Woman sues fat-loss jab firm claiming she's left in pain and emotional distress

03 August 2023 , 21:23

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Both Ozempic and Mounjaro drugs have become increasingly popular as a weight loss aid (Image: AP)

A woman is suing a drug company over claims a weight-loss drug caused her severe gastrointestinal issues.

Jaclyn Bjorklund, 44, had been using injectable Ozempic and Mounjaro medication, prescribed by her doctor and originally developed to manage diabetes. Both drugs have become increasingly popular as a weight loss aid.

Attorneys for Bjorklund, from Louisiana, are taking action against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, makers of the drugs - claiming they failed to warn of the risk of severe gastrointestinal issues that could be caused by taking the medications. Bjorklund had been using Ozempic for more than a year until using Mounjaro inn July 2023.

The lawsuit alleged: "As a result of using Defendants’ Ozempic and Mounjaro, Plaintiff was caused to suffer from severe gastrointestinal events, and as a result sustained severe and permanent personal injuries, pain, suffering, and emotional distress, and incurred medical expenses."

The suit also claims Bjorklund suffered “severe vomiting, stomach pain, gastrointestinal burning, being hospitalized for stomach issues on several occasions including visits to the emergency room, teeth falling out due to excessive vomiting, requiring additional medications to alleviate her excessive vomiting, and throwing up whole food hours after eating."

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The suit adds Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly "knew of the association between the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and the risk of developing severe gastrointestinal issues, including gastroparesis and gastroenteritis" - saying “failure to disclose information that they possessed regarding the association between the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and the risk of developing severe gastrointestinal issues, including gastroparesis and gastroenteritis, rendered the warnings for this medication inadequate."

CNN have previously reported on warnings from patients and doctors of gastroparesis and other side effects after taking Wegovy and Ozempic for weight loss or diabetes - with doctors saying more cases are coming to light as the drug gains popularity, reports Fox5.

The Mirror contacted both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly for a comment.

Novo Nordisk said in a statement: "Gastrointestinal (GI) events are well-known side effects of the GLP-1 class. For semaglutide, the majority of GI side effects are mild to moderate in severity and of short duration. GLP-1’s are known to cause a delay in gastric emptying, as noted in the label of each of our GLP-1 RA medications. Symptoms of delayed gastric emptying, nausea and vomiting are listed as side effects.

Patient safety is of utmost importance to Novo Nordisk. We recommend patients take these medications for their approved indications and under the supervision of a healthcare professional. We are continuously monitoring the safety profile of our products and collaborate closely with authorities to ensure patient safety, including adequate information on gastrointestinal side effects in the label."

Abigail O'Leary