Constipation is a common and often dismissed side effect of weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. Many patients assume it is a normal part of the process as their digestion slows down.
However, severe constipation can be a warning sign of a much more dangerous condition called Ileus (intestinal obstruction). This condition, where the bowel becomes blocked and cannot push waste through, is a medical emergency that can lead to infection, tissue death, and even bowel rupture if left untreated.
What is an Ileus?
An ileus is a functional blockage of the intestines.
While a mechanical blockage might be caused by a tumor or scar tissue, an ileus often occurs because the muscles of the intestines simply stop working (paralysis). This is directly related to how GLP-1 drugs work.
The Drug's Role
-
GLP-1 drugs (Semaglutide/Tirzepatide) work by slowing down the movement (motility) of the stomach and intestines to make you feel full.
-
The Danger Zone: In some patients, this slowing effect is too strong. The rhythmic muscle contractions (peristalsis) that move stool through the intestines stop completely. Waste piles up, creating a blockage.
The Symptoms: From Discomfort to Emergency
It is crucial to distinguish between "normal" constipation and an obstruction. If you are taking a GLP-1 medication, watch for these escalating symptoms:
1. Severe, Unrelieved Constipation
- Going days or weeks without a bowel movement.
- Inability to pass gas (a key warning sign of complete blockage).
2. Distended, Hard Abdomen
- Your stomach feels visibly swollen, tight, or hard to the touch.
- You may look significantly more bloated than usual, resembling pregnancy.
3. Cramping and Colicky Pain
- Sharp, wave-like cramps in the abdomen that come and go but progressively get worse.
- Pain that does not improve after shifting position.
4. Nausea and Vomiting
Because the blockage prevents anything from moving down, food and digestive fluids back up, leading to severe nausea and vomiting.
Warning: If vomit smells like feces, this indicates a severe obstruction and requires immediate emergency surgery.
When to Go to the ER
You should seek immediate emergency care if you experience:
- Severe abdominal pain that makes it difficult to stand up straight.
- Complete inability to pass stool or gas for more than 24 hours accompanied by pain.
- Fever combined with abdominal swelling (signs of infection or rupture).
The "FDA Label Update" Controversy
For a long time, the labels for drugs like Ozempic listed "constipation" as a side effect but did not explicitly warn about ileus (intestinal blockage).
It wasn't until late 2023, after thousands of adverse event reports and growing legal pressure, that the FDA updated the safety label for Ozempic to officially include warnings about ileus.
The Legal Argument
Plaintiffs in the current lawsuits argue that manufacturers knew about this risk much earlier but failed to warn doctors. They claim that if patients had been told to watch for the specific signs of ileus—rather than just "constipation"—they could have sought treatment before permanent damage occurred.
Summary
If you are taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist, you must monitor your bowel habits closely. While minor constipation can often be managed with hydration and fiber, a complete stop in bowel movements accompanied by pain and swelling is not normal. It may be a sign of a dangerous intestinal blockage that requires immediate medical intervention.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you took Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound and developed gastroparesis, ileus, or NAION during the period when warnings were inadequate, you may have a legal claim.
Visit www.GLP1lawsuits.com to:
- Free case evaluation
- Speak with experienced attorneys
- Learn more about your legal options
- Join others seeking justice
No upfront fees. No costs unless we win your case.
Don't let the statute of limitations run out—contact us today to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. For medical concerns, consult a qualified healthcare provider. For legal guidance, consult a licensed attorney. Each case is unique and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
© 2025 GLP1lawsuits.com | All Rights Reserved
