Long-Term Side Effects of Ozempic

Minor side effects are common after taking Ozempic, and they tend to only last a few weeks. Some Ozempic side effects are much more serious and can last for months if not longer. Yet Ozempic and similar GLP-1 drugs continue to be popular even with the chance of patients developing serious or long-term side effects. It’s been estimated that 1 in 8 Americans have taken semaglutide or a similar medication to manage their diabetes or to lose weight.

Let’s take a look at the potential long-term side effects of Ozempic as well as serious medical conditions that could affect semaglutide patients. Our attorneys will also highlight four particularly serious long-term side effects of Ozempic that affect the gastrointestinal tract. If left untreated, these serious and long-term side effects could lead to a medical emergency.

If you took Ozempic and developed long-term medical problems that affect your gastrointestinal health, you need to speak with the attorneys at Bursor & Fisher, P.A. Our law firm can review your medical history and let you know if you qualify for a lawsuit. Set up a free consultation today.

 

About Ozempic

Ozempic is the brand name of an injectable semaglutide from Novo Nordisk. It was originally developed to help treat type 2 diabetes. Ozempic received initial FDA approval for diabetes treatment back in 2017.

The early Ozempic patients reported weight loss benefits from the semaglutide in addition to better blood sugar management. This led to Novo Nordisk’s development of Wegovy, another semaglutide that was specifically for people trying to lose weight. Wegovy received initial FDA approval in 2021.

How Ozempic Works

Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1). GLP-1 is a hormone that is naturally found in the human body. The hormone helps regulate blood sugar levels as well as a person’s feelings of hunger and satiety.

Ozempic injections mimic this hormone. By doing so, Ozempic helps improve blood sugar levels, slow down digestion, and reduce a patient’s food cravings and general feelings of hunger.

In other words, Ozempic helps patients maintain lower blood sugar and feel full for longer stretches of the day. Since patients are less hungry throughout the day, they consume fewer daily calories, which promotes weight loss.

Medications Similar to Ozempic

Ozempic is such a popular brand name that it’s become a catch-all term for various GLP-1 drugs that function in a similar way. Below is a list of other GLP-1 medications that people take to manage their type 2 diabetes or lose weight:

• 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)

Though we’re focusing on Ozempic, the side effects and complications we’ll cover below can affect people taking any of the GLP-1 medications that have been listed.

Short-Term Ozempic Side Effects vs. Long-Term Ozempic Side Effects

Let’s list and compare the short-term and long-term side effects of Ozempic use so you understand why patients may be concerned about their overall health in the long run.

Common Short-Term Side Effects of Ozempic

The most common short-term side effects from taking Ozempic include:

• Reduced appetite
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Blurry vision
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Upset stomach

These side effects tend to be most prominent in the first two to six weeks of taking Ozempic. Over time, as the body gets accustomed to Ozempic or GLP-1 use, the side effects will become less of an issue and easier to manage.

Potential Long-Term Ozempic Side Effects

Serious long-term side effects associated with the use of Ozempic include:

• Gastrointestinal health issues
• Kidney disease and kidney injuries
• Increased heart rate and heart palpitations
• Changes in vision quality (often related to diabetic retinopathy)
• Gallstones and gallbladder disease
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Thyroid tumors and thyroid cancer

We’ll elaborate on the serious gastrointestinal health issues experienced by Ozempic patients later in this blog.

In addition to the above serious side effects, Ozempic patients may also experience common semaglutide side effects for many weeks or even months. For some patients, the health benefits of taking Ozempic outweigh the persistence of the less serious side effects.

How Common Are Long-Term Side Effects from Ozempic?

The serious, long-term side effects of Ozempic tend to be relatively rare, though each patient is different. Research is ongoing as to the long-term impact of taking Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs to manage diabetes and promote weight loss.

How to Avoid Long-Term Negative Side Effects from Ozempic

The best way to avoid long-term Ozempic side effects is to carefully consult your doctor before even taking the drug. Your doctor can review your medical history, current health goals, and determine if Ozempic is right for you. When reviewing your medical history, your doctor can point out potential warning signs that put you at greater risk for developing a long-term health complication.

While on Ozempic or another GLP-1 drug, it is imperative that you follow all instructions closely and adhere to your doctor’s orders. Never exceed the recommended dosage of your GLP-1 medication.

If common side effects persist or you notice any serious issues arise while taking Ozempic, be sure to speak with your doctor right away.

Long-Term Gastrointestinal Side Effects in Ozempic Patients

While all of the health problems listed above are quite serious, our law firm wants to focus on four potentially life-threatening medical conditions that affect the GI tract of Ozempic patients:

• Severe and prolonged bouts of vomiting
• Stomach paralysis (gastroparesis)
• Intestinal blockage (ileus)
• Bowel obstruction

Our lawyers here at Bursor & Fisher, P.A. have provided a brief rundown of these four gastrointestinal problems, including common symptoms and warning signs as well as the health risks that could occur if patients do not seek immediate medical help.

Severe Vomiting from Ozempic: What You Should Know

Occasional bouts of nausea and some vomiting are common among many Ozempic patients. Severe vomiting is much different and is a major cause for concern.

