Juanita Gantt, who struggled with her weight and weighed 242 pounds at age 62, was prescribed Wegovy and Ozempic, both GLP-1 drugs from Novo Nordisk. Despite her initial positive experience with the medications, including reduced appetite and no cravings, her health took a drastic turn.
In October 2023, Gantt was found unconscious at home, and doctors discovered that parts of her large intestine had died, requiring emergency surgery. Complications during her recovery led to cardiac arrest, putting her life at risk. She now lives with an ileostomy bag due to the removal of her colon, a situation she says she was never warned about.
Gantt is suing Novo Nordisk, alleging that their drug labels fail to adequately warn about serious side effects such as gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) and bowel obstruction. Her attorney, Parvin Aminolroaya, argues that the company has invested heavily in marketing but has not sufficiently informed patients about these risks.
In response, Novo Nordisk stated that the risks and benefits of their medications are detailed in their FDA-approved labels. They deny the claims, asserting that their drugs have been thoroughly studied and that gastrointestinal symptoms are listed as known side effects.
Despite the controversy, many Americans use these GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic and Wegovy, for weight management and diabetes control. While some patients report serious side effects, many healthcare professionals view these drugs as valuable tools. Dr. Céline Gounder noted that while the medications can significantly benefit patients, it’s crucial for users to be aware of the potential risks.
Recent research has indicated a higher risk of bowel obstruction and stomach paralysis associated with certain GLP-1 drugs, though such complications are considered rare. Dr. Mohit Sodhi emphasized that while individual risk may be low, it is essential for patients to understand the potential for serious adverse effects.
Gantt hopes her experience will raise awareness about the possible dangers of these medications. “It just should not have happened to me. If it happened to me, it could happen to anyone,” she said.
