GLP-1 Side Effect Lawyer

GLP-1 Drugs: Side Effects and Associated Lawsuits

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a class of medications commonly prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. They work by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. In recent years, GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity for their potential weight loss benefits, leading to increased usage among individuals with obesity. While generally considered safe , GLP-1 drugs can cause side effects, some of which can be serious. This article aims to provide a detailed analysis of the side effects associated with various GLP-1 drugs, identify those with the most serious side effects, and discuss any ongoing lawsuits related to injuries sustained from their use.  

The information presented in this article is based on a comprehensive research process that involved the following steps:

1. Identifying a list of GLP-1 drugs available on the market.
2. Gathering data on the known side effects of each GLP-1 drug, including both common and serious side effects.
3. Investigating the frequency of serious side effects associated with each drug.
4. Reviewing any ongoing lawsuits related to injuries sustained from the use of GLP-1 drugs.
5. Analyzing and comparing the information gathered to identify the GLP-1 drugs with the most serious side effects and the most lawsuits.
6. Searching for recent news and updates on the safety of GLP-1 drugs.

Overview of GLP-1 Drugs

GLP-1 drugs are available in various forms, including injectable solutions and oral tablets. Semaglutide is unique in that it is available in both injectable and oral forms . Some of the most common GLP-1 drugs on the market include:  

• Dulaglutide (Trulicity®)
• Exenatide (Byetta®)  
• Exenatide extended-release (Bydureon®)
• Liraglutide (Victoza®)
• Lixisenatide (Adlyxin®) – While previously available, as of 2023 this drug is no longer available in the United States. 
• Semaglutide injection (Ozempic®)
• Semaglutide tablets (Rybelsus®)   

There’s also a similar class of medications called dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists. There’s currently one of these medications on the market: tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) .  

Side Effects of GLP-1 Drugs

While GLP-1 drugs are effective in managing blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss, they can cause a range of side effects. These side effects vary depending on the specific drug and individual factors.

Minor Gastrointestinal Side Effects (you don’t have a lawsuit claim if these side effects are your issue)

Gastrointestinal side effects are among the most common side effects associated with GLP-1 drugs. These can include:

• Nausea: This is a frequent side effect, often reported with Trulicity, Byetta, Bydureon BCise, Victoza, and semaglutide
• Diarrhea: Another common side effect, reported with Trulicity, Byetta, Bydureon BCise, Victoza, and semaglutide
• Vomiting: This side effect is less frequent but can occur with Trulicity, Byetta, Bydureon BCise, Victoza, and semaglutide
• Abdominal pain: This can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and is reported with Trulicity, Byetta, and Bydureon BCise . 
• Constipation: This side effect is less common but can occur with Trulicity and Victoza
• Decreased appetite: This is a common side effect, particularly with Trulicity and Victoza
• Indigestion: This can include heartburn and acid stomach and is reported with Trulicity, Byetta, and Victoza

Major Gastrointestinal GLP-1 Side Effects (you may have a viable claim to file a lawsuit)

In some cases, severe gastrointestinal issues such as:

• gastroparesis (stomach paralysis)
• ileus (intestinal blockage)
• gastroenteritis have been reported with semaglutide and Mounjaro

Kidney damage is a rare but potential side effect of several GLP-1 drugs. This is often associated with dehydration resulting from severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. GLP-1 drugs that have been linked to kidney damage include:

• Trulicity
• Byetta   
• Bydureon BCise   
• Victoza

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas, has been reported as a rare side effect of the following GLP-1 drugs:

• Trulicity
• Byetta
• Bydureon BCise
• Victoza
• Semaglutide
• Mounjaro

Gallbladder Problems

Gallbladder problems, such as gallstones or gallbladder inflammation, have been reported with the following GLP-1 drugs:

• Trulicity
• Byetta
• Bydureon BCise
• Victoza
• Semaglutide
• Mounjaro

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

While GLP-1 drugs themselves do not typically cause low blood sugar, they can increase the risk of hypoglycemia when used in combination with other diabetes medications, such as insulin or sulfonylureas. This risk has been reported with:

• Trulicity
• Byetta
• Bydureon BCise
• Victoza

Thyroid Tumors

Thyroid tumors, some of which could be cancerous, have been reported as a rare side effect of:

• Trulicity
• Victoza

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions, ranging from mild skin rashes to severe anaphylaxis, can occur with:

