Type 2 diabetes medication linked to gastroparesis
While the most common causes of gastroparesis are surgery on the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine, which may injure the vagus nerve, it was recently found that taking semiglutide, the active agent in some type 2 diabetes medication, may also cause the disorder. Semaglutide is the generic name for Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. The drugs were developed by Novo Nordisk and approved by the FDA to treat type II diabetes, (except Wegovy, which is approved for weight loss) but many doctors prescribe them for weight loss purposes, as well.
Gastroparesis can lead to several health complications, including difficult-to-control blood sugar levels, which can worsen diabetes, severe dehydration as a result of repeated vomiting, and malnutrition because of poor absorption of nutrients.
Studies link GLP-1 and RA drugs to gastroparesis
Over the past years, the popularity of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (RA) drugs such as Ozempic has massively increased. While the drugs ability to treat diabetes and assist with weight loss has been praised on social media by influencers and celebrities, there is a great deal of concern regarding potential side effects, including a severe one, stomach paralysis.
It is worth noting that stomach paralysis can also be a consequence of diabetes, which is the most common known cause of this condition.
In October 2023, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) examined adverse events associated with GLP-1 RA drugs used for weight loss, and published in an October edition of JAMA Network letter, where they concluded that studies had found increased risks of gastrointestinal adverse disorders, such as gastroparesis and bowel obstruction.
The study recommends that these results should be "considered by patients contemplating using the drugs for weight loss."
Another recent study published by researchers from the University of British Columbia shows that compared to bupropion-naltrexone, patients on GLP-1 agonist drugs present a three times higher risk of gastroparesis.
This is the first epidemiological study that links the drugs prescribed for type 2 diabetes and weight loss to stomach paralysis and other gastrointestinal conditions.
Also, a letter from the American Society of Anesthesiologists warns about potential adverse gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, vomiting, and delayed gastric emptying, complicating surgical procedures.
Many bariatric surgeons have called for additional studies to determine the connection between semaglutide and gastrointestinal issues such as stomach paralysis. Although the severity of the symptoms connected to gastroparesis caused by the use of semaglutide varies, common symptoms of the disorder include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal bloating and pain
- Acid reflux
- Fluctuations in blood sugar levels
- Heightened satiety
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms while taking one of these drugs - Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus - you should call your doctor right away.
Individuals diagnosed with gastroparesis sued the manufacturer
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, was named as a defendant in several product liability lawsuits. The first lawsuit was filed in August 2023 by a Louisiana resident who alleges that after taking Ozempic for one year, she developed severe gastrointestinal complications and was diagnosed with stomach paralysis (gastroparesis).
Although Novo Nordisk denies any wrongdoing, the plaintiff claims the drug manufacturer "failed to warn" users of the potential risks involved with the GLP-1 RA medication.
Today, law firms are investigating over 500 other inquiries from people struggling with semaglutide side effects across 45 states. While the compensation these claimants can obtain depends on various factors, such as how long they have been taking the drug and the severity of their stomach paralysis, an Ozempic/ Wegovy/ Rybelsus claim could have a settlement value range of $400,000 to $700,000.
