medications like Ozempic grows, many patients are exploring their legal rights to hold the drug manufacturer accountable. If you or a loved one has experienced significant health complications, such as gastroparesis or other serious gastrointestinal issues, while using Ozempic, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit. Currently, a multidistrict litigation suit (MDL 3094) has been filed in the US District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. You may be eligible to join the lawsuit to recover lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages.

The experienced lawyers at MGM Injury Attorneys are knowledgeable in litigating dangerous and defective drugs and can assist you in exploring all of your legal options against the manufacturer of Ozempic or similar drugs. Contact our offices today for a free initial case assessment.