UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT: NAVIGATING WEGOVY GASTROINTESTINAL SIDE EFFECTS AND THE POTENTIAL FOR LAWSUITS
INTRODUCTION TO WEGOVY
Wegovy is in the same class of drugs as Ozempic. However, both Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active compound, Wegovy contains a much higher dose of semaglutide. Semaglutide is a member of the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists group. It imitates the GLP-1 hormone that is secreted in the digestive tract when food is consumed. GLP-1 has the ability to prompt the body to produce more insulin to bring down blood sugar levels. Additionally, higher amounts of GLP-1 can interact with areas of the brain that suppress appetite and result in a feeling of satisfaction.
Wegovy received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) approval as a weight loss medication in 2021, the first new weight loss medication to gain approval in several years. The most common Wegovy side effects include: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach (abdomen) pain, headache, tiredness (fatigue), upset stomach, dizziness, feeling bloated, belching, gas, stomach flu, heartburn, and runny nose or sore throat.
The FDA has recently revealed that taking Ozempic (which contains less of the active compound semaglutide than Wegovy), a drug for type-2 diabetes management commonly used for weight loss, carries a heightened risk of gallbladder disease, potentially leading to gallbladder removal or other health complications. The manufacturer of Ozempic failed to warn patients and doctors of the potential risk of developing Ozempic Gallbladder disease or other Ozempic stomach side effects such as Ozempic stomach paralysis or Ozempic gastrointestinal side effects. The FDA has received adverse event reports of gastroparesis/stomach paralysis from individuals who took the GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (RA) drugs including Wegovy.
CNN recently reported that at least two people, one taking Ozempic and the other taking Wegovy, have experienced more than just minor stomach issues; these individuals have been diagnosed with gastroparesis, or “paralyzed stomachs”. Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active compound, but Wegovy contains a much higher dose of semaglutide.
Those who took Wegovy and subsequently suffered Wegovy side effects or Wegovy gastrointestinal side effects may be eligible for a Wegovy Lawsuit and financial compensation.
WHAT IS WEGOVY?
Semaglutide (Wegovy) injections (2.4 mg per week) are recommended for adults who are overweight or obese and have one or more weight-related health conditions (e.g. high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol). It received FDA approval as a weight loss medication in 2021, the first new weight loss medication to gain approval in several years.
The most common Wegovy side effects include: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach (abdomen) pain, headache, tiredness (fatigue), upset stomach, dizziness, feeling bloated, belching, gas, stomach flu, heartburn, and runny nose or sore throat. Additionally, Wegovy presents the same serious weight loss drug side effects including: gastrointestinal side effects, a paralyzed stomach, and other weight loss drugs side effects.
WHAT ARE THE WEGOVY SIDE EFFECTS?
According to the company, the most common Wegovy side effects are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach (abdomen) pain, headache, tiredness (fatigue), upset stomach, dizziness, feeling bloated, belching, gas, stomach flu, heartburn, and runny nose or sore throat. Other more serious Wegovy side effects include:
- Low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Symptoms can include:
- dizziness
- sweating
- confusion
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Symptoms can include:
- abdominal pain
- fever
- nausea or vomiting
- Gallbladder problems. Symptoms can include:
- abdominal pain
- nausea or vomiting
- Kidney problems. Symptoms can include:
- urinating more or less often than is typical
- nausea or vomiting
- fatigue
- Diabetic eye problems. Symptoms can include:
- blurry vision
- vision loss
- Depression or suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Symptoms can include:
- feeling lonely or hopeless
- changes in mood
- not wanting to do activities that you used to enjoy
- Increased heart rate.
- Risk of thyroid cancer.
- Severe allergic reaction.
WHAT ABOUT WEGOVY AND PANCREATITIS?
As noted above, Pancreatitis is listed as a serious Wegovy side effect and there have been numerous individuals taking weight loss drugs in the same class as Wegovy who have developed pancreatitis. The reason why those who took Wegovy and developed Pancreatitis is because weight loss drugs such as Wegovy are GLP-1 receptor agonists and work by stimulating the pancreas to make insulin.
As explained by Dr. Rekha B. Kumar, associate professor of medicine at Cornell and Chief Medical Officer at Found, in an article in Healthline, “It is . . . more common in patients with other risk factors for pancreatitis — prior history of pancreatitis, high triglycerides, high alcohol intake, or other genetic predispositions to pancreatitis[.]”
Dawn Gentle took Ozempic (same class drug as Mounjaro) from 2018 to 2021 to help manage her type 2 diabetes. In 2021, she had to be rushed to the emergency room as a result of experiencing extreme abdominal pain. After several tests, she was diagnosed with pancreatitis. She stated that “I found out about this side effect after I was rushed to the emergency room at the hospital. The doctor asked me about the medications that I was taking for my diabetes. When I informed him about taking Ozempic, he said to ‘stop taking that drug right away.’ It had caused my pancreatitis[.]” (emphasis added).
