Does Ozempic Cause Gastroparesis?

Ozempic has been hailed as a miracle drug in recent years. Originally developed by the Danish company Novo Nordisk to help people with type 2 diabetes, it’s since become a popular weight loss drug for off-label use. Ozempic has proved so popular that the brand name has become the catch-all term for many other similar GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro.

Even though an estimated 1 in 8 Americans are taking GLP-1 medications, Ozempic has been linked to a number of severe health complications. One of these serious medical conditions is gastroparesis, which is more commonly known as stomach paralysis. If not diagnosed and treated, stomach paralysis could be life-threatening.

Below are some answers to common questions about gastroparesis, its links to Ozempic, and conditions related to stomach paralysis. If you developed gastroparesis while taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or any of the popular weight loss drugs on the market, the attorneys at Bursor & Fisher, P.A. can discuss your eligibility to seek compensation in a lawsuit.

 

What is stomach paralysis (gastroparesis)?

Stomach paralysis occurs when the nerves and muscles of the stomach do not push food from the stomach into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). This initial push from the stomach to the small intestine is essential in the digestion process.

When stomach paralysis lasts for a long period of time, the undigested food remains in a person’s stomach, which can cause a whole host of medical problems.

What are the signs and symptoms of stomach paralysis (gastroparesis)?

The most common signs and symptoms of stomach paralysis include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Indegestion
• Stomach pain, particularly in the upper abdomen
• Abdominal bloating
• Total lack of appetite
• Heartburn
• Constipation

What should I do if I experience any gastroparesis symptoms?

If you experience any of the above symptoms of stomach paralysis, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The problem is best diagnosed and treated by a professional.

What happens if I don’t get gastroparesis treated?

Left untreated, stomach paralysis can cause severe malnutrition and dehydration. This is because solids and liquids do not progress to the small intestine where nutrients can be broken down and absorbed into the body.

In addition, the inability to process food or liquids will make it difficult to feel hunger. If a person tries to eat, they may wind up vomiting since there is nowhere else for the food or liquid to go.

Any undigested food that has not been regurgitated could form into a hard mass known as a bezoar. This bezoar could remain in the stomach and potentially block the passage of food into the small intestine and the rest of the gastrointestinal tract. If the bezoar does pass into the small intestine, it can cause life-threatening obstructions further down the GI tract.

What are the common treatments for stomach paralysis (gastroparesis)?

If you develop gastroparesis, you may be told to adjust your eating habits. A patient may be asked to incorporate softer foods and foods that are easier to digest into your daily diet. Sometimes a liquid diet is recommended so patients can stay hydrated and be nourished.

There are also prescription drugs that can help improve the function of the stomach muscles to aid in digestion. Your doctor will review any medications you are taking in order to identify and avoid potential contraindications with these gastroparesis drugs.

In extreme situations, you may require invasive procedures or surgery. Decompressive gastrostomy may be performed, which involves surgical placement of a tube to aid in stomach emptying. If that is not effective, a jejunostomy may be performed. Jejunostomy involves placing an external feeding tube on the abdomen that connects directly to the small intestine.

Why does Ozempic sometimes cause stomach paralysis in patients?

To answer this question, it’s best to describe how Ozempic works. 

Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1). GLP-1 is a naturally recurring hormone in the body that helps regulate blood sugar and sends sensations of fullness to your brain. GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic mimic this hormone, causing the following effects in the body:

• Increased insulin production and lower blood sugar
• Slowed down gastric emptying and digestion
• Reduced sensations of hunger throughout the day

You’ll note that Ozempic is designed to slow down the digestive process. Sometimes taking semaglutide drugs like Ozempic cause the muscles and nerves of the stomach to function improperly, leading to gastroparesis.

Can Wegovy, Mounjaro, and other GLP-1 drugs also cause gastroparesis?

Yes. Drugs like Wegovy, Mounjaro, Saxenda, and Rybelsus function much like Ozempic in slowing the digestive process. These other GLP-1 medications can also cause gastroparesis in some patients.

