A Pennsylvania mom has taken legal action against Novo Nordisk, the producer of well-known diabetes medications sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, alleging that the drug’s labeling fails to adequately caution about potential side effects.
Juanita Gantt stated on CBS Mornings that one of these side effects affected her colon, leading to its removal due to the medication.
In response to the allegations, Novo Nordisk has stated that the lawsuit is “without merit.”
Gantt mentioned that she was initially prescribed Wegovy and then Ozempic because her doctor believed she was at risk of developing diabetes.
The 62-year-old, weighing 242 lbs, shared with CBS that initially, she felt good.
She appreciated the days without worrying about her appetite, without cravings, feeling like she was making a positive change for herself.
In October 2023, Gantt’s husband discovered her unconscious on the ground.
She shared with CBS that sections of her large intestine had died and required removal.
During her recovery from surgery, she experienced cardiac arrest.
She now lives with an ileostomy bag, a result of a surgery altering waste excretion.
Gantt expressed to CBS, “I had no warning that this was even a possibility.”
The terrifying ordeal led Gantt to file suit against Novo Nordisk over warning labels on their drugs.
Gantt claims the labels don’t properly warn users and doctors about serious side effects like gastroparesis, stomach paralysis, or even bowel obstruction.
Semaglutide and liraglutide, the main components in Ozempic, Wegovy, and similar drugs, are GLP-1 receptor agonists that can slow food digestion if used for prolonged periods.
In July of last year, the drugs made headlines due to their potential effects on digestion.
Some individuals reported developing gastroparesis, a condition that slows digestion to a harmful extent, after taking the medications.
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