Rybelsus has been around for a few years, but recent trends on TikTok of similar drugs have created more awareness for Rybelsus, mainly for its benefits for weight loss.
However, according to medical literature and case studies, semaglutide drugs like Rybelsus could cause a debilitating condition called gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Rybelsus in 2019 to treat type 2 diabetes in conjunction with diet and exercise. In September 2019, the FDA approved Rybelsus oral tablets to improve blood sugar control in adult patients with type 2 diabetes.
What is Rybelsus?
Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Rybelsus is intended to treat type 2 diabetes. Rybelsus is a once-daily prescription medication administered orally via tablets, with semaglutide as the active ingredient.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common diabetes type and is a progressive condition in which the body does not make or use insulin normally. Low levels of insulin lead to high levels of glucose, or sugar, in the bloodstream.
Diabetes is extremely common in America. Over 30 million Americans are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Weight Loss Drugs on the Market
Due to the rise of TikTok influencer and celebrity endorsements, Rybelsus sales have more than doubled, making it the second largest prescription drug sold by Novo Nordisk. Ozempic is the company’s biggest moneymaker.
Similar trending weight loss drugs are Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Saxenda.
Like Rybelsus, Ozempic contains semaglutide, but it is administered via injection. Rybelsus is not approved as a weight loss drug.
Rybelsus & Stomach Paralysis
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. 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 a variety of tests to diagnose stomach paralysis in a patient suffering from the above-listed symptoms. Such tests include:
- Gastric emptying tests (tests how fast the stomach empties)
- Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (examination of 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
Researchers are still investigating new methods and medications to treat stomach paralysis.
Rybelsus & Ileus
While Rybelsus is meant to help people manage their weight by making them feel fuller and reduce food cravings, Rybelsus has been alleged to cause Ileus and small bowel obstructions.
Ileus is a condition where your intestine can’t push food and waste out of your body. It is much like a traffic jam where there is congestion, but not a physical blockage.
Symptoms of Ileus and small bowel obstructions include:
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Stomach cramps
- Watery stools
- Dehydration
- Abdominal pain
While the manufacturers of Rybelsus warned patients of numerous side effects associated with the drug, there were no warnings for ileus prior to 2023.
Ileus Diagnosis & Treatment
Doctors conduct several tests to diagnose ileus such as:
- Blood tests to measure electrolyte and mineral levels
- Imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans
- Barium enema to check for abnormalities
- Barium “milkshake” to follow the path of the drink as it goes through your small/upper intestine
Treatment for ileus and small bowel obstruction often starts with giving your intestines time to rest by avoiding food and drink for 1–3 days. Doctors may adjust medications that could be contributing to the issue, like strong painkillers. Other treatments can include IV fluids to prevent dehydration, medications to help restart intestinal movement (prokinetics), or using a tube through the nose or rectum to relieve pressure from gas and fluid buildup. In some cases, electrical stimulation or simply sitting upright can help. If these steps don’t work, surgery might be needed, including procedures like inserting a stent, removing the affected section, or creating an ostomy.
Rybelsus & NAION (Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy)
Non-arteritic anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) refers to the loss of blood flow to the optic nerve. This is the “cable” that connects the eye to the brain. This condition often causes sudden vision loss in one eye. It is common for a patient to notice this upon waking in the morning. NAION is linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. It’s diagnosed through an eye exam and tests to rule out other causes. There’s no proven treatment—steroids have shown unclear results—and glasses don’t help. It rarely returns in the same eye but may affect the other in about 30% of cases. Managing health conditions and avoiding nighttime blood pressure meds may lower risk.
Rybelsus Lawsuit
Users of weight loss or diabetes drugs like Rybelsus have reported serious gastrointestinal complications, including stomach paralysis.
A recent lawsuit filed in August 2023 alleged that the manufacturers of Mounjaro and Ozempic caused a patient’s stomach paralysis and hospitalization.
Mounjaro gastroparesis lawsuits may compensate for:
- Medical treatment costs
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering related to injuries, treatment, and recovery
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of earning capacity
As of September 2023, lawsuits against Rybelsus and similar weight loss and diabetes oral or injection drugs are still in the early stages. Manufacturers of these drugs have listed side effects; however, gastroparesis is not listed. This could indicate a failure to warn consumers of serious gastrointestinal side effects.
Other Stomach Paralysis Lawsuits
- Ozempic Lawsuit
- Wegovy Lawsuit
- Mounjaro Lawsuit
- Trulicity Lawsuit
- Zepbound Lawsuit
Questions About a Rybelsus Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit? Contact a Johnson//Becker Lawyer for a Free Case Review.
If you or a loved one took Rybelsus and has since suffered from stomach paralysis, ileus, or NAION, you may want to speak with the lawyers at Johnson//Becker. We are currently accepting new Rybelsus lawsuits across the country, and you may be entitled to financial compensation.
We offer a Free Case Evaluation. Please contact us using the form below or by calling us at (800) 279-6386.
We would be honored to speak with you and respond promptly to every inquiry we receive.
Free Case Evaluation
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