After undergoing numerous tests for her abdominal pain, she learned not only did she have pancreatitis, but doctors found a cancerous tumor at the end of her pancreas. “When I asked the doctor if it was also caused by taking Ozempic, he was nice enough to inform me that it was strongly possible[.]” she said. Gentle also stated that as a result of her experience, if she had known about the side effects and how severe they could be, she would have never taken Ozempic. As noted above, both Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active compound, but Wegovy contains a much higher dose of semaglutide.
Contact a Wegovy lawyer today, if you took Wegovy and developed Pancreatitis.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF WEGOVY-INDUCED PANCREATITIS
If you have taken WeGovy and are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly:
- Abdominal pain: Persistent and severe abdominal pain, often radiating to the back.
- Nausea and vomiting: Frequent bouts of nausea and vomiting, which may be accompanied by a loss of appetite.
- Digestive complications: Diarrhea, bloating, and indigestion may occur due to the disruption of normal pancreatic function.
- Unexplained weight loss: Sudden and unexplained weight loss can be a sign of pancreatitis.
If you are experiencing these symptoms after taking WeGovy, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional and inform them of your medication history. Additionally, seeking the guidance of a Wegovy lawyer can provide you with the legal support you need during this challenging time.
WHAT ARE THE LONG TERM WEGOVY SIDE EFFECTS
Examples of long term Wegovy side effects that may occur with this drug include:
- gallbladder problems
- kidney problems
- diabetic eye problems
- depression or suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
OTHER SERIOUS WEGOVY STOMACH SIDE EFFECTS
Some people who have taken Wegovy have developed Wegovy side effects, including, but not limited to, a paralyzed stomach, serious Wegovy gastrointestinal side effects and other Wegovy stomach side effects. Other serious Wegovy side effects include inflammation of the pancreas, changes in vision, hypoglycemia, gallbladder issues, kidney failure and severe allergic reactions.
According to Dr. Meera Shah, an endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic, nausea is the most recurrent symptom she observes in her patients. The next most encountered are abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea. According to Dr. Shah, the most severe complications she sees in patients are pancreatitis and gallbladder issues, both of which are serious conditions that can lead to hospitalization. Furthermore, Dr. Shay states that “at least 10% of patients who start these drugs have to be taken off of them because the side effects do not improve.” (emphasis added).
Additionally, some doctors have reported patients on Ozempic (a lower dose of semaglutide than Wegovy) appetites have become so suppressed, they have experienced malnutrition, and are taking multivitamins or protein supplements in addition to Ozempic as a result of not getting the proper amount of nutrients they need from food.
As noted above, CNN recently reported that at least two people taking the same class of drugs, one taking Ozempic and the other taking Wegovy, have experienced more than just minor stomach issues; these individuals have been diagnosed with gastroparesis, or “paralyzed stomachs”.
If you took Wegovy and developed Wegovy side effects, contact a Wegovy lawyer today to see if you areeligible for a Wegovy lawsuit.
WHAT ARE THE WEGOVY GASTROINTESTINAL SIDE EFFECTS?
Wegovy and Stomach Paralysis:
Gastroparesis, otherwise known as stomach paralysis, is a condition where the stomach muscles cannot move as they should, making it hard for the stomach to empty its contents. This slower emptying can be beneficial for those taking Wegovy, as it helps them to lose weight, but it can lead to a more severe impairment of gastric emptying in some cases. Symptoms of Gastroparesis caused by Wegovy include: nausea, vomiting, feeling full quickly after eating, abdominal bloating, and abdominal pain.
Wegovy and Acute Gallbladder Disease:
Use of GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Wegovy (semaglutide), is associated with an increased risk of gallbladder disease or bile duct disease. This could include cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) and cholelithiasis (gallstones). The precise cause of Wegovy causew this is uncertain, but it is believed that the drug slows the emptying of the gallbladder. When the gallbladder does not empty regularly or completely, it can lead to a concentration of bile, raising the possibility of gallstones. The stones can then block the bile ducts, causing inflammation or infection in the gallbladder that might require removal. Those with gallbladder disease may experience severe pain in the upper right or middle of their abdomen. This pain could be regular or intermittent and is often accompanied by severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
HOW DOES WEGOVY AND WEGOVY SIDE EFFECTS, AFFECT THE BODY?
According to Novo Nordisk, gastrointestinal (GI), events are “well-known side effects of the GLP-1 class.”
“For semaglutide, the majority of GI side effects are mild to moderate in severity and of short duration,” Novo Nordisk said. “GLP-1’s are known to cause a delay in gastric emptying, as noted in the label of each of our GLP-1 RA medications. Symptoms of delayed gastric emptying, nausea, and vomiting are listed as side effects.”