Severe and prolonged vomiting means that a person vomits several times a day or more, and for a period of two weeks or longer. This isn’t just an inconvenience. Severe and prolonged vomiting could lead to serious health issues.

The Dangers of Prolonged Vomiting

Vomiting multiple times a day for weeks on end can cause major irritation and possible injury to the esophagus.

In addition, the heightened acidity of the mouth can cause acidic erosion of the tooth enamel. The weakening of the teeth can contribute to tooth sensitivity, tooth decay, root canal infections, and even tooth loss.

We should note that severe and prolonged vomiting is a potential warning sign of other serious GI tract issues. Again, discuss any uncomfortable issues you experience while on Ozempic with your doctor as soon as the problems arise.

Stomach Paralysis from Ozempic: What You Should Know

Also known as gastroparesis, stomach paralysis is a condition in which the nerves and muscles of the stomach fail to push food from the stomach into the small intestine as part of the digestion process. Food and any fluids consumed just stay in the stomach, or they may be thrown up by the Ozempic patient.

The Symptoms and Warning Signs of Stomach Paralysis

Common warning signs of stomach paralysis are as follows:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Indigestion
• Stomach pain, particularly in the upper abdomen
• Abdominal bloating
• Total lack of appetite
• Heartburn
• Constipation

The Dangers of Stomach Paralysis

Without proper diagnosis and professional treatment, untreated stomach paralysis can contribute to malnutrition, dehydration, the formation of a bezoar (a solid mass in the stomach), and many other severe medical issues.

Intestinal Blockage from Ozempic: What You Should Know

A blocked intestine refers to food failing to move through the small intestine or large intestine. When it happens in Ozempic patients, it typically has two causes:

• Ileus is when the muscles of the intestines refuse to push food through the digestive tract. This leaves partially digested food stuck in the intestine, unable to be digested further or excreted.
• If a bezoar eventually passes from the stomach into the small intestine, it can cause or contribute to an intestinal blockage as it moves through the digestive tract.

The Symptoms and Warning Signs of a Blocked Intestine

Common warning signs of intestinal blockage are as follows:

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

The Dangers of Intestinal Blockage

Without proper diagnosis and medical treatment, an untreated intestinal blockage could cause death of the surrounding intestinal tissue and infection of the patient’s abdominal cavity (peritonitis). Both of these health conditions could be fatal, so be mindful of the intestinal blockage warning signs we’ve listed.

Bowel Obstruction from Ozempic: What You Should Know

An obstructed bowel is an intestinal blockage that affects the lower intestine and colon. As with an intestinal blockage, bowel obstruction can be caused by ileus or a bezoar that has moved through an Ozempic patient’s digestive system.

The Symptoms and Warning Signs of an Obstructed Bowel

Common warning signs of bowel obstruction are as follows:

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

The Dangers of Bowel Obstruction

Without proper diagnosis and medical treatment, an untreated bowel obstruction could cause tissue death, peritonitis, or sepsis. All of these conditions can similarly prove fatal, which is why you need to seek medical care as soon as bowel obstruction warning signs arise.

What to Do If You Experience GI Problems from Using Ozempic

If you experience any of the gastrointestinal problems we’ve listed above, be sure to seek medical attention right away. The sooner a medical complication is caught and treated, the better. You should also speak with your doctor after getting emergency care to determine the best course forward with regard to your long-term health.

When you are recovered and well enough to do so, it’s also prudent to speak with the attorneys here at Bursor & Fisher, P.A. about what you experienced. We may be able to help you seek legal damages.

Can I File a Lawsuit for Long-Term Ozempic-Related Medical Problems?

If you suffered serious long-term health issues after taking Ozempic, you are not alone. You may be eligible to take legal action against Novo Nordisk for the complications you developed as a result of taking Ozempic or their other GLP-1 medications.

The lawyers of Bursor & Fisher, P.A. can provide answers to your questions about litigation related to Ozempic as well as similar and popular medications such as Mounjaro and Zepbond.

How Bursor & Fisher, P.A. Can Help Ozempic Patients

To be represented by our law firm, injured Ozempic patients must meet specific criteria regarding their health complications and medical history.

The attorneys of Bursor & Fisher, P.A. will carefully screen for certain conditions and review your case when you contact us for a free evaluation.

Damages in an Ozempic Complication Lawsuit

Damages in an Ozempic injury case can cover the cost of hospitalization and emergency medical care, ongoing medical expenses related to Ozempic use, and any long-term impact on an Ozempic patient’s quality of life.

Keep in mind that the amount of damages awarded in an Ozempic lawsuit is determined on an individual client basis. To find out how much your legal claim could be worth, it’s best to discuss what happened with the GLP-1 lawsuit attorneys at Bursor & Fisher, P.A.

How Ozempic Patients Can Learn More About Their Legal Options

To learn more about taking legal action against the makers of Ozempic, contact Bursor & Fisher, P.A. Your claim evaluation is free.

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.

The lawyers of Bursor & Fisher, P.A. 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 and willing to fight for 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.