Pennsylvania Mother Sues Drug Maker After Near-Fatal Experience with Ozempic and Wegovy
A Pennsylvania mother, Juanita Gantt, has filed a lawsuit against pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, claiming that the weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy nearly cost her life due to a lack of adequate warnings about severe side effects.
Gantt was prescribed Wegovy initially, transitioning to Ozempic to manage her weight as she was at risk for diabetes. Although she felt fine for some time, her health took a dramatic turn in October 2023 when her husband found her unconscious in their home. Subsequent medical evaluations revealed that parts of her large intestine had died, necessitating its removal, and she complications that led to cardiac arrest during recovery.
In an emotional interview with CBS News, Gantt expressed her distress over the ordeal and emphasized her lack of warning regarding potential side effects. Following the surgery, she now relies on an ileostomy bag, significantly impacting her daily life.
Gantt’s lawsuit targets the warning labels associated with Ozempic and Wegovy, arguing they fail to inform users and healthcare providers of the serious risks, including gastroparesis and bowel obstruction. Novo Nordisk, meanwhile, categorically denies the allegations, describing them as "without merit," and has committed to vigorously defending against the claims.
Both Ozempic and Wegovy were originally developed for diabetic treatment but have surged in popularity for weight loss. Statistics indicate that approximately 15 million Americans, predominantly those over 40, have used GLP-1 drugs for this purpose. As of March 2024, Wegovy gained FDA approval for weight management in cardiovascular patients, further complicating the narrative around the use of these medications.
This case highlights rising concerns regarding the safety and marketing of weight-loss drugs in an increasingly health-conscious society.
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