FDA Adds Intestinal Blockage as Potential Side Effect to Ozempic, Wegovy

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently made a significant update to the label of Ozempic, a medication commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes and increasingly used for weight loss. This update highlights a potential side effect that patients and healthcare providers should be aware of – intestinal blockage.  Another weight loss drug known as Wegovy, produced by the same manufacturer, also carries a warning about the possibility of ileus.

In a series of revisions to the Ozempic label, the FDA has introduced a new warning regarding an increased number of reported cases of ileus, a condition where intestinal contents become blocked. The National Institute of Health shared this important information, shedding light on the potential risks associated with this medication.

This update arrives in the wake of a legal case less than two months ago, where a Louisiana woman initiated a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of the popular weight loss drug Mounjaro. The lawsuit alleges that these drug makers neglected to adequately inform patients about the risks of severe gastrointestinal issues associated with their medications. These gastrointestinal problems include gastroparesis, a condition characterized by stomach paralysis, and gastroenteritis, which involves stomach inflammation.

Both Ozempic and Mounjaro were originally developed to help manage blood sugar levels in adults dealing with type 2 diabetes. However, they have gained widespread attention for their off-label use as weight loss aids, leading to increased scrutiny and legal challenges.

Weight Loss Surgery: A Better Option for Sustained Weight Loss

While our practice does provide semaglutide as an option for eligible patients seeking weight loss, we strongly recommend considering bariatric surgery for those looking for a proven and sustained solution. Bariatric surgery has demonstrated its effectiveness in achieving significant and long-term weight loss, especially for individuals with severe obesity or obesity-related health issues. It offers comprehensive support, addresses underlying health concerns, and often leads to enduring improvements in overall well-being. Our goal is to provide the most suitable and successful weight management options for our patients, and bariatric surgery stands out as a highly effective choice in many cases.

Weight loss surgery and semaglutide are two distinct approaches to weight management, each with its own considerations. Here’s a summary of why weight loss surgery might be considered a better option compared to semaglutide in certain cases:

• Effectiveness: Weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, often leads to more substantial and rapid weight loss compared to medications like semaglutide. Surgical procedures can result in significant weight loss, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with severe obesity or obesity-related health conditions.
• Long-term Results: Weight loss surgery typically offers more enduring weight loss outcomes. While semaglutide can help with weight loss while taken, discontinuing the medication may lead to weight regain. In contrast, surgery can provide lasting results if patients adhere to post-surgery dietary and lifestyle recommendations.
  • Reduced Hunger Hormones: Bariatric surgery often decreases the production of hunger-stimulating hormones like ghrelin. This leads to a notable reduction in appetite, making it easier for individuals to adhere to a lower-calorie diet.
  • Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Many patients with obesity also have insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Bariatric surgery often leads to enhanced insulin sensitivity, which can result in improved blood sugar control and even the remission of diabetes in some cases.
  • Metabolic Shift: Bariatric surgery can cause a shift in the body’s metabolism, promoting the utilization of stored fat for energy. This contributes to significant and sustained weight loss.
• Reduction in Health Care Costs: Obesity is associated with numerous health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and joint issues, among others. Weight loss surgery can often lead to significant improvements or remission of these conditions, reducing the need for ongoing medical treatments, hospitalizations, and medications. Additionally, the list price of Wegovy is $1,349.02 per package, which breaks down to $269.80 per week or $16,188.24 per year.  This, in turn, can result in substantial long-term healthcare cost savings when compared to bariatric surgery.
• Obesity-Related Health Improvements: Surgery not only aids in weight loss but can also lead to significant improvements in obesity-related health issues like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. These health benefits are often more profound and consistent with surgical intervention.
• Psychological and Behavioral Support: Weight loss surgery often includes comprehensive support from healthcare professionals, including nutritionists and psychologists, to help patients adapt to lifestyle changes successfully. This support may be more structured and integrated than what’s typically offered with semaglutide treatment.
• Risk Profile: While weight loss surgery carries risk — the risk of living with morbid obesity and its complications far outweigh the small risk of a minimally invasive weight loss procedure.  Since semaglutide is relatively new compared to bariatric surgery — we do not know long term side effects and continue to observe more serious, severe, and in cases permanent problems.

The choice between weight loss surgery and semaglutide depends on various factors, including the individual’s weight, health status, preferences, and medical recommendations. While weight loss surgery may offer more significant and lasting weight loss and health benefits for some individuals, it’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the most suitable and safe option for each person’s unique circumstances. Contact us to learn more and discuss your options.

Sources:

• https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ozempic-wegovy-possible-side-effect-blocked-intestines-fda-label/
• https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4226499-ozempic-label-now-notes-potential-side-effect-of-intestinal-blockage/
• https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2023-09-27/fda-adds-warning-to-ozempic-label-about-risk-for-blocked-intestines
• https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/21/well/eat/ozempic-side-effects-malnutrition.html
• https://fox59.com/news/national-world/ozempic-mounjaro-manufacturers-sued-over-risk-of-stomach-paralysis/amp/
• https://www.webmd.com/obesity/news/20230803/lawsuit-alleges-untold-stomach-risks-from-ozempic-mounjaro