What is Trulicity?
Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a prescription medication manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company. It is part of the GLP-1 receptor agonist drug class (these drugs help your body make more insulin, reduce how much sugar your liver releases, and slow digestion so you feel full longer after eating). The drug is administered via a once-weekly injection and is primarily prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes. Trulicity was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2014. According to the American Diabetes Association, an estimated 38.4 million U.S. citizens had diabetes in 2021- most of whom had type 2 diabetes – accounting for approximately 11.6% of the population.
Trulicity and Gastroparesis (Stomach Paralysis)
GLP medications, like Trulicity, are known to cause delays in gastric emptying. Gastroparesis is a serious stomach condition in which food moves too slowly from the stomach to the small intestine. In severe cases, food may stop altogether in the intestine, and food that stays undigested in the body may harden in the stomach.
Symptoms of gastroparesis include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Severe dehydration
- Acid reflux
- Malnutrition
- Weight loss
Stomach paralysis can lead to medical complications such as:
- Dehydration from excessive vomiting
- Malnutrition
- Difficulty controlling blood sugar level
- Low-calorie intake
- Bezoars (solid mass of food in the stomach preventing digestion)
- Blockage from bezoars
- Ulcers from bezoars
- Internal bleeding from bezoars
- Diminished quality of life
Gastroparesis Diagnosis & Treatment
Doctors can conduct various tests to diagnose stomach paralysis in patients suffering from the above-listed symptoms. Such tests include:
- Gastric emptying tests (tests how fast the stomach empties)
- Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (examination of the stomach via a tiny camera on a tube)
- Ultrasound
After a gastroparesis diagnosis, doctors work with their patients on the best course of action to treat the condition. A few methods to alleviate symptoms are:
- Diet
- Medication to stimulate stomach muscles
- Medication to control vomiting and nausea
- Surgical procedure to place a feeding tube
- Electrical stimulation in the stomach to move food
Trulicity and Other Gastrointestinal Complications/Obstructions
Ileus, paralytic ileus, small bowel obstruction, and intestinal obstruction are dangerous conditions because they disrupt the normal movement of food, fluids, and gas through the digestive system, potentially leading to severe complications. An ileus or paralytic ileus occurs when the intestinal muscles stop contracting, resulting in a functional blockage that can cause abdominal distension, pain, nausea, and vomiting. Similarly, small bowel obstruction and intestinal obstruction may result from delayed gastric processing. Ileus and bowel obstructions can cut off blood supply to the affected area, leading to tissue death (ischemia) and/or perforation of the bowel. These complications can result in life-threatening infections like peritonitis or sepsis if left untreated. The inability to properly digest and eliminate waste causes electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and malnutrition. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical to restoring intestinal function and preventing these severe outcomes.
Trulicity Lawsuit
Litigation for Trulicity stomach paralysis lawsuits is currently in the early stages. Many cases are being consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) to streamline pretrial proceedings, such as discovery and settlement negotiations. These lawsuits claim that Trulicity and similar GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., Ozempic, Mounjaro) caused severe side effects like gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), with patients alleging that manufacturers failed to adequately warn about the risks. As the lawsuits progress, further developments will determine liability and compensation for affected individuals.
Other Stomach Paralysis Lawsuits
Questions About a Trulicity Lawsuit? Contact a Johnson//Becker Lawyer for a Free Case Review
If you took Trulicity and are experiencing a diminished quality of life, you may want to speak with the lawyers at Johnson//Becker. We are currently accepting new cases nationwide involving Trulicity, and you may be entitled to financial compensation.
We offer a Free Case Evaluation. Please use the form below to contact us or call (800) 279-6386. We would be honored to speak with you and respond promptly to every inquiry.
Free Case Evaluation
To contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: (800) 279-6386.