Mario Tama/Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 17: In this photo illustration, a box of diabetes medication Ozempic on a pharmacy counter in Los Angeles, CA on April 17, 2023. Ozempic was originally approved by the FDA to treat people with type 2 diabetes who risk serious health problems without medication. Over the past few months, the weight-loss benefits of Ozempic (semaglutide) have led to a surge in demand, leading to shortages. Some doctors prescribe Ozempic off-label to treat obesity. (Photo illustration: Tamamario/Getty Images)
CNN
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In a lawsuit filed Wednesday, a Louisiana woman claims she suffered serious injuries after using Ozempic and Munjaro prescribed by her doctor. Her two injections, developed to manage diabetes, are gaining popularity for weight loss.
Jaklyn Björklund’s lawyers claim the 44-year-old woman used Ozempic for over a year until around July 2023, and then started using Mounjaro. She is suing the makers of both drugs, Novo Hernandez and Eli Lilly, for failing to warn them of the risk of serious gastrointestinal problems that could be caused by taking the drugs.
“As a result of using Defendant’s Ozempic and Munjaro, Plaintiff suffered severe gastrointestinal ailments, resulting in severe and permanent personal injury, pain, suffering, emotional distress, and medical expenses.” allegations in lawsuits.
Bjorklund said, “I suffer from severe vomiting, stomach pains and burning sensations in my stomach and intestines, and have been hospitalized several times with stomach problems, including emergency room visits, excessive vomiting causing my teeth to fall out, and reducing excessive vomiting. I needed additional medicine for this and ended up vomiting,” he added.
In the complaint, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly “are aware of an association between the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and the risk of developing serious gastrointestinal ailments such as gastroparesis and gastroenteritis. It is claimed that
They “did not disclose the information they had regarding the link between the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and the risk of developing serious gastrointestinal illness, including gastroparesis and gastroenteritis. “There’s just not enough warning about drugs,” he said.
The prescribing information for Ozempic and Munjaro lists both vomiting and abdominal pain as possible adverse events, but the lawsuit does not say whether Bjorklund has been diagnosed. gastroparesis — gastroparesis.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, including medical costs, medical monitoring, attorneys’ fees and court costs, for past and future pain and suffering suffered by Bjorklund.
Wegoby, a drug similar to Novo’s Ozempic, uses the same drug, semaglutide. Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro uses tilzepatide. These drugs, and others in this family, including drugs such as liraglutide, work by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone naturally produced in the body, slowing the passage of food through the stomach, Helps you feel fuller for longer.
Aside from the new lawsuit, CNN reported on warnings from patients and doctors about gastroparesis and other side effects after taking Wegoby and Ozempic for weight loss and diabetes.
Gastroparesis, or slow stomach emptying, can cause nausea and vomiting in some people. There are many possible causes, including diabetes, which is why many people take medication. Women are known to be at higher risk for this condition.
Doctors told CNN that more cases are coming to light as the drug’s popularity soars. In a statement before the lawsuit, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration told CNN, “We have received reports of gastroparesis with semaglutide and liraglutide, some of whom reported that the adverse events had not resolved after discontinuation of the respective products at the time of reporting. I am recording,” he said. ”
Mr. Ozempic prescribe information The most common adverse events associated with the drug are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation, he said. The Drug Interactions section states that Ozempic delays gastric emptying and thus may affect the absorption of oral medications.
Mr. Munjaro prescribe information It also states that nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, dyspepsia and abdominal pain are the most common adverse events, and that Munjaro slows gastric emptying, which may affect drug absorption. increase.
Novo Nordisk, maker of Ozempic and Wegobee, said in a statement to CNN in response to gastroparesis concerns ahead of the lawsuit, “Gastrointestinal (GI) events are a well-known side effect of the GLP-1 class.” . For semaglutide, most gastrointestinal side effects are mild to moderate in severity and short-lived. As stated on the label of each of our GLP-1 RA therapeutics, GLP-1 is known to cause delayed gastric emptying. Side effects include delayed gastric emptying, nausea, and vomiting. ”
Following the new lawsuit, a Novo Nordisk spokesperson told The Hill, “Patient safety is paramount to Novo Nordisk. We continuously monitor the safety profile of our products. “We are working closely with authorities to ensure patient safety, including labeling with appropriate information on gastrointestinal side effects.”
In a statement obtained by The Hilla spokesperson for Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Munjaro, said patient safety is the company’s “top priority” and that it is “proactive in monitoring, evaluating and reporting safety information on all of our medicines. ‘, the news agency reported.
CNN has reached out to both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly for comment on the lawsuit.
