Users of these popular weight loss drugs report stomach paralysis
According to a recent investigation reported by CNN, some patients who used Ozempic and Wegovy, popular weight loss drugs, experienced severe gastroparesis, also known as stomach paralysis. Two patients mentioned that their stomachs were paralyzed after taking Ozempic, a semaglutide injection primarily used for treating type-2 diabetes but also known for its weight loss effects.
Why does this story matter?
The sale of Ozempic, a weekly injection for type-2 diabetes, skyrocketed after people were reportedly prescribed the FDA-approved diabetes medication as an "off-label" weight loss drug. The increasing popularity of Ozempic caused national shortages in the US, leaving diabetics who actually need the medication without it. In contrast, Wegovy, a once-weekly semaglutide injection, is FDA-approved specifically for obesity and weight loss treatment.
'I wish I'd never heard of it in my life'
"I wish I never touched it. I wish I'd never heard of it in my life," Joanie Knight, a 37-year-old from Louisiana, told CNN. Knight expressed it made her life "hell," causing immense suffering and financial strain. It took away precious moments with her family. "It's cost me a lot, and it's not worth it. The price is too high," expressed Knight.
Another patient experienced frequent vomiting
CNN reported that Emily Wright, a 38-year-old teacher from Toronto, had to take a leave of absence from her job because of frequent vomiting caused by Ozempic. Even after stopping the medication almost a year ago, she has not fully recovered. Both Wright and Knight have reported severe gastroparesis. Wright also has cyclic vomiting syndrome, leading to multiple daily episodes of vomiting.
A Wegovy user too reported stomach issues
Meanwhile, Brenda Allen, from Texas reported that she started facing stomach issues after her doctor prescribed Wegovy, a weight loss drug. Wegovy works by imitating a hormone called GLP-1, which helps control blood sugar levels and makes the stomach process food more slowly, giving a sense of fullness. Unfortunately, the medication led to excessive vomiting, causing dehydration, and requiring an urgent care visit.
What is gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis is a medical condition where the stomach's muscle contractions are impaired, causing delayed emptying of food into the small intestine. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, bloating, early satiety, and unintended weight loss. Treatment involves dietary changes and medication.
FDA has acknowledged the matter
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received reports of stomach paralysis in patients using these medications. "The FDA has received reports of gastroparesis with semaglutide and liraglutide, some of which documented the adverse event as not recovered after discontinuation of the respective product at the time of the report," the agency said in a statement to CNN.
Gastroparesis can be a complication of diabetes: FDA
Officials clarified that they couldn't confirm whether Ozempic or Wegovy caused stomach paralysis or if it was due to another reason. FDA explained that gastroparesis can be a complication of diabetes, especially when the disease is poorly controlled or has been present for a long time. This complexity makes it challenging to ascertain the precise role of the drugs in the reported events.
