Stomach paralysis, or gastroparesis is a serious condition that might be linked to the drug Wegovy. This article will help you understand the condition and symptoms. We will also discuss what to do if you experience this condition.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Understanding Wegovy
Wegovy is a drug often given to patients for weight loss. It is similar to the diabetes drug Ozempic. Let’s look deeper at what Wegovy is and how it’s used.
What is Wegovy?
Overview of Wegovy
The main ingredient in Wegovy is Semaglutide which is in the GLP-1 receptor agonist class. The drugs mimic a normal hormone in your body. That hormone assists with blood sugar and weight loss control.
Wegovy is a product of the pharma company Novo Nordisk. It received approval for chronic weight management in adults by the FDA in 2021. To qualify, overweight or obese adults need to have at least one weight-related condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes). Since this approval in 2021, it has caught the attention of the world.
Uses of Wegovy
Adults who are either obese or overweight use Wegovy for chronic weight management. It keeps you feeling full for a long time, cutting food intake.
This usually results in the reduction of weight and other health benefits. Although individual responses may vary. These benefits can include improvements in high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes.
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found patients lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks on Wegovy. However, results may vary among individuals.
Administration and Dose
People take Wegovy via injection under their skin once a week. Treatment begins with a lower dose. The dose is then increased over time, which lets the body get used to the drug.
The standard dose begins at 0.25 mg once a week for the first four weeks. The dose then increases every four weeks until you reach the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once weekly. Note that dose adjustments are made off individual patient response and tolerance, which may vary.
There is an Ongoing Lawsuit Against Wegovy
What is Stomach Paralysis?
Paralysis of the stomach means that stomach muscles are unable to function correctly. Due to the muscle’s inability to function, the food inside is not digested properly. The name for this condition is gastroparesis.
Definition of Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is a condition where the muscles in your stomach become weakened or paralyzed. This stops the stomach from emptying its contents into the small intestine.
As a result, food remains in the stomach for an extended period. This can cause different symptoms and problems depending on the individual.
Diagnosis of Gastroparesis
There are many tests for diagnosing gastroparesis that doctors conduct:
- Gastric Emptying Study: This test evaluates the duration of food retention in the stomach. Doctors have patients consume a minimal amount of traced material, and scan their rate of digestion.
- Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Doctors pass a thin tube with a camera through your mouth into your stomach.
- SmartPill: This tiny pill when swallowed, collects data as it goes along the digestive tract. It measures the transit time from one end of the stomach to the other.
Wegovy and Stomach Paralysis
The possible link between Wegovy and stomach paralysis centers around the drug’s effect on your digestive system. Here is how it works:
How Wegovy May Cause Stomach Paralysis
Mechanism of Action
Wegovy works by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone that slows down the rate at which your stomach empties to help control blood sugar levels. This helps people feel full longer and eat less. In some cases, the slowing of gastric emptying is excessive. This is what might lead to possible stomach paralysis or gastroparesis.
Risk Factors
Several risk factors may increase the chances of developing gastroparesis from Wegovy. These potential factors include:
- Diabetes: The use of Wegovy may compound an existing risk for people with diabetes.
- Pre-existing GI Conditions: You might be more susceptible if you have past digestive issues.
- Long-term Use: Long-term use of Wegovy might increase the risk of developing severe side effects.
- Concurrent Medications: Using other drugs at the same time may increase risk.
6 Symptoms of Stomach Paralysis
It’s very important to spot the signs of stomach paralysis early. Here are some common symptoms:
Common Symptoms
Gastroparesis can show itself in various ways, most of which may be very detrimental to daily activities. Here are six key symptoms to look out for:
1. Chronic Vomiting
Chronic vomiting results from issues with stomach emptying. This can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances if it continues.
2. Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain results from food that stays in the stomach for too long, causing discomfort and bloating. It can be mild or very severe, and in some cases is continuous.
