Prescription and non-prescription weight loss injections have grown in popularity throughout the United States.
According to a 2024 report, 15.5 million individuals in the country are using weight loss injections. Most of them have positive views on these new pharmaceutical innovations, but there are also some who are still hesitant about their effects.
These weight loss injections have been associated with pancreatitis, gallstone problems, severe vomiting, gastroparesis, bowel obstruction, sudden blindness, and mental health problems, among others.
Here are the popular injectable weight management medications that are available in the United States market today:
Ozempic is primarily indicated for type 2 diabetes mellitus. According to their website, Novo Nordisk clarified that it is not a weight loss drug. However, the mechanism of action of semaglutide exerts a secondary effect that results in the patient losing weight. It is available in 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg doses.
Wegovy is another weight loss medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It comes in a 2.4 mg injectable given to adults and children above 12 years old with obesity. It is also given to some overweight adult patients or patients with weight-related medical problems.
Saxenda is marketed as a prescription weight loss injection. It comes in doses that range from 0.6 mg to 3 mg daily doses. It works by sending messages to the brain and promoting a feeling of fullness to reduce bouts of hunger. Patients can lose 5% to 10% of their weight, especially with higher doses. It is prescribed for obese adults as well as teenagers from 12 to 17 years old whose weight is above 132 pounds.
The FDA approved a new drug made by Novo Nordisk's pharmaceutical rival, Eli Lilly. Zepbound is given specifically to patients with a body mass index of not less than 27 kg/m2, which indicates that the patient is overweight, and a BMI of 30 kg/m2 and above, which is indicative of obesity, provided that the patient is also diagnosed with another condition that requires weight maintenance.
These new weight loss injections are expected to eventually replace oral weight loss drugs due to their rapid effects and ease of use. However, injectable medications cost more to manufacture. Additionally, injectable medications reach the systemic circulation faster than oral drugs, making the patient more susceptible to side effects.
While these products are easy to use and provide noticeable effects, consumers should not take their associated side effects lightly. Manufacturers are marketing these products and are attracting customers with promising effects, but consumers should remain vigilant and be able to weigh if the risks are also worth the benefits.
Weight loss injectables interfere with the body's normal function. This leads to an increased risk of developing pancreatitis, and it even affects mental health. It was discovered that it causes a decline in mood and triggers anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideations. When patients began to feel these symptoms, some of them stopped taking the medication. Other serious and rare side effects include thyroid problems, vision problems, gallbladder problems, severe gastrointestinal issues, NAION, and kidney damage.
Though these adverse effects are rare, there are reported cases. Patients who are diagnosed with severe linkable conditions after they started using weight loss injections can file for a claim provided that they do not have any relevant medical history or family history of the condition. It should also be proven that the condition developed after the use of the drug. If these criteria are met, the individual may be eligible for compensation.
Manufacturers of these products should disclose the associated risks when marketing their products. If you suffer a health problem that weight loss injections may have caused, you can seek legal assistance from Atraxia Law. Our team can guide you through the process - from reviewing your medical records to evaluating your case until a settlement can be reached.