FDA Includes New Gastrointestinal Side Effects Warning To Ozempic Label

Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable prescription medication used to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

U.S Food and Drug Administration has intimated the label of the diabetic drug known as Ozempic to acknowledge the report of blocked intestines in some people using the drug.

Ozempic was purposely approved by the FDA to manage diabetes, but recently, it has become increasingly popular for its off label use as a weight loss drug.

Some people who use Ozempic have reported some Gastrointestinal side effects like gastroparesis or stomach paralysis, these conditions are believed to be rare Gastrointestinal cases, experts suggest this condition might not be directly linked to the use of the drug itself.

But in another case, a sister drug known as Wegovy, this drug is approved for weight loss, and it has been reported to have some gastrointestinal effects like stomach paralysis as reported by people who use the drug.

Since the label of Wegovy and a diabetic drug known as Mounjaro acknowledged the report of a condition called ileus, or intestinal blockage in people who use them. Ozempic Labels have been updated to acknowledge the same since some people who use Ozempic and Wegovy have been reported to have developed gastroparesis or stomach paralysis.

Drug Maker, Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and the sister drug Wegovy in a statement that patients safety has been the company top priority, and that the company is closely working with the FDA to clinically monitor the safety profile of its medications’.

He said Novo Nordisk stands behind the safety of Ozempic and all our medicines when used according to the label instructions and the approved indications.

Meanwhile, a Louisiana woman is suing Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly over what she claims are “severe gastrointestinal events’ ‘ which she developed after she used Ozempic and Mounjaro, and which led to severe injury.

Many users of the drug before now are already familiar with the common adverse effects of Ozempic like diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain. But now a new side effect is added which is known as ileus (blocked intestines), a situation that prevents the easy passage of substances in the intestine.

Though the case of gastroparesis( delay stomach emptying) has not been directly linked to Ozempic, the claims have been reported as well.

Ozempic works by lowering appetite and slowing down how fast the stomach empties its contents.

Out of 8,500 reports of gastrointestinal issues associated with Ozempic collected by the FDA, 33 of these cases with two records of fatalities, directly pointed to ileus as side effects of medications containing semaglutide.

Anyone who notices the Symptoms of ileus and who has been under Ozempic medications for the treatment of type 2 diabetes should immediately seek medical attention.

For partial blockage, a low-fiber diet may be advised, this will help easy passage of the abdominal content to ease the complication of ileus. 

However in situations where there’s complete blockage, surgical intervention becomes necessary. Such situation will involve incision.

What Are The Symptoms Of Ileus

Symptoms may include:

• Abdominal swelling ( distention)

• Breath odor

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Inability to pass gas

• Abdominal fullness

• Vomiting

• Abdominal pain and cramping

These might be possible signs of ileus in people who are under Ozempic medications. Other serious Ozempic side effects are allergic reaction, changes in vision, pancreatitis.

Whether these conditions are directly or indirectly linked to Ozempic or not, drug use must be strictly followed according to the label prescription and Pharmaceutical prescribed standards to avoid allergic reaction of such drugs on the individuals.

Also Read: Women Using Cannabis To Ease Menopause Symptoms: A Promising Trend