While Wegovy and other similar weight loss drugs have been hailed as a miracle, the drug, unfortunately, has an impact on the body’s hormones. It mimics a hormone called GLP-1, which regulates insulin and keeps food in your stomach longer. Digestion is aided by a contraction of the stomach muscles, which helps empty the food out of your stomach. But when food stays in your stomach for too long, or the muscles slow down too much, it can cause intense nausea.
If you have experienced Wegovy stomach side effects including, a paralyzed stomach, gastrointestinal side effects, or other Wegovy side effects, contact a Wegovy lawyer today.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SUFFERED WEGOVY GASTROINTESTINAL SIDE EFFECTS OR OTHER WEGOVY SIDE EFFECTS?
If you believe you have been experiencing adverse Wegovy stomach side effects or any other Wegovy side effects, caused by Wegovy treatment, it is important to get immediate medical treatment for your symptoms. Your next best step is to take action to protect your rights.
- Consult a Wegovy attorney: Speak with an experienced Nashville Wegovy lawyer who is knowledgeable on a Wegovy lawsuit and/or a Wegovy Gallbladder Lawsuit. They can evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process and let you know if you are eligible for a Wegovy lawsuit.
- Gather evidence: Collect any medical records, prescriptions, and other relevant documents that can support your claim in a Wegovy lawsuit.
- Keep a record: Document any symptoms, side effects, or complications you have experienced as a result of taking Wegovy.
- Act promptly: There may be a statute of limitations that limits the time you have to file a Wegovy lawsuit. Contact a Nashville Wegovy lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss any deadlines.
If you have taken Wegovy, and are experiencing Wegovy gastrointestinal side effects, or other adverse Wegovy stomach side effects such as Wegovy stomach paralysis, or have questions about the drug’s safety, contact a Nashville Wegovy Lawyer today.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A WEGOVY LAWSUIT
If you have experienced severe side effects from taking Wegovy, you may be eligible for a lawsuit. To determine your eligibility, it is important to consult with a legal professional who practices pharmaceutical litigation. They will evaluate your case, taking into account factors such as the severity of your side effects, the impact on your quality of life, and the negligence of the manufacturer.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SEEKING LEGAL ASSISTANCE — FINDING A NASHVILLE WEGOVY LAWYER
When pursuing a Wegovy lawsuit, it is crucial to have a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer by your side. If you reside in Nashville, finding a Wegovy lawyer who practices pharmaceutical litigation can greatly increase your chances of a successful outcome. A Nashville Wegovy lawyer will have a deep understanding of the local legal landscape and will be able to navigate the complexities of your case effectively.
STEPS TO TAKE IF YOU EXPERIENCE WEGOVY SIDE EFFECTS
If you are experiencing severe Wegovy side effects, it is crucial to take the following steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health and well-being should be your top priority. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any severe or concerning symptoms.
- Document Your Symptoms: Keep a record of your symptoms, including the date, time, and severity. This documentation will be vital when building your case.
- Consult with a Lawyer: Reach out to a lawyer who practices pharmaceutical litigation to discuss your options and determine if you have a valid Wegovy lawsuit.
CONCLUSION AND THE FUTURE OF WEGOVY LAWSUITS
As the use of Wegovy continues to grow, it is likely that we will see an increase in the number of lawsuits related to its side effects. It is essential for individuals who have experienced severe side effects from Wegovy to understand their rights and seek legal assistance if necessary. The future of Wegovy lawsuits will depend on the outcomes of these cases and the determination of the courts to hold manufacturers accountable for any harm caused by their products.
If you believe you are eligible for a Wegovy lawsuit, do not hesitate to consult with a qualified Wegovy lawyer who can guide you through the process and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Remember, your health is important, and taking action can not only protect your rights but also contribute to the overall safety of future medications in the market.
IF YOU EXPERIENCED WEGOVY STOMACH SIDE EFFECTS, INCLUDING WEGOVY GASTROINTESTINAL SIDE EFFECTS, CONTACT NASHVILLE WEGOVY LAWYER TIMOTHY L. MILES TODAY
Contact Nashville Wegovy Lawyer Timothy L. Miles today if you suffered Wegovy side effects. You may be eligible for a Wegovy lawsuit and possibly be entitled to substantial compensation. While there is still time to file a lawsuit, be mindful that these cases are time-sensitive, and give us a call today.
(855) Tim-MLaw (855–846–6529)
THE CALL IS FREE AND SO IS THE FEE UNLESS WE WIN OR SETTLE YOUR CASE, SO CALL TODAY AND SEE WHAT A NASHVILLE WEGOVY LAWYER CAN DO FOR YOU.
