Health By Andrew Court
Published Nov. 14, 2023, 6:51 p.m. ET
An Oregon father of two believes that Ozempic, a drug used to manage type 2 diabetes and promote weight loss, caused him to suffer two blocked intestines, putting his life in jeopardy. Wilson “Bo” Muhlheim, 79, was prescribed the injectable medication late last year. While Ozempic has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for individuals with type 2 diabetes, it has sparked controversy due to reported side effects.
The FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System has received 76 reports of fatalities linked to products containing semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and its sister drug Wegovy, from 2018 through Sept. 30. However, the cases sent to FAERS have not been officially confirmed by medical professionals.
The medications work by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1, which slows down the passage of food through the stomach and intestines, ultimately making users feel fuller for longer periods. While the drugs have gained popularity for their potential to aid in weight loss, many are now raising concerns about potential risks.
Muhlheim, who was weighing 265 pounds when he began taking Ozempic, experienced no immediate side effects and even lost 14 pounds in the first six months. However, he later suffered severe stomach pains and was rushed to the hospital where he was diagnosed with a blocked intestine. He eventually recovered from the incident, but believes that Ozempic is responsible for his medical episodes.
In September, the FDA announced that ileus, the medical term for an intestinal blockage, would be listed as a side effect on Ozempic’s label. Muhlheim has since stopped using the drug and is slowly recovering from his second intestinal blockage.
The controversy surrounding Ozempic has also led to legal action, with Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and Company, the manufacturers of the popular diabetes drug Mounjaro, facing lawsuits over claims that the injectables can cause severe gastrointestinal problems. In Australia, the drug is being blamed for the death of a woman attempting to slim down for a wedding.
Source: [New York Post](https://nypost.com/2023/11/14/lifestyle/diabetic-dad-claims-ozempic-left-him-fighting-for-his-life/?utm_source=url_sitebuttons&utm_medium=site%20buttons&utm_campaign=site%20buttons)
