Weight Loss Drugs Linked to Stomach Paralysis

A recent investigation reported that patients taking the weight loss drug Ozempic®, along with others such as Wegovy®, Mounjaro™, Rybelsus®, Trulicity®, and Saxenda®, could experience painful side effects—symptomatic of a condition known as gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis.

Morgan & Morgan has announced the filing of the country’s first lawsuit against Novo Nordisk and is currently investigating 400 other inquiries from clients across 45 states. If you or someone you know has experienced adverse side effects, consult with a medical professional right away. If you believe that your symptoms are directly related to Ozempic® or similar medications, you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering. Contact Morgan & Morgan for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.

What Is Ozempic®?

Ozempic® is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist originally used to manage Type 2 diabetes. The active ingredient in Ozempic® is semaglutide, which works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. By enhancing insulin production and reducing glucose release from the liver, Ozempic is designed to control blood sugar and aid weight loss in diabetic patients.

What Is Wegovy®?

Wegovy® and Ozempi®c contain the same active compound; however, Wegovy® contains a much higher dose of semaglutide. It received FDA approval as a weight loss medication in 2021, the first new weight loss medication to gain approval in several years.

What Is Saxenda®?

Saxenda® is a GLP-1 medication that delivers an active compound called liraglutide.

Liraglutide was originally approved by the FDA in 2010 as an adjunct therapy to diet and exercise for the management of type 2 diabetes, sold under the brand name Victoza. 

But following clinical trial results, liraglutide sold under the name Saxenda®, gained approval in 2017 as a weight loss medication for people with a BMI of 30 or higher or for people with a BMI of 27 and higher who also have a metabolic health condition. 

Saxenda® is not used to treat type 2 diabetes.

What Is Rybelsus®?

Rybelsus® is an oral medicine that can be used as a first-line medication to improve blood sugar control in adults over the age of 18 with type 2 diabetes. It works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone that stimulates insulin secretion and lowers glucagon secretion from the liver.

What Is Mounjaro™?

Mounjaro™, also known as tirzepatide, is an injection that can be used to improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is reported that Mounjaro™ may help the body regulate blood sugar levels and decrease the amount of food eaten.

What Is Trulicity®?

Trulicity® (generic name: dulaglutide) helps users by lowering A1C levels in those with type 2 diabetes. It works by limiting how much sugar gets into the bloodstream, slowing down how quickly food is digested, and helping the pancreas release insulin after a response of high sugar levels in the blood after eating. 

The Emergence of Stomach Paralysis Reports

A worrisome trend has emerged with the increasing popularity of these drugs. Reports have surfaced, suggesting a possible link between Ozempic®, and other similar medications, and a condition known as gastroparesis, also known as stomach paralysis.

Gastroparesis is a disorder in which the stomach takes longer than usual to empty its contents into the small intestine. This can lead to various uncomfortable symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and a feeling of fullness. Severe cases may even result in malnutrition and other complications. There is no known cure for the condition, though withdrawal of the medication may lessen symptoms.

Now, many victims are coming forward and seeking justice against the drug manufacturers who failed to properly warn patients of the inherent risks of taking these weight loss treatments. These companies have a duty to keep consumers safe and warn them of any risks involved when using their treatments. A failure to do so entitles victims to pursue compensation, which can be used to cover associated medical bills, a victim’s pain and suffering, or even lost wages due to missed time at work while recovering from injuries.

Contact Morgan & Morgan

If you or someone you love were innocently endangered by harmful weight loss and diabetes medications like Ozempic®, don’t hesitate to reach out to Morgan & Morgan. For over 35 years, our law firm has fought for the rights of personal injury victims to pursue the compensation they need and deserve to move forward with their lives after their needless suffering.

If you have suffered because of a weight loss drug, contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to see if you are eligible for a lawsuit. Weight loss drug manufacturers owe a duty of care to patients who use their medications, and a failure to properly warn users of known risks is a serious offense. We can help you fight to hold them accountable. Contact us today.