Novo Nordisk, the maker of the widely used diabetes medications Ozempic and Wegovy, is facing a lawsuit filed by Juanita Gantt. She claims that the drug’s labeling failed to sufficiently warn about potential side effects. Gantt, speaking on CBS Mornings, alleged that one of these side effects impacted her colon, leading to its removal.
According to Gantt, she was initially prescribed Wegovy and later switched to Ozempic due to her doctor’s concerns about her risk for diabetes. At the time, Gantt, aged 62, weighed 242 pounds. She initially felt positive about the treatment, enjoying the lack of hunger cravings and feeling as though she was taking care of her health.
However, in October 2023, Gantt’s husband found her unconscious. She later revealed that portions of her large intestine had died, requiring surgical removal. While recovering, she suffered cardiac arrest and now relies on an ileostomy bag, a result of a surgical procedure that alters how the body expels waste.
Gantt said she had no prior warning of this potential complication. The key components in Ozempic and Wegovy, semaglutide and liraglutide, can slow digestion when used over time, which made headlines in 2022 when some patients reported developing gastroparesis, a condition that severely impairs digestion.
Novo Nordisk responded to the lawsuit, expressing sympathy for Gantt’s health issues but maintaining that the claims are “without merit.” The company emphasized its commitment to patient safety, noting that GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic and Wegovy, have been used for years in treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. They also highlighted the extensive research and real-world evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of these drugs when used as prescribed.
The FDA-approved labeling for semaglutide and liraglutide includes known risks and benefits, and Novo Nordisk ensures that safety information is clearly presented in all advertisements and prescribing materials. They encourage patients to consult their healthcare providers for guidance.