New Study Reveals Increased Stomach Risks with High Doses of Ozempic, Similar GLP-1 Drugs
A recent study published in the medical journal The BMJ in January 2024 has shed light on the increased risk of nausea, vomiting, and other stomach problems associated with high doses of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy. These drugs, which contain the active ingredient semaglutide, are commonly prescribed for the treatment of Type II diabetes and weight loss management, respectively. If you or someone you love has suffered stomach paralysis or another serious gastrointestinal problem while taking Ozempic, contact Consumer Safety Watch right away to learn about your legal options.
Ozempic and Similar GLP-1 Drugs
Ozempic (semaglutide) was initially approved by the FDA in 2017 for the treatment of Type II diabetes. However, its weight loss benefits have led to its off-label use as a diet drug, making it increasingly popular among millions of Americans. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, capitalized on this demand by introducing Wegovy, a higher-dose version specifically approved for weight loss.
How GLP-1 RA Medications Work
GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy work by mimicking the intestinal GLP-1 hormone, promoting the release of insulin from the pancreas and slowing down the stomach’s food-emptying process. While this mechanism is beneficial for diabetics in regulating blood sugar levels, it can lead to severe complications for some users, including stomach paralysis or gastroparesis.
Link Between GLP-1 Drugs and Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is a serious medical condition characterized by a “paralyzed” stomach that fails to process food naturally. Users of Ozempic, Wegovy, and similar GLP-1 drugs have reported experiencing excessive vomiting, severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal burning, gastric obstruction, and other gastrointestinal injuries while taking the drugs. These symptoms are consistent with the occurrence of gastroparesis.
Ozempic Gastroparesis Research Studies
Multiple studies have highlighted the link between the use of semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) and the development of gastroparesis. A study published in October 2023 found that patients taking GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic for weight loss were three times more likely to develop stomach paralysis compared to users of non-injectable weight loss drugs. The same study also concluded that injectable semaglutide and other GLP-1 agonists were more likely to cause pancreatitis and bowel obstruction than other weight management medications.
The study published last month in The BMJ adds to the growing body of evidence linking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic to an increased risk of nausea, vomiting, and other stomach problems. Researchers from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and the University of Chicago found that while GLP-1 RA medications are effective in treating adults with type 2 diabetes, “several GLP-1RAs resulted in a significantly higher odds ratio of discontinuation due to adverse events than placebo, raising safety concerns about gastrointestinal adverse events, especially at high doses.” This research underscores the need for further investigation into the safety and efficacy of these medications.
Allegations of Inadequate Warnings and Product Liability
Amidst growing evidence linking medications like Ozempic to stomach paralysis or gastroparesis, product liability lawsuits have been filed against Novo Nordisk, alleging that the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings about these severe side effects. Plaintiffs argue that Novo Nordisk knew or should have known about the risks associated with their drugs but chose to prioritize profits over consumer safety.
Ozempic lawsuits allege that Novo Nordisk withheld critical information from consumers and the medical community, leading to unnecessary pain, suffering, and long-term gastrointestinal damage. These legal actions seek to hold the manufacturer accountable for its alleged failure to provide accurate and comprehensive warnings about the risks of gastroparesis from using Ozempic.
Individuals who have experienced severe stomach problems, including gastroparesis, after using Ozempic, Wegovy, or similar GLP-1 drugs may be eligible to pursue legal claims against the manufacturers. These product liability lawsuits aim to secure compensation for the victims’ medical expenses, pain and suffering, and long-term gastrointestinal complications allegedly caused by these drugs.
Contact Consumer Safety Watch Today
The recent study published in The BMJ highlights the elevated risks of nausea, vomiting, and other stomach problems associated with high doses of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic. Users of these medications need to be aware of the potential side effects and consult with their healthcare providers if they experience persistent gastrointestinal symptoms. Moreover, those who have suffered from severe stomach paralysis or gastroparesis after using Ozempic, Wegovy, or similar GLP-1 drugs should consider seeking legal advice to explore their options for pursuing compensation through product liability lawsuits. Contact Consumer Safety Watch today for more information.
