In a recent report published in Cureus, researchers from Miller Scientific—a boutique research organization—identified over 287,000 adverse events associated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs). These drugs, such as Ozempic, Rybelsus, Byetta, and Victoza, are prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes.
The events included death, life-threatening events, prolonged hospitalizations, and persistent or significant disability.
If you or a loved one have suffered serious injuries or death related to these medications, contact our Virginia Beach defective product injury attorneys today. Hundreds of plaintiffs have already filed lawsuits against the makers of these drugs, citing serious gastrointestinal injuries, including stomach paralysis. All federally filed cases are currently proceeding in a mass tort in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Study Shows Serious Personal Injury Risks with Ozempic and Similar Drugs
For the study, the researchers examined data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) concerning Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy, Victoza, Saxenda, and Byetta.
They identified 287,201 adverse events associated with these drugs from Q2 2005 to Q1 2024. Their analyses showed:
- Statistically significant elevated signals for mortality with the earliest approved drugs, including Byetta and Victoza.
- Significantly elevated signals for serious adverse events with all products.
- The newer drugs (Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy) were associated with a higher proportion of serious adverse events reported in younger patients and females.
Though any drug may create side effects, the ones associated with these drugs can be severe and damaging.
In 2020, for example, researchers published their findings concerning these drugs and gastroparesis or stomach paralysis. They wrote that this class of drugs can “exacerbate the symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis,” adding that “GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy is not recommended for people who experience symptoms of gastroparesis.”
R&B singer Macy Gray recently disclosed that complications related to Ozempic led to her hospitalization. In March 2024, “USA Today” reported on dozens of individuals who were suing the makers of Ozempic because they took the drug and suffered from severe side effects.
What Are GLP-1RA Drugs?
GLP-1RAs are drugs that mimic the action of GLP-1 in the body. GLP-1 is a natural hormone secreted in response to eating or drinking that plays many roles, including:
- Stimulates the release of insulin, which helps the body’s cells take up glucose after you eat. This helps maintain normal blood sugar levels.
- Delays the emptying of the stomach so that you feel satisfied for longer.
- Slows the release of glucose into the bloodstream—further helping to keep blood sugar levels steady.
- Suppresses glucagon, a hormone that makes you feel hungry.
Initially, doctors used these drugs to help treat type 2 diabetes, but once they discovered that the drugs could also help people lose weight, they began prescribing them off-label for that purpose as well. Today, Wegovy is a similar type of drug made specifically to help treat obesity.
When to Hire a Virginia Beach Defective Drugs Attorney
The makers of GLP-1RAs have failed to provide adequate warnings to the public when it comes to serious gastrointestinal and other side effects. If you have experienced stomach paralysis, an extended hospitalization, or any other serious injury related to Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, or similar medications, contact our Virginia Beach defective product injury attorneys right away.
We have been following the evidence in these cases for a long time and can help you decide if you may be eligible to file a claim. With the current MDL proceeding in Pennsylvania, this is the perfect time to think seriously about compensation. We may be able to help restore you to financial wholeness, as we did for this woman who suffered cancer because of a defective product and received a $1.75 million personal injury settlement.
In addition to Virginia Beach, we also serve the Norfolk, Hampton, and Chesapeake areas.