Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is what happens when a blood clot forms in one of the major veins in your body. It would usually form in the legs, but it can occur in the arms or any other veins.
If the situation worsens, this clot can travel through the heart and become wedged in the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism.
The widely used medication for type 2 diabetes treatment, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, is being linked to blood clots and DVT. Semaglutide brands like Ozempic and Wegovy do not come with warnings on increased risks of deep vein thrombosis despite research studies linking these adverse effects to GLP-1 RA drugs. Several patients who have taken GLP-1 have filed lawsuits against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, specifically for DVT injuries.
These are the common side effects that Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro drugs are known for: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The more serious side effects are complex gastrointestinal (GI) issues, vision loss, and DVT. It has long been established that GLP-1 medication causes GI issues. Many patients have experienced GI issues after taking Ozempic, Mounjaro, and other GLP-1 brands, especially gastroparesis or stomach paralysis. Over 1500 product liability lawsuits have been filed in multidistrict litigation (MDL 3094) in Eastern Pennsylvania.
Some GI symptoms, like diarrhea and dehydration, are serious risk factors for deep vein thrombosis. This shows how one adverse event can lead to more complications that make patients' lives more difficult.
A meta-analysis of clinical trials on semaglutide found that in more than 26,000 participants, patients who were taking semaglutide were 3.5 times more likely to develop DVT than people who were not taking it. Semaglutide was found to increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis by 266% and diarrhea by 166%. This study was published in the Endocrine Journal in 2021.
Most studies that link semaglutide with DVT find a possible link with GI complications and rapid weight loss. In 2018, a patient was on dulaglutide treatment for diabetes mellitus and suffered from headaches and blurring of vision for at least three days. It was later found from brain imaging that the patient had cerebral venous thrombosis. What happened was that the dulaglutide medication caused nausea and vomiting for 3 weeks and led the patient to be severely dehydrated. Severe dehydration thickens the blood and slows circulation, increasing the risk of blood clots. This case of dulaglutide-induced venous thrombosis was posted on BMJ Case Reports 2018.
The AACE Clinical Case Reports 2024 issue featured a 20-year-old man being treated for obesity with tirzepatide, another GLP-1 receptor agonist. The patient lost 12 kilograms of body weight over six weeks and was later diagnosed with extensive deep vein thrombosis.
When blood clots do happen, there are many possible reasons. The adverse side effects of GLP-1 RA injections only elevate the risks. Diarrhea and vomiting can make the patient severely dehydrated, leading to thickened blood. Additionally, rapid weight loss from injections has been known to cause complications, as mentioned in GLP-1 product liability lawsuits involving DVT, and is an added risk factor for deep vein thrombosis. Other risk factors for blood clots include chronic inflammation, which diabetes patients may already have, blood flow impairment, and platelet dysfunction.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and related injuries are not going to be centralized with other lawsuits within MDL 3094. In December 2024, the panel denied a plaintiff's motion to add (DVT) injuries, including venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism, to MDL 3094 cases. According to the panel, the mechanism by which patients acquire DVT from GLP-1 differs from how they get GI injuries.
Despite this, you can still file a claim for DVT injuries against GLP-1 manufacturers. To file an individual lawsuit for DVT, you need the following:
Aside from deep vein thrombosis, many patients have suffered and filed lawsuits for different severe issues. Some patients have even experienced serious GI issues first before developing DVT later on. If you have experienced gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), bowel obstruction, or vision loss after taking any GLP-1 medication, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit within MDL 3094. Atraxia Law can help you file your case. We know how difficult battling medical conditions can be, so we have made it easier to schedule a consultation via phone call. You may book your consultation today.