How common is stomach paralysis among Ozempic patients?

Thankfully the risk of gastroparesis is low for most users of Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs. According to a May 2024 story in U.S. News and World Report, 10 of every 10,000 (0.1%) patients who took GLP-1 drugs for weight loss were diagnosed with gastroparesis after six months.

Even though the risk of gastroparesis is low, the seriousness of the health condition should not be taken for granted.

Should I stop taking Ozempic if I develop gastroparesis symptoms?

If Ozempic is the primary cause of your gastroparesis, your doctor will likely tell you to discontinue use of the semaglutide drug to treat your stomach paralysis and prevent long-term health complications.

It’s best to consult with your doctor about your health needs and whether you should stop taking semaglutide or GLP-1 drugs in general. Each patient is different, and recommendations will vary based on the severity of your stomach paralysis, contributing factors, and the effect of the condition on your overall health and wellness.

What other health conditions may be linked to Ozempic use and gastroparesis?

In addition to stomach paralysis, there are three other notable medical complications from Ozempic that affect a person’s gastrointestinal tract:

• Frequent and prolonged vomiting
• Intestinal blockage
• Bowel obstruction

What does frequent and prolonged vomiting mean?

Frequent and prolonged vomiting means vomiting at least several times a day for two weeks or longer.

Occasional vomiting when you first start taking Ozempic is normal, and it tends to taper off as patients get used to GLP-1 medications. Unfortunately, some patients will vomit so many times in the day that it causes serious health issues, including:

• Malnutrition
• Dehydration
• Injuries to the esophagus and throat
• Acidic erosion of the tooth enamel
• Tooth loss

How can I tell if I have an intestinal blockage or obstruction?

An intestinal blockage means that there’s a mass or obstruction located somewhere in the intestinal tract. This could be up around the small intestine or further down the system in the large intestine or colon.

The most common signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction include:

• Abdominal cramps
• Abdominal pain
• Bulging in the abdomen
• Bloating
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Inability to pass gas

As with stomach paralysis, be sure to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.

What is ileus and how does it differ from gastroparesis?

While gastroparesis affects the muscles of the stomach, ileus affect the muscles of the intestines.

Ileus refers to the failure of the muscles and nerves of the intestines to move food through the intestinal tract. This can lead to the formation of an obstruction in a person’s small intestine, large intestine, or colon.

What are the signs and symptoms of ileus?

The symptoms of ileus are similar to those of gastropersis:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Indegestion
• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal bloating
• Total lack of appetite
• Constipation

Can Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs cause ileus?

Potentially, yes. There’s been some suggestion that Ozempic and GLP-1 drugs can increase the risk of ileus much like they increase the risk of gastroparesis.

If I experienced gastroparesis or ileus after taking Ozempic, can I sue Novo Nordisk?

Potentially, yes.

If you took Ozempic or Wegovy and suffered severe health problems related to stomach paralysis, you may be eligible to file a legal claim against Novo Nordisk and seek compensation. The attorneys of Bursor & Fisher, P.A. can provide additional information about GLP-1 litigation for gastroparesis as part of a free case review.

How much compensation could I receive from Novo Nordisk in an Ozempic lawsuit?

This varies from person to person based on the severity of their gastroparesis, the long-term effects of stomach paralysis on their quality of life, and if someone is part of a lawsuit.

Since the amount of compensation is considered on a case-by-case basis, it’s best to discuss what happened to you with Bursor & Fisher, P.A.

How can I learn more about taking legal action for Ozempic health complications?

To learn more about potential compensation through a legal action, contact Bursor & Fisher, P.A. for a free case review.

Our law firm is a nationwide leader in complex, high-stakes litigation. We have secured numerous multi-million dollar verdicts over the years, which includes actions against pharmaceutical companies and drug manufacturers.

Bursor & Fisher, P.A. has represented more than 160 million people in legal actions—that’s roughly 1 in every 2 Americans. We’re ready to speak to you.