Skip to main content
Does Ozempic Cause Cancer?
Ozempic and similar GLP-1 agonists have soared in popularity in recent years, but some people have been cautious about semaglutide given reports of potential health issues. A number of reports and studies have focused if Ozempic can cause cancer in humans. While some studies have shown links between Ozempic and certain cancers in animals, there is currently no evidence that Ozempic can directly cause cancer in humans.
Below, we’ll explain what scientists have discovered about the link between cancer and Ozempic and the precautions that are taken to minimize the risk of developing cancer in people taking semaglutide. We will also explore other health issues linked to GLP-1 use, including some severe complications that could affect a person’s gastrointestinal tract.
If you take Ozempic or another GLP-1 drug and have experienced serious health problems that affect your gastrointestinal system, you need to speak with the lawyers at Bursor & Fisher, P.A. Our team of attorneys can evaluate your situation and let you know if you qualify for a lawsuit. Set up a free consultation today.
What have scientists learned about Ozempic and cancer risk?
A semaglutide injection study on animals found that there was a higher risk of these animals developing thyroid tumors and thyroid cancer. That said, researchers could not determine if this was causation or just a correlation. The research is ongoing.
Is there an increased risk of cancer for humans who take Ozempic?
As of now, the medical evidence does not show an increased risk of thyroid cancer in humans who are taking GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic. The long-term benefits of Ozempic use could potentially reduce the risk of certain kinds of cancers that are linked to excessive weight, though further research is required regarding those long-term benefits.
Some Ozempic patients have experienced pancreatitis after taking the GLP-1 drug, which has raised concerns about semaglutide and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. So far, research has not found a link between Ozempic and pancreatic cancer.
Are there precautions for Ozempic patients given the cancer studies in animals?
Yes. If you have a family history of thyroid cancer or have suffered from pancreatic disease in the past, let your doctor know before they prescribe any GLP-1. Precautions such as these can reduce the potential risk of cancer in Ozempic patients and can also reduce the risk of other health conditions.
Do other GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic also increase the risk of certain cancers?
Potentially, yes. Many of the popular GLP-1 drugs used for diabetes and weight loss work just like Ozempic does. Since the mechanism is similar, they all carry the same potential risk of cancer in animals.
Keep the cancer risks in mind if you take any of these other prescription medications or are interested in starting any of these diabetes or weight loss drugs:
- Rybelsus (semaglutide from Novo Nordisk)
- Wegovy (semaglutide from Novo Nordisk)
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide from Eli Lilly and Company)
- Zepbound (tirzepatide from Eli Lilly and Company)
- Saxenda (liraglutide from Novo Nordisk)
- Victoza (liraglutide from Novo Nordisk)
- Trulicity (dulaglutide from Eli Lilly and Company)
What other side effects do Ozempic patients experience?
Other common or relatively common Ozempic side effects include:
- Reduced appetite
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Upset stomach
Remember that side effects are generally mild and are normal for people taking a new medication. Be mindful of what you experience while taking Ozempic or other similar medications.
How long will these common Ozempic side effects last?
The above common side effects of Ozempic tend to be temporary. For the majority of patients, these side effects are most pronounced in the first few weeks of taking Ozempic. As a patient gets accustomed to taking their GLP-1 medication, they will generally notice these side effects subside or at least become more manageable.
If you are on Ozempic and notice no positive changes in your side effects after a few weeks, be sure to discuss your situation with your doctor.
Can taking Ozempic cause severe side effects or health problems?
Yes, in some cases. In addition to the common side effects that have been listed above, there are more serious medical issues that patients could develop after taking Ozempic.
In addition to pancreatic disease, other severe health complications reported by Ozempic patients include:
- Frequent and prolonged vomiting
- Changes in vision (often related to diabetic retinopathy)
- Gallstones and gallbladder disease
- Stomach paralysis (gastroparesis)
- Intestinal blockage or bowel obstruction (ileus)
Are serious health complications common while on Ozempic?
Thankfully, the above medical complications are rare among Ozempic patients. Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and Company even provide warnings on their labels about some of these potential complications. When these issues do arise, they can have major effects on a person’s health and quality of life.
If you are an Ozempic patient who has developed severe gastrointestinal problems as a result of semaglutide injections, the team at Bursor & Fisher, P.A. can help. We encourage you to contact our law firm if you are diagnosed with the following GI problems:
- Severe and prolonged vomiting
- Stomach paralysis
- Intestinal blockage
- Bowel obstruction
Below is a brief rundown of these severe Ozempic-related gastrointestinal problems and why they are so life-threatening.
What is meant by excessive and prolonged vomiting?
Most Ozempic patients experience a little nausea and vomiting in the first weeks of taking the injection. Some patients, however, vomit several times a day for two weeks or longer. Any frequent and extended bouts of vomiting like this should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible.
What are the dangers of excessive and prolonged vomiting?
Ozempic patients who vomit several times a day for long stretches of time could experience irritation of and injury to the esophagus. The inability to keep food down can also contribute to malnutrition, dehydration, and feelings of fatigue.
In addition to the above issues, the heightened acidity in the mouth can cause acidic erosion of the tooth enamel. This can cause tooth sensitivity, tooth decay, root canal infections, and even tooth loss.
