SAXENDA LAWSUIT: DEMYSTIFYING THE 4 PIVOTAL SIDE EFFECTS

INTRODUCTION TO THE SAXENDA LAWSUIT

The Saxenda lawsuit has garnered significant attention in recent years, primarily due to the growing number of individuals who have experienced adverse Saxenda side effects after using the weight loss medication. Saxena, whose active ingredient is liraglutide, is a prescription drug initially approved to help adults with obesity or overweight conditions lose weight and maintain weight loss when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. While the drug has been effective for many, it has also led to numerous Saxenda lawsuits being filed by individuals who allege that the medication caused severe side effects that were not adequately disclosed by the manufacturer.

In this extensive guide, we will demystify the four of pivotal and severe side effects of Saxenda at issue in the Saxenda lawsuit.

WHAT IS SAXENDA?

​​Saxenda (liraglutide) is a brand-name drug prescribed for weight loss and long-term weight management, along with a healthy diet and exercise. Saxenda, like Wegovy and Ozempic, belongs to a drug class called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Saxenda works by mimicking gut peptides, which help regulate blood sugar. Research has found that, in conjunction with appropriate lifestyle habits, these medications can help people lose significant weight or maintain weight loss. However, like other drugs in its class like Wegovy and Ozempic, Saxenda can have very serious side effects.

THE FOUR PIVOTA 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 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 further revealed that, compared to patients on Contrave, patients taking the two GLP-1 agonists, including Saxenda, had a 9.09 times greater risk of pancreatitis, a 4.22 times greater risk of bowel obstruction, and a 3.67 times greater risk of gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis.

Furthermore, doctors have stated that additional similar cases are coming to light as the popularity of these drugs has soared. The FDA said it has received reports through its adverse events tracking system of people on the drugs experiencing stomach paralysis that sometimes has not resolved by the time it is reported.

It is the increase in reported events like this that continues to rise in number, causing 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.

If you developed gastroparesis after taking Saxenda, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your symptoms, conduct necessary tests, and provide appropriate treatment options. It may be necessary to adjust your medication regimen or explore alternative treatments for managing weight loss.

Saxenda and Persistent Vomiting

​Some of the most serious and debilitating side effects of Saxenda are 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.

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 OR BOWEL OBSTRUCTIONS

Intestinal blockages, also known as bowel obstructions, have been reported as a side effect of Saxenda 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 side effect 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.

SAXENDA AND ILEUS

Saxenda, a medication falling under the category of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists, has gained attention as a weight-loss and weight management medication. However, like many pharmaceutical products, it carries a spectrum of potential side effects that warrant careful consideration. One of the particularly concerning Saxenda side effects and also of other GLP-1 agonists is the potential to cause ileus, a condition characterized by a temporary cessation of normal bowel movements. Ileus manifests in symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, can lead to complications requiring hospitalization or surgical intervention.