Ozepmic popularity has skyrocketed over the past few years. The FDA approved the injectable drug in 2017 to help patients manage type 2 diabetes. Along with lowering blood sugar levels, the drug is also an appetite suppressant. Many patients report significant weight loss while taking Ozempic. This has caused a growing number of doctors to prescribe Ozempic to patients for weight management, even if they don’t have diabetes. The drug has become popular among the Hollywood elite and the upper-middle class. As the drug’s popularity increases, so do reports of serious gastrointestinal issues, diseases, and even deaths caused by Ozempic usage.

What is Ozempic and What’s it Used For?

Ozempic has been approved by the FDA to treat type 2 diabetes and is manufactured by Dutch company Novo Nordisk. Though approved for diabetes management, many patients are prescribed Ozempic for weight management. Ozempic’s active ingredient, semaglutide, has been approved for weight loss treatments and is used in drugs like Wegovy, which contains a higher dosage of semaglutide than Ozempic.

Ozempic Side Effects

There have been several studies showing the link between gastrointestinal issues, death, and Ozempic prescriptions. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Taking Ozempic can also cause gallbladder disease and intestinal blockage. One of the most severe side effects is gastroparesis, which paralyzes the stomach and makes digesting food difficult. In September 2023, Novo Nordisk updated the drug’s warning label to include an increased risk of ileus, which interferes with the body’s ability to digest food.

Australian Mother Dies After Using Ozempic

In November 2023, a 56 year old woman from Australia died after taking Ozempic. Trish Webster took the drug to lose weight before her daughter’s wedding. Webster lost 35 pounds shortly after being prescribed Ozempic in 2022. However, she also suffered from extreme nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. One evening several weeks ago, Webster’s husband noticed she had stopped breathing and had brown liquid coming out of her mouth. Despite his efforts to perform CPR, Webster died later that night at the hospital. Webster’s husband believes that using Ozempic directly contributed to her death.

Lawsuits for Ozempic Deaths and Injuries

Patients who were prescribed Ozempic and experienced gastroparesis or other gastrointestinal issues have sued Ozempic’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk. The first lawsuit was filed in August 2023, citing that the drug manufacturer failed to warn patients of the potential risks for gastroparesis, ileus, and gallbladder disease when taking the drug. New evidence linking Ozempic and gastrointestinal issues was released throughout 2023, and more studies will likely come out in the next few years. This will likely lead to more cases against Novo Nordisk. Currently, there isn’t a class action lawsuit against Ozempic in the US. However, you may be able to receive compensation through personal injury claims.

Get Compensation for Your Ozempic Injury

You may be entitled to compensation if you took Ozempic to manage your diabetes or for weight loss and were diagnosed with intestinal obstruction, gastroparesis, or ileus. The Michael Brady Lynch Law Firm is dedicated to helping you receive damages for your injuries or a loved one’s Ozempic-related death. Call our office at 888-585-5970 to discuss your case to see if you qualify.