Are frequent and prolonged bouts of vomiting associated with other severe Ozempic complications?
Yes. Some Ozempic patients only develop issues with frequent vomiting, while others develop this problem as a symptom of another more serious GI problem like gastroparesis or ileus.
This is why it is so important to speak with your doctor as soon as you notice anything troubling while on Ozempic. It may be the earliest warning sign of a more serious and potentially life-threatening problem affecting your GI tract.
What is stomach paralysis?
Stomach paralysis is when the nerves and muscles of the stomach fail to push food into the small intestine for further digestion. A number of Ozempic patients have developed gastroparesis even if they were following their prescription to the letter.
What are the common signs and symptoms of stomach paralysis?
The most common symptoms of stomach paralysis include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain, particularly around the upper abdomen
- Abdominal bloating
- Total lack of appetite
- Heartburn
- Constipation
What are the dangers of stomach paralysis?
If stomach paralysis is not diagnosed and treated, it could contribute to malnutrition, dehydration, the formation of a bezoar (a solid mass in the stomach), and a host of other more serious health problems.
What is an intestinal blockage?
An intestinal blockage is an obstruction in the small or large intestine. The blockage prevents food from passing through a person’s GI tract during the digestion process.
In Ozempic patients, intestinal blockages are often due to a condition called ileus. Ileus is when the muscles of the intestines do not contract properly to push food through the GI tract for digestion.
An intestinal blockage could also be caused by a bezoar. If the hard mass that formed in the stomach travels into the small intestine, it can create an obstruction that disrupts the regular movement of food and waste.
What are the common signs and symptoms of intestinal blockage?
The most common symptoms of intestinal blockage include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Bulging in the abdomen
- Bloating
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Inability to pass gas
What are the dangers of intestinal blockage?
If not diagnosed and treated, an intestinal blockage could cause the death of the surrounding intestinal tissue and peritonitis, a dangerous infection of the abdominal cavity. Both of these medical conditions could be fatal without immediate medical care.
What are bowel obstructions?
Bowel obstructions are similar to the intestinal blockages we’ve just described. Bowel obstructions, however, are located in the lower portions of the large intestine and colon.
Like blockage of the small intestine, a bowel obstruction can be caused by ileus or the movement of a bezoar through a person’s digestive tract.
What are the common signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction?
The most common symptoms of bowel obstruction include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Inability to pass gas
What are the dangers of bowel obstruction?
As with intestinal obstruction, bowel obstructions can cause tissue death around the lower abdomen, peritonitis, or sepsis. These conditions can similarly prove fatal without receiving proper medical treatment.
What should I do if I experience painful gastrointestinal problems after taking Ozempic?
If you experience any of the GI issues we’ve detailed above, be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your doctor and other medical professionals can help treat the GI problem and prevent further harm to your gastrointestinal system and long-term general health.
After you have recovered, we encourage you to contact our law offices at your earliest convenience. During a free case review, you can learn more about taking legal action against the makers of Ozempic.
I take a different GLP-1 medication. Could I develop gastrointestinal problems even if it’s not Ozempic?
Yes.
Remember that Ozempic is just one of several different diabetes and weight loss medications that help control blood sugar and reduce appetite. Similar drugs like Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro can also cause serious gastrointestinal issues.
At Bursor & Fisher, P.A., our attorneys are ready to hold drug manufacturers accountable if their products cause severe medical problems in patients who were simply following their doctor’s orders.
Can I sue Novo Nordisk if I develop serious health complications from taking Ozempic?
Potentially, yes. You may be able to take legal action against drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk for serious medical problems caused by the use of Ozempic or their other GLP-1 drugs.
The lawyers of Bursor & Fisher, P.A. can provide answers to your questions about litigation related to GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Zepbond, or Wegovy.
We should note that qualifying legal clients must meet specific criteria to be represented by our law firm. Our lawyers will screen for certain conditions and review your case when you contact us for a case evaluation.
How much will I receive in damages if I file an Ozempic lawsuit?
It depends. This will vary from person to person based on what they experienced while taking Ozempic or a similar GLP-1 agonist.
While we cannot provide an estimate without discussing your situation, damages in an Ozempic lawsuit will cover the cost of any previous and ongoing medical treatment as well as the long-term effects of the drug-related medical issues on a person’s quality of life.
Since the amount of compensation in a semaglutide case is considered on an individual client basis, it’s best to discuss what happened to you with the Ozempic lawsuit attorneys at Bursor & Fisher, P.A.
How can I learn more about legal options for Ozempic-related health problems?
To learn more about potential compensation through a legal action against the makers of Ozempic, contact Bursor & Fisher, P.A. for a free case review.
Bursor & Fisher, P.A. has represented more than 160 million people in legal actions—that’s roughly 1 in every 2 Americans. Our law firm is a nationwide leader in complex, high-stakes litigation.
Our attorneys have secured numerous multi-million dollar verdicts over the years, which includes actions against pharmaceutical companies and drug manufacturers like Novo Nordisk. We’re ready to speak to you.
Bursor & Fisher, P.A. is not a medical provider. The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.