• Byetta
• Victoza

Other Side Effects

• Injection site reactions: These are common with injectable GLP-1 drugs, particularly Bydureon BCise, and can include redness, itching, swelling, and lumps . In rare cases, more serious injection site reactions, such as infection, abscess, and necrosis, have been reported.
• Low blood platelet count: This has been reported with Byetta and can lead to increased bleeding or bruising.
• Changes in heart rate or heart rhythm: This is a potential side effect of Byetta, particularly in individuals with heart disease or those taking certain other medications.
• Risk of pulmonary aspiration during surgery: This risk has been reported with all GLP-1 weight loss drugs and involves the potential for food or liquid to enter the lungs during general anesthesia or deep sedation . It is crucial for patients to inform their healthcare providers about their GLP-1 drug use before undergoing any surgical procedures.

Comparative Summary of Side Effects

To better understand the differences in side effect profiles across various GLP-1 drugs, the following table provides a comparative summary:

Frequency of Serious Side Effects

While the available data provides information on the types of serious side effects associated with GLP-1 drugs, it does not provide specific data on the frequency of these side effects. However, it is important to note that serious side effects are generally rare.

Several lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers of GLP-1 drugs, alleging that they failed to adequately warn patients about the potential for serious side effects or that the drugs were manufactured with defects . These lawsuits involve various GLP-1 drugs, including:

• Trulicity: Lawsuits allege an increased risk of vision loss, blurry vision, blindness, and gastrointestinal issues.
• Byetta: Lawsuits allege an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, and acute pancreatitis. 
• Bydureon BCise: Lawsuits allege an increased risk of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
• Victoza: Lawsuits allege an increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, pancreatitis, serious allergic reactions, and kidney failure.
• Ozempic and Rybelsus: Lawsuits allege an increased risk of gastroparesis, ileus, intestinal blockages, and other gastrointestinal issues.
• Mounjaro: Lawsuits allege an increased risk of gastroparesis, stomach paralysis, ileus, gallbladder removal, and other side effects.

As of January 2, 2025, there are 1,331 pending lawsuits against GLP-1 drug manufacturers in federal, consolidated litigation . These lawsuits are part of multidistrict litigation (MDL) 3094, Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) Products Liability Litigation.

Recent News and Updates on GLP-1 Drug Safety

Recent news and updates on GLP-1 drug safety include:

• FDA warning on pulmonary aspiration: In November 2024, the FDA updated the labels for all GLP-1 weight loss drugs with a warning about the risk of pulmonary aspiration during general anesthesia or deep sedation . This condition occurs when food or liquid enters the lungs, and it can be particularly dangerous for patients taking GLP-1 drugs due to delayed stomach emptying. 
• FDA concerns about unapproved GLP-1 drugs: The FDA has expressed concerns about the illegal sale of unapproved GLP-1 drugs, particularly compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide products, which may pose health risks due to unknown quality and potentially inaccurate dosing . These products are often sold online or through unauthorized channels and may not meet the same safety and efficacy standards as FDA-approved medications.
• Ongoing research on long-term side effects: Research is ongoing to better understand the long-term side effects of GLP-1 drugs . Some areas of concern include gastrointestinal issues, the potential for bone and muscle loss, and the possible development of eating disorders.

What does this mean for you?

GLP-1 drugs are valuable medications for managing type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss. However, it is essential to be aware of their potential side effects, including rare but serious ones. While all GLP-1 drugs can cause side effects, some appear to be associated with a higher risk of certain complications. For example, Trulicity has been linked to thyroid tumors, while Byetta and Bydureon BCise have been associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis. Semaglutide has been linked to gastrointestinal issues and vision problems, while Mounjaro has also been associated with gastrointestinal side effects.

The information presented in this article highlights the importance of ongoing research and vigilance in monitoring the safety of GLP-1 drugs. Healthcare providers need to be aware of the potential risks and benefits of these medications and discuss them with their patients. Patients should be encouraged to report any side effects they experience, and regular monitoring is essential to ensure the safe and effective use of GLP-1 drugs.

The lawsuits filed against GLP-1 drug manufacturers raise concerns about the adequacy of warnings provided to patients and healthcare providers regarding potential side effects. These lawsuits also underscore the need for transparency and accountability in the pharmaceutical industry.

Moving forward, it is crucial to continue researching the long-term effects of GLP-1 drugs and to develop strategies to mitigate potential risks. This includes exploring alternative treatment options, refining prescribing practices, and providing comprehensive patient education to ensure informed decision-making.