Amgen's shares dropped after disappointing trial results for its weight-loss drug MariTide, which showed high discontinuation rates due to gastrointestinal side effects, especially at higher doses, despite promising efficacy in weight loss; the company plans to adjust its Phase 3 trial strategy to mitigate these issues.
The Upstate NY Poison Center has reported an increase in calls related to weight-loss drugs based on semaglutide, a medication used to treat diabetes. These drugs, such as Wegovy, can cause gastrointestinal side effects, including stomach paralysis. The surge in demand for these drugs has led to shortages, prompting some pharmacies to create their own compound versions, potentially increasing the number of calls. Limited data is available on severe reactions to these medications, as they are relatively new. Medical professionals advise consulting a primary care physician and registered dietitian for weight loss guidance.
GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, commonly used for weight loss, have been associated with gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. New research indicates that patients using these drugs may be at an increased risk for more serious GI issues, including intestinal blockage and pancreatitis. While these complications are rare, doctors emphasize the importance of patients reporting any side effects and continuing to follow up with healthcare professionals. The study found that patients prescribed GLP-1 drugs had significantly higher risks of pancreatitis, intestinal obstruction, and gastroparesis compared to those taking a non-GLP-1 drug for weight loss. The FDA has updated the labeling for Ozempic to include a warning about intestinal blockage, and reports of gastroparesis have also emerged. Experts stress the need for further research and close monitoring of patients using GLP-1 drugs.
A lawsuit has been filed against the manufacturers of weight loss drugs Ozempic and Mounjaro, claiming that they failed to adequately warn consumers about the alleged risk of severe gastrointestinal side effects. The lawsuit involves a woman with a history of diabetes who experienced severe vomiting, stomach pain, and gastrointestinal burning after taking the medications. While both drugs are approved by the FDA to treat Type 2 diabetes, some doctors prescribe them off-label for weight loss. The manufacturers, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, maintain that gastrointestinal events are known side effects and that the drugs have been extensively studied.