Ozempic in the News: What Is Gastroparesis, and How Serious Is It?

In recent years, Ozempic has gained widespread attention as a popular medication for managing type 2 diabetes and, more recently, for its off-label use in weight loss. However, the drug has also been linked to serious side effects, including gastroparesis, a condition that affects the digestive system. If you or a loved one have experienced severe health complications after using Ozempic, you may have legal options and a right to compensation for the harm you have suffered. Read on to learn about gastroparesis and potential risks from Ozempic use. To speak with a New York Ozempic injury lawyer about a possible claim, contact Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., for a free consultation.

What Is Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis, also known as delayed gastric emptying, gastric stasis or obstruction, and stomach paralysis, is a condition in which the stomach muscles fail to function properly, causing food to remain in the stomach for an extended period instead of moving into the small intestine at a normal rate. This can lead to a range of digestive problems and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

Symptoms of Gastroparesis

Individuals suffering from gastroparesis may experience:

• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Bloating and stomach pain
• Severe acid reflux
• A feeling of fullness after eating small amounts
• Unintentional weight loss
• Fluctuating blood sugar levels

In severe cases, gastroparesis can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and hospitalizations due to uncontrolled symptoms. Because symptoms often mimic those of other digestive disorders, individuals could suffer for years without receiving a proper diagnosis. This delay in treatment can lead to worsening symptoms and further complications.

The Link Between Ozempic and Gastroparesis

Ozempic (semaglutide) belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which help lower blood sugar levels by slowing digestion and reducing appetite. While this can aid in weight loss, it may also lead to digestive complications, including gastroparesis. Several users have reported experiencing severe nausea, vomiting, and prolonged gastric emptying after taking Ozempic, prompting growing concerns about the drug’s safety.

Recent lawsuits have alleged that manufacturers failed to adequately warn consumers about the potential risks of gastroparesis and other severe gastrointestinal side effects. Individuals who have used Ozempic for diabetes management or weight loss and later developed gastroparesis have reported debilitating symptoms that impact their ability to work, eat normally, and maintain a stable weight. Some have required hospitalization due to severe dehydration and malnutrition resulting from prolonged vomiting.

How Serious Is Gastroparesis?

While mild cases of gastroparesis may be managed with dietary changes and medications, more severe cases can have lasting health consequences. Chronic nausea and vomiting can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, while prolonged digestive issues can contribute to malnutrition. For individuals with diabetes, gastroparesis can make blood sugar control significantly more difficult, increasing the risk of further health complications.

Gastroparesis is a chronic condition with no known cure, and treatment options are often limited. In severe cases, patients may require a feeding tube or intravenous nutrition to prevent starvation. Some individuals may undergo surgical procedures to implant a gastric pacemaker, a device designed to stimulate stomach muscles and promote digestion. However, these treatments do not always provide relief, leaving many patients struggling with ongoing symptoms and diminished quality of life.

Who Is at Risk?

Although gastroparesis is most commonly associated with diabetes, it can also occur in individuals without preexisting conditions. Those at higher risk include:

• Individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disorders
• Patients using medications that affect digestion, such as narcotics and antidepressants
• People who have undergone certain surgeries affecting the digestive tract
• Individuals taking GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic

Because Ozempic is increasingly prescribed for weight loss, individuals without diabetes may also develop gastroparesis as a side effect. Many of these individuals may not have been warned about the potential risks before starting the medication.

Legal Options for Ozempic Users

If you have developed gastroparesis or other severe gastrointestinal issues after using Ozempic, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit. Potential claims against the drug’s manufacturer may include:

• Failure to warn – Allegations that the manufacturer did not provide adequate warnings about the risk of gastroparesis and other complications.
• Defective drug claims – Claims that Ozempic poses unreasonable risks to consumers.
• Negligence – Accusations that the manufacturer failed to conduct sufficient safety testing.
• Misrepresentation – Allegations that Ozempic was marketed as safe without sufficient disclosure of its potential risks.

Individuals who have experienced severe health complications from Ozempic may be eligible to recover compensation for legal damages such as medical expenses, including hospital stays, medications, and treatments; lost wages due to inability to work; pain and suffering; emotional distress; and reduced quality of life.

What to Do if You Have Been Affected

If you have experienced symptoms of gastroparesis after taking Ozempic, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your doctor can perform diagnostic tests to confirm whether you have delayed gastric emptying and recommend appropriate treatments. Keeping detailed records of your symptoms, doctor visits, and prescribed treatments can help support a legal claim if you decide to pursue compensation.

Additionally, if you are considering filing a lawsuit, speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney is essential. Drug manufacturers have vast resources and legal teams dedicated to defending their products, making it critical to have skilled legal representation on your side.

Contact a New York Personal Injury Attorney

At Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., we are committed to helping individuals who have suffered harm due to dangerous or defective drugs. If you or a loved one have experienced gastroparesis or other serious side effects from Ozempic, our legal team can evaluate your case and help you seek the compensation you deserve. Contact our office if you experienced any of the following while taking Ozempic or during the six months after you stopped taking the drug:

• Gastroparesis
• Cyclical Vomiting
• Deep Vein Thrombosis
• Ileus or Bowel Obstruction
• Intestinal Blockage
• Gallbladder Removal Prior to 2022
• Intraoperative Pulmonary Aspiration
• Malnutrition-related disorders Such as Sarcopenia, Wernicke Encephalopathy, or Vitamin Deficiencies
• Pancreatic Cancer Even if More Than Six Months After Discontinuing Ozempic

Pharmaceutical companies have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe and to provide clear warnings about potential risks. When they fail to do so, they must be held accountable. Our firm has extensive experience handling defective drug claims and will fight to protect your rights.

Schedule a Free Consultation

If you believe you have been harmed by Ozempic, do not wait to seek legal guidance. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options. We are here to fight for your rights and hold negligent pharmaceutical companies accountable for the harm they cause.