WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT A SAXENDA LAWSUIT AND SAXENDA SIDE EFFECTS

Saxenda is a member of the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists that delivers an active compound called liraglutide.  It is not listed as a controlled substance. Liraglutide was originally approved by the FDA in 2010 as an adjunct therapy to diet and exercise for the management of type-2 diabetes sold under the brand name Victoza.

But following clinical trial results, liraglutide, sold under the name Saxenda, gained approval in 2017 as a weight loss medication for people with a BMI of 30 or higher or for people with a BMI of 27 and higher who also have a metabolic health condition. Saxenda is not used to treat type 2 diabetes

Saxenda, like Wegovy and Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. CNN recently reported that at least two people, one taking Ozempic and the other taking Wegovy, have experienced more than just minor stomach issues; these individuals have been diagnosed with gastroparesis, or “paralyzed stomachs,” which resulted in the filing of a Saxenda lawsuit.

Lawsuits continued to be filed which have been centralized before one court by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation.

WHAT IS SAXENDA?

Saxenda (liraglutide) is a brand-name drug prescribed for weight loss and long-term weight management, along with a healthy diet and exercise. Saxenda, like Wegovy and Ozempic, belongs to a drug class called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Saxenda works by mimicking gut peptides, which help regulate blood sugar.  Research has found that, in conjunction with appropriate lifestyle habits, these medications can help people lose significant weight or maintain weight loss.  However, like other drugs in its class like Wegovy and Ozempic, Saxenda can have very serious side effects.

WHAT ARE THE SAXENDA SIDE EFFECTS?

According to the company, the most common side effects of Saxenda are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, tiredness, weakness, feeling dizzy stomach problems, difficulty sleeping, gallstones, reaction around the injection site, low blood sugar, and an increase in pancreatic enzymes. ​ Other more serious Saxenda side effects include:

• Gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Symptoms can include:
• abdominal pain, which can be severe
• diarrhea
• pale-colored stool
• fever
• nausea
• vomiting
• jaundice
• Increased heart rate. Symptoms can include:
• heart palpitations
• chest pain
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Symptoms can include:
• sudden upper abdominal pain, which may spread to the back
• persistent, severe burning pain in the abdomen
• vomiting
• Suicidal thoughts or behavior. Symptoms can include:
• new or worsening depression
• thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life
• changes inmood or behavior
• Kidney failure
• Low blood sugar
• Risk of thyroid cancer
• Severe allergic reaction

THE LINK BETWEEN SAXENDA AND GASTROPARESIS

​Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the normal movement of the muscles in the stomach, causing delayed emptying of the stomach’s contents. It can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain. While various factors can contribute to the development of gastroparesis, recent studies have suggested a potential link between the use of Saxenda and gastroparesis and there has been an increase in the number of reports of individuals who developed gastroparesis after taking Saxenda.

​Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the normal movement of the muscles in the stomach, causing delayed emptying of the stomach’s contents. It can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain. While various factors can contribute to the development of gastroparesis, recent studies have suggested a potential link between the use of Saxenda and gastroparesis and there has been an increase in the number of reports of individuals who developed gastroparesis after taking Saxenda.

The exact mechanism by which Saxenda may contribute to the development of gastroparesis is not yet fully understood. However, it is thought that the medication may affect the nerves and muscles in the stomach, leading to a disruption in gastric motility. This can result in the delayed emptying of food from the stomach, causing the symptoms associated with gastroparesis.

SAXENDA AND KIDNEY DISEASE

​​Saxenda can cause or worsen existing kidney problems.  Kidney damage can be due to dehydration from nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. There have been reports of acute renal failure and worsening of chronic renal failure in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor inhibitors.

THE LINK BETWEEN SAXENDA AND GALLBLADDER DISEASE

One of the more concerning side effects of Saxenda is its potential connection to gallbladder disease. The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver, responsible for storing bile, a substance that aids in the digestion of fats. Studies have shown that Saxenda can increase the risk of gallbladder-related problems, such as gallstones and inflammation. Gallstones are solid deposits that form in the gallbladder, often causing pain and discomfort. In severe cases, gallstones can lead to more serious conditions, such as cholecystitis or pancreatitis.