The pharmaceutical industry has long been fraught with controversies, and the recent spotlight on the potential dangers associated with the weight-loss drug Saxenda is no exception. As more individuals come forward with reports of severe Saxenda side effects, the need for increased awareness and transparency surrounding the Saxenda lawsuit has become increasingly apparent.
In this comprehensive article, we will analyze each of the five most serious Saxenda side effects that are leading to Saxenda lawsuits. Our goal is to arm you with sufficient knowledge of the side effects so you can make and intelligent and informed decision if you suffer one of these Saxenda side effects.
FIVE VERY SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS OF SAXENDA
Saxenda and Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the normal movement of the muscles in the stomach, causing delayed emptying of the stomach’s contents. It can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain. While various factors can contribute to the development of gastroparesis, recent studies have suggested a potential link between the use of Saxenda and gastroparesis and there has been an increase in the number of reports of individuals who developed gastroparesis after taking Saxenda.
While previous studies found a link between diabetics who take Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and an increased risk of gastrointestinal side effects, another study examined the risks of people taking GLP-1 agonists strictly for weight loss such as Saxenda. The study included 613 patients taking Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus and 4,144 taking Saxenda and compared them to 654 patients on bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave), a popular weight loss medication that is not a GLP-1 drug. The study also found that 11 of the patients on semaglutide and 372 patients on liraglutide faced gastrointestinal problems, compared to only 22 patients on bupropion-naltrexone.
The study found that, compared to patients on Contrave, patients taking the two GLP-1 agonists, including Saxenda, had a 9.09 times greater risk of pancreatitis, 4.22 times greater risk of bowel obstruction, and a 3.67 times greater risk of gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis.
Dr. Shilpa Mehra Dang, a gastroenterologist at Medical Offices of Manhattan, stated: “It is very important for doctors and nurses to keep an eye on patients who are taking GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs for any signs of stomach problems, such as sickness, vomiting, bloating, and feeling full before they should. These are all symptoms of gastroparesis.”
It normally takes around six to eight hours for food to pass from the stomach to the small intestine. With gastroparesis, however. the digestion process is extended with the amount of extension differing from person to person. One study which was published in the Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology observed how liraglutide affected digestion. The participants in the study took either liraglutide or a placebo for five weeks and then ate a meal containing a radioactive tracer which allowed researchers to see how long the food stayed in their stomachs.
For the individuals taking liraglutide, it took 70 minutes for half their food to leave their stomachs. In contrast, it took only four minutes in the control group, an extreme diversity in the slow-down in digestion. Additionally, for some participants taking liraglutide, it took up to two hours and 30 minutes for half the meal to leave their stomachs.
It is the increase in reported events like this that continues to rise in number that causes concern about the link between Saxenda and gastroparesis. In fact, a steady increase has been reported in the number of individuals having to be rushed to the emergency room and then for extended hospital stays because they took Saxenda or similar drugs in the same class and developed gastroparesis.
Saxenda and Kidney Damage
Another one of the serious side effects of Saxenda is kidney damage or kidney failure. As noted herein, Saxenda belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by increasing insulin production and reducing glucose production in the liver. While Saxenda is generally well-tolerated, there have been reports of kidney-related side effects of Saxenda in some individuals. It has been reported that kidney damage appears to happen in people experiencing Saxenda side effects including severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea from Saxenda . The belief is that the side effects of Saxenda can result in dehydration, which can lead to kidney damage or worsen existing kidney problems.
Saxenda and Gallbladder Disease
One of the more concerning side effects of Saxenda is its potential connection to gallbladder disease. The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver, responsible for storing bile, a substance that aids in the digestion of fats. Studies have shown that Saxenda can increase the risk of gallbladder-related problems, such as gallstones and inflammation. Gallstones are solid deposits that form in the gallbladder, often causing pain and discomfort. In severe cases, gallstones can lead to more serious conditions, such as cholecystitis or pancreatitis.
Saxenda and Persistent Vomiting
One of the most serious and debilitating side effects of Saxenda is persistent vomiting along with gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the normal movement of the muscles in the stomach, causing delayed emptying of the stomach’s contents. This can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain.
Recent studies have suggested a potential link between the use of Saxenda and gastroparesis. A study examining the risks of people taking GLP-1 agonists for weight loss, including Saxenda, found that patients taking these medications had a 3.67 times greater risk of developing gastroparesis compared to those taking a different weight loss medication, Contrave.
Moreover, healthcare professionals have reported an increase in the number of patients presenting with severe gastrointestinal issues, such as persistent vomiting, after starting Saxenda or similar GLP-1 agonist medications. These reports have raised significant concerns about the potential for Saxenda to contribute to the development of gastroparesis and other debilitating Saxenda side effects.
Saxenda and Intestinal Blockages
Intestinal blockages have been reported by certain individuals who have taken Saxenda (liraglutide). These blockages can hinder the movement of food and waste through the intestines, leading to intense discomfort, swelling, and vomiting. It appears that this one of the Saxenda side effects is more prevalent in males and in those who have been using the medication for a shorter duration. In 2017, eight cases were documented, with the majority of them requiring surgical intervention. Nevertheless, the specific process by which Saxenda induces these blockages is still not fully understood.