3. Nausea
Nausea is a common symptom that makes it hard to eat and get the nutrients you need. This persistent feeling of needing to vomit can be debilitating and affect your daily activities.
4. Bloating
Bloating happens when food builds up in your stomach, making it expand and feel uncomfortable. This can lead to a swollen abdomen and discomfort.
5. Early Satiety
Early satiety means feeling full after eating only a small amount of food, leading to not getting enough calories. This can contribute to weight loss and malnutrition.
6. Malnutrition
Malnutrition can occur because your body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs from the food you eat. Over time, this can lead to weight loss, weakness, and other health problems.
What to Do If You Experience Symptoms
If you begin to experience symptoms of stomach paralysis, it’s crucial to take immediate action.
Immediate Steps to Take
Understanding and dealing with symptoms as early as possible can make all the difference.
Seeking Medical Attention
See a doctor right away if you have severe symptoms like chronic vomiting or severe abdominal pain. Early care can help manage the condition and prevent problems.
Documenting Symptoms
Keep a record of your symptoms, including when they happen and how bad they are, to help your doctor diagnose the problem. This can include a symptom diary, noting times, triggers, and severity.
Long-Term Care
Managing stomach paralysis usually involves lifestyle changes and medical treatments.
Dietary Adjustments
- Eat Smaller Meals: Consume smaller and more frequent meals throughout the day, as this can reduce symptoms.
- Avoid High-Fat Foods: High-fat foods can slow gastric emptying even further.
- Avoid High-Fiber Foods: Fiber can be hard to digest and may exacerbate symptoms.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help maintain proper function of the digestive system.
Medical Treatments
- Medications: Some drugs can either stimulate the activity of the stomach muscles or control nausea and vomiting.
- Antibiotics: If there’s bacterial overgrowth in the stomach, antibiotics can help.
- Prokinetic Agents: These drugs help speed up stomach emptying and improve digestion.
Potential Surgeries
If the condition is severe, the doctor might recommend surgery to help treat symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. Some procedures include:
- Gastric Electrical Stimulation: An implanted device delivers electrical pulses to the stomach muscles.
- Feeding Tube: In cases of severe malnutrition, a feeding tube can be placed to ensure proper nutrition.
- Gastric Bypass Surgery: This procedure can help reduce symptoms by bypassing parts of the stomach.
Seek Legal Representation
If you think Wegovy caused your symptoms, speak with an attorney to learn about your rights and potential legal action. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
We offer free consultations to people who experience stomach paralysis while taking Wegovy. Contact us today.
There is an Ongoing Lawsuit Against Wegovy
Legal Options and Support
If you’ve suffered severe side effects due to Wegovy, you need to know your legal rights. You can learn more about the ongoing Wegovy Lawsuit here.
Criteria for Filing a Lawsuit
- Experience Adverse Reactions: You have experienced severe side effects after taking Wegovy.
- Clear Relationship: There must be a clear connection between your symptoms and the medication.
- Medical Documentation: You need medical records to document your condition and treatment.
Evidence Collection
In consult with a healthcare provider gather the following: medical records, pharmacy receipts, and your records of symptoms. These pieces of evidence will be critical for proving your claim.
Contact Us for a Case Review
We give free case evaluations to establish your options and the strengths of your case. Contact us now!
Why Choose Winder Law Firm
At Winder Law Firm, we dedicate ourselves to helping clients navigate legal issues. We pride ourselves on providing personalized attention and expertise.
How We Can Help You
We can assist you during the evidence collection process, in filing your lawsuit, and represent you from start to finish.
At Winder Law Firm, we want to give you the best shot at the payment you deserve. We will do everything we can to best represent your interests and ensure justice on your behalf.
Contact us today
If you or someone you know has gastroparesis while taking Wegovy, contact Winder Law Firm for a free consultation. We will discuss your case and explore your legal options. Our experienced team is here to help you every step of the way.
