The term Gastroparesis means "stomach paralysis." It is the most critical injury linked to GLP-1 receptor agonists and the central focus of current lawsuits against manufacturers like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.
While these drugs are designed to delay digestion to make you feel full, in some patients, this effect becomes too severe, leading to a debilitating medical condition. Understanding what gastroparesis is, how it's diagnosed, and how it impacts life is the first step toward seeking legal help.
What is Gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis is a chronic medical condition where the motility (movement) of the stomach muscles is impaired.
Normally, powerful muscular contractions propel food from the stomach into the small intestine for digestion. In a patient with drug-induced gastroparesis, these muscles are either slowed down significantly or become paralyzed entirely.
The Result
Food lingers in the stomach far longer than it should, often for days. This delayed emptying leads to a buildup of undigested food and severe, chronic symptoms.
Symptoms of Gastroparesis
The symptoms are often severe, chronic, and significantly impact a patient’s ability to eat, work, and maintain a normal quality of life. Unlike typical indigestion, these symptoms may persist for weeks or months, even after the patient stops taking the GLP-1 medication.
- Chronic, Severe Vomiting: This is the most common and distressing symptom. Vomiting often occurs hours after eating, sometimes involving undigested food from a previous meal.
- Persistent Nausea: Constant, debilitating nausea that makes it difficult to maintain normal activity.
- Feeling Full Immediately: Feeling full after eating only a few bites, often called early satiety.
- Abdominal Pain and Bloating: Severe pain and swelling in the abdomen due to the stagnant food mass.
- Weight Loss and Malnutrition: Inability to consume enough nutrients due to vomiting and nausea.
- Bezoars: In rare, severe cases, undigested food can harden into a solid mass called a bezoar, which can cause a serious intestinal blockage (ileus) requiring emergency surgery.
How is Drug-Induced Gastroparesis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is not a simple clinical observation; it requires specific medical testing to confirm delayed emptying.
The gold standard diagnostic test is the Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy (GES).
- The Procedure: The patient eats a standardized meal (usually eggs or oatmeal) mixed with a small amount of radioactive material (a tracer).
- The Measurement: A special camera scans the abdomen over a period of up to four hours, taking images to track how quickly the stomach empties the radioactive food.
- The Result: A diagnosis of gastroparesis is made if a significant amount of food (typically more than 10% of the meal) remains in the stomach after four hours.
The Lawsuit Connection: Failure to Warn
While the manufacturers initially noted that GLP-1 drugs could cause mild gastrointestinal side effects, the lawsuits argue that they failed to adequately warn about the risk of severe, permanent gastroparesis requiring long-term care or hospitalization.
If you developed chronic symptoms of stomach paralysis while taking Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or a similar GLP-1 drug, your case falls squarely within the scope of the current multidistrict litigation (MDL).
Take Action
Visit www.GLP1lawsuits.com for:
- Free case evaluation
- Timeline-specific analysis of your situation
- Connection with experienced pharmaceutical litigation attorneys
- Information about ongoing MDL proceedings
Time is critical—statutes of limitations apply. Contact us today to protect your rights.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information and legal analysis but does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique. Consult with a qualified attorney to evaluate your specific situation.
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