Research Shows Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic Have Unannounced Risks

When a miracle weight loss drug seems too good to be true, it very well may be. A recent research study has raised concerns about the potential risks associated with widely-used injectable weight loss and diabetes medications, such as Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Saxenda®. According to the study, these medications can carry a higher risk of serious digestive issues, including stomach paralysis, pancreatitis, and bowel obstructions, when compared to other weight loss drugs.

The study found these adverse effects to be relatively rare, but as demand for these weight loss drugs continues to skyrocket, with tens of millions now taking them worldwide, researchers say even rare risks like these may amount to hundreds of thousands of new cases.

Lawsuits have already been filed about the undisclosed dangers of these drugs, and more victims are joining the effort to hold negligent pharmaceutical companies accountable as more research and evidence about these risky weight loss methods come to light.

Prescribing information for Wegovy® and Saxenda® already includes warnings about a range of serious side effects, such as pancreas inflammation, gallbladder problems, blocked intestines, kidney issues, severe allergic reactions, increased heart rate, suicidal thoughts, and vision changes, especially for those with diabetes. Notably, a warning about ileus, or blocked intestines, has recently been added to the label for Ozempic®. But none of these labels mention the most threatening side effect of all: stomach paralysis.

The study was prompted by a case where a patient was experiencing frequent and severe vomiting. The underlying cause was identified as the patient's use of Ozempic®, and treatment for stomach paralysis led to significant improvement in his condition.

The researchers note that these problems probably didn’t show up in the clinical trials that led to the drugs’ approval because those studies weren’t large enough to capture some of these rarer adverse events, or the studies recorded these events as symptoms, rather than considering their underlying causes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are GLP-1s?

GLP-1 agonists are popular medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Some are also approved for weight loss. Ozempic® (semaglutide) and Trulicity® (dulaglutide) are examples that treat Type 2 diabetes. Wegovy® and Saxenda® are higher-dose versions of each medication, used for weight loss.

GLP-1s work by slowing digestion to suppress a person’s appetite but can cause problems if that process slows down too much.

Have the Drug Manufacturers of These Weight Loss and Diabetes Drugs Responded?

Unsurprisingly, Novo Nordisk®, the manufacturer of Ozempic® and Saxenda®, denied responsibility and said it stands behind the safety and efficacy of all its GLP-1 medications when used consistent with the product labeling and approved indications. They went further to highlight the “limitations” of the study to shed doubt on its findings.

What if I Experience Side Effects From Weight Loss or Diabetes Injectables?

If you or someone you love has suffered due to complications caused by Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Saxenda®, Rybelsus®, Mounjaro®, or Trulicity® you should first and foremost seek medical treatment from your healthcare provider. You may then want to consider your legal options, as you may be entitled to compensation, which can be used to cover medical bills and other related expenses. Don’t hesitate to contact Morgan & Morgan for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to learn more about your legal options. 

For over 35 years, we have seen countless cases where drug manufacturers refuse to take responsibility for the harm they’ve caused due to insufficient safety testing or manipulated clinical trials, and we’ve stood by victims in their pursuit of justice. If you experienced undisclosed adverse side effects while taking weight loss injectables, take action today.