Medication Risks: Australian Woman Dies After Taking Ozempic to Lose Weight Before Daughter’s Wedding
An Australian woman’s quest to shed a few pounds before her daughter’s wedding turned fatal when she died from gastrointestinal illness after taking the medication Ozempic. Trish Webster, 56, had been prescribed Ozempic, which is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for people with Type 2 diabetes, but is commonly used globally as a weight-loss drug.
Causing perplexity and burstiness, Ozempic works by imitating the natural hormone GLP-1, which slows down the passage of food through the stomach and intestines, making people feel full for longer periods of time. However, if the drug slows down the stomach too much or blocks the intestines, it can lead to serious complications.
Webster, who had combined Ozempic with the prescription injection Saxenda, managed to lose approximately 35 pounds in just five months. However, local reports suggest that these medications made her unwell. Tragically, on January 16, a few months before her daughter’s wedding, Webster’s husband found her unconscious, with a brown liquid seeping out of her mouth. Despite his efforts to save her with CPR, Webster passed away that night. Her cause of death was listed as acute gastrointestinal illness.
Although Webster’s death has not been officially linked to her use of Ozempic and Saxenda, her husband strongly believes that the medications were the cause. In a heartfelt statement, he expressed his regret, saying, “If I knew that could happen, she wouldn’t have been taking it. I never thought you could die from it.”
Ozempic’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, acknowledged the reports of intestinal blockage, known as ileus, but stated that such incidents were only reported after the drug’s release. Unfortunately, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and Company, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, another popular weight-loss medication, are currently facing legal action in the US, as these medications have been associated with severe gastrointestinal problems that can lead to death.
The US Food and Drug Administration has recently updated the label for Ozempic to include warnings about blocked intestines, following numerous complaints from users. Other reported side effects of this medication include gastroparesis, “Ozempic finger,” “Ozempic burp,” “Ozempic butt,” “Ozempic face,” and strange dreams about celebrities. Some experts caution against the long-term use of Ozempic and similar medications, highlighting the need for further research into potential risks, including concerns about suicide, and emphasizing that these drugs may be misused as a quick solution for weight loss.
It’s important to prioritize patient safety and exercise caution when considering any medication, especially when it is being used for purposes other than its original intent. The tragic loss of Trish Webster has prompted her husband to speak out, urging others to reconsider the potential risks of using medications like Ozempic for weight loss. The pursuit of a dream dress should never come at the cost of one’s life.
