Ozempic: DIABETES DRUG CAUSING PARALYSIS AND OTHER HARM
Understanding the Medication
Ozempic contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a hormone naturally produced by the body. This hormone slows down the passage of food through the stomach, helping people feel fuller longer. However, if the stomach slows down too much, this can sometimes cause severe issues.
Patients of Ozempic are being diagnosed with severe gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis, which their doctors believe may have been caused or worsened by the medication. They may also suffer from cyclic vomiting syndrome, which causes them to vomit multiple times a day.
Rising Concerns
As Ozempic’s popularity has soared, more cases are coming to light. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received reports of stomach paralysis in patients taking Ozempic, with some cases not resolving even after the patient discontinues the drug. The American Society of Anesthesiologists recently warned that patients should stop taking these medications at least a week before surgery to reduce the risk of regurgitating food during an operation.
Medical Insights and Studies
Dr. Michael Camilleri, a gastroenterologist at the Mayo Clinic, conducted a study showing that GLP-1 agonists significantly slow digestion. While patients in his study initially experienced severe delays in gastric emptying, many adjusted to the medication over time, with symptoms of nausea and vomiting easing.
However, there are many reported cases where symptoms persist after stopping the medication, highlighting the need for more research. Dr. Linda Nguyen, a specialist in treating gastroparesis at Stanford University, noted that in her experience, gastric emptying usually improves after stopping the medication.
Weighing the Benefits and Risks
The FDA acknowledges the reports of gastroparesis but emphasizes that the benefits of these medications may outweigh the risks, even for patients with slow digestion. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer, points out that gastrointestinal events are well-known side effects of GLP-1 drugs, and symptoms like delayed gastric emptying, nausea, and vomiting are listed as potential side effects. Still, some are questioning whether the company failed to provide adequate warnings about the risk of gastroparesis.
Patients considering these medications should be aware of the risks and communicate closely with their doctors. Persistent vomiting, especially if it affects hydration or requires additional medication, should prompt a reevaluation of the treatment.
Patients who have taken Ozempic have been emphatic about weighing the benefits against the potential life-altering side effects. It has been reported that some must undergo stomach bypass surgery to manage their condition.
Litigation on The Horizon
Law firms across the country are now evaluating the claims of breach of express warranty, and other claims related to inadequate warnings, particularly concerning gastroparesis. If you or a loved one have suffered as a result of a dangerous drug it is important to have your claims evaluated by an experienced attorney.
Contact us today at Edwards Fingerhut PLLC, The Mass Tort Champs, for a free case consultation.
