Wegovy Stomach Paralysis & Gastroparesis

Understanding Wegovy

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your doctor about any health concerns.

Wegovy is a drug often given to patients for weight loss. It is similar to the diabetes drug Ozempic. Let’s take a closer look 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 helps regulate blood sugar and weight loss.

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 its approval in 2021, it has garnered global attention.

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 typically results in weight reduction and other health benefits. Although individual responses may vary. These benefits can include improvements in high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes.

Clinical trial data published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2021 showed patients lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks while using 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 based on individual patient response and tolerance, which may vary.

What is Stomach Paralysis?

Paralysis of the stomach refers to the inability of the stomach muscles 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 stomach takes longer than usual to empty its contents due to impaired muscular contractions, without a physical blockage.

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 trace 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 mimics GLP-1, a hormone that slows gastric emptying to help control blood sugar levels. In some cases, this delay has been linked to symptoms consistent with gastroparesis. This allows people to 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 likelihood of developing gastroparesis after using 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 can 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 the condition persists.

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 difficult to eat and obtain the necessary nutrients. This persistent feeling of needing to vomit can be debilitating and affect your daily activities.

4. Bloating

Bloating occurs when food accumulates in your stomach, causing it to 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, which can lead to inadequate calorie intake. 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.

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 occur and their severity, to help your doctor diagnose the problem. This can include a symptom diary, where you note the times, triggers, and severity of symptoms.

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 the 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 may help.
• Prokinetic Agents: These medications help accelerate stomach emptying and enhance 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.

Find Out if You May Qualify for Legal Representation

If you’ve experienced severe symptoms after taking Wegovy, speak with an attorney to learn about your rights and potential legal action. If eligible, you may be able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, or other damages. Each case is different, and outcomes vary.

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 Lawsuits here.

Criteria for Filing a Lawsuit

• Experience Adverse Reactions: You have experienced severe side effects after taking Wegovy.
• Clear Relationship: Your symptoms should be consistent with those alleged in the current litigation regarding this medication.
• Medical Documentation: You need medical records to document your condition and treatment.

Evidence Collection

In consultation 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.

Get Your Free Legal Case Review Today

Note: Fill out the form or call to see if legal options may be available. Inquiries will be shared with a partner law firm under a marketing arrangement to assist with next steps.

If you or someone you know has gastroparesis while taking Wegovy, you can request a free case evaluation.