A lawsuit filed late last month in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania sheds light on the potential severity of the gastrointestinal side effects allegedly linked to the popular diabetes and weight-loss drug Ozempic. The lawsuit was filed by Miquana Renteria, a Texas woman who alleges that Ozempic manufacturer Novo Nordisk failed to provide adequate warnings about the serious nature of Ozempic’s side effects, which she says led to her having her gallbladder removed. 

About Ozempic and its Potential Side Effects

Ozempic (semaglutide), a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), was initially approved by the FDA for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. As a member of this new class of medications, Ozempic works by mimicking the effects of incretin hormones, which regulate blood sugar levels. By stimulating the release of insulin and suppressing glucagon, Ozempic helps to control blood sugar in diabetic patients.

Ozempic has gained significant attention as a useful medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, manufacturer Novo Nordisk’s aggressive promotion of Ozempic’s weight-loss benefits has led to a surge in off-label prescriptions for obesity management. While some Ozempic users have reported positive outcomes, there is a growing concern about the potential risk of severe gastrointestinal side effects, including stomach paralysis or gastroparesis. 

Gastroparesis is a condition characterized by delayed gastric emptying. It can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain. In some cases, gastroparesis can cause intestinal blockages or ileus, a condition where the intestines are unable to propel waste forward.

Miquana Renteria’s Ozempic Side Effect Claims

Miquana Renteria claims in her lawsuit that she was prescribed Ozempic by her doctor to promote weight loss. However, shortly after starting the medication, she began experiencing chest pain, which progressively worsened. In August 2022, Renteria suffered from severe nausea and vomiting, leading to a diagnosis of gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach lining. Her symptoms intensified, resulting in epigastric pain and a subsequent diagnosis of gallbladder inflammation, ultimately leading to the removal of her gallbladder in May 2023.

The Scope of Ozempic’s Stomach Paralysis Side Effects

Multiple case reports and research studies have identified a possible link between GLP-1RAs like Ozempic and the development of stomach paralysis, gallbladder disease, and other serious gastrointestinal injuries. The FDA issued a warning in September 2023, highlighting reports of gastrointestinal disorders and bowel injuries associated with semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic. While Novo Nordisk has defended the safety and efficacy of the drug, recent findings have raised concerns about the adequacy of the warnings provided to patients and healthcare professionals.

Legal Implications for Novo Nordisk

Renteria’s lawsuit against Novo Nordisk represents just one of many claims brought against the pharmaceutical company. In February 2024, a federal panel consolidated dozens of lawsuits into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. These lawsuits allege that Ozempic and other GLP-1RA medications have caused severe gastrointestinal injuries, including stomach paralysis, intestinal blockages, and bowel injuries.

The establishment of the MDL indicates the growing number of claims against Novo Nordisk and the potential for thousands more to be transferred to the litigation. The consolidation allows for coordinated pretrial proceedings, potentially leading to bellwether trials to gauge juries’ responses to the evidence presented. If the parties fail to reach settlements, individual claims may be remanded back to their original district courts for trial.

The Importance of Transparency and Drug Safety

The controversy surrounding Ozempic’s stomach paralysis side effects highlights the need for transparency and comprehensive warnings in the pharmaceutical industry. Patients and healthcare professionals rely on accurate information to make informed decisions about medication use. Manufacturers have a responsibility to thoroughly test their products and provide clear warnings about potential risks, especially when a drug is being used off-label for weight loss purposes.