Popular weight loss drugs associated with bowel obstruction
While the most common causes of bowel obstruction include nonfood objects swallowed on purpose or accidentally, abdominal surgery and several diseases, it was recently found that semaglutide, the active agent in some type 2 diabetes medications, may also lead to the development of this severe disorder. Therefore, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms - nausea, vomiting, bloating, and cramping - while or after taking drugs with semaglutide as the active agent - we strongly advise you to call your doctor immediately. Semaglutide is the generic name for brands like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. The drugs were developed by Novo Nordisk and approved for use in the US.
Ozempic and Rybwlsus are not FDA-approved for weight loss, but doctors often prescribe them off-label for that purpose.
Studies link GLP-1 and RA drugs to bowel obstruction
Over the past years, the popularity of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (RA) medication, especially for Ozempic has skyrocketed. While the drug’s ability to help with weight management has been highly praised on social media platforms, there is a great deal of concern regarding potential side effects.
In October 2023, the Journal of the American Medical Association examined adverse events associated with GLP-1 RA drugs used for weight loss and published a letter in the October edition of JAMA Network. Researchers found increased risks of gastrointestinal adverse disorders, including bowel obstruction.
A recent study published by researchers from the University of British Columbia shows that compared to bupropion-naltrexone, patients on GLP-1 agonist drugs present a 4.22 times higher risk of bowel obstruction.
Individuals struggling with semaglutide side effects sued the manufacturer
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, was named as a defendant in several product liability lawsuits. Although it denies blame, plaintiffs claim the drug manufacturer "failed to warn" users of the potential gastrointestinal risks involved including bowel obstruction.
Currently, lawyers all over the US are investigating hundreds of inquiries from people struggling with semaglutide side effects.