On November 8, 2023, Zepbound was approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as a weight-loss medication, and it has become very popular among consumers. However, unexpected side effects of Zepbound can lead to a diminished quality of life. There are recent allegations in a lawsuit filed against Zepbound’s manufacturer that the drug can cause gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), ileus (where the muscles in the intestines stop working, which leads to a buildup of food, gas, and fluids), and NAION (a sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye).
What is Zepbound?
Manufactured by Eli Lilly, Zepbound is a prescription drug that contains tirzepatide and is approved by the FDA for chronic weight management. It is used to help adults with obesity or who are overweight and have at least one weight-related condition like high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Zepbound is a once-weekly injection typically used alongside diet and physical activity for adults with obesity or other weight-related conditions. This prescription drug mimics two hormones (GLP-1 and GIP), allowing patients to feel fuller and stifle cravings, thus leading to less food intake and, eventually, weight loss.
Zepbound & Gastroparesis (Stomach Paralysis)
Gastroparesis is a serious stomach condition in which food moves too slowly from the stomach to the small intestine. In more severe cases, food may stop moving through the intestine. Food that remains undigested in the body may stay in the stomach and harden.
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.
Zepbound & Ileus
While Zepbound is meant to help people manage their weight by making them feel fuller and reduce food cravings, Zepbound 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 Zepbound 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.
Zepbound & 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.
Other GLP-1 Medication Lawsuits
Questions About a Zepbound Injury Lawsuit? Contact a Johnson//Becker Lawyer for a Free Case Review.
If you or a loved one took Zepbound and have been diagnosed with stomach paralysis, ileus, or NAION, you may want to speak with the lawyers at Johnson//Becker. We are currently accepting new Zepbound 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.
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