SYDNEY, Australia – Trish Webster, a 56-year-old Australian woman, tragically passed away after taking the weight-loss medication Ozempic. Her husband, Roy Webster, is now speaking out, warning others that the drug is “not worth it at all.” Ozempic, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for Type 2 diabetes, has gained popularity as a weight-loss drug worldwide. However, it can cause gastrointestinal issues if it slows down the stomach too much or blocks the intestines.
Webster had been prescribed Ozempic to fit into her dream dress for her daughter’s wedding. Alongside the prescription injection Saxenda, she lost around 35 pounds in just five months. However, the medications reportedly made her ill. On January 16, Webster’s husband found her unconscious with a brown liquid seeping from her mouth. Despite his efforts to revive her, she tragically passed away that night from acute gastrointestinal illness.
While Webster’s cause of death has not been officially linked to her use of Ozempic and Saxenda, her husband firmly believes the drugs played a role. He expressed his regret, stating, “If I knew that could happen, she wouldn’t have been taking it. I never thought you could die from it.” The manufacturer of Ozempic, Novo Nordisk, responded to the allegations, stating that reports of ileus, or intestinal blockage, were only received after the drug was released.
Novo Nordisk, along with Eli Lilly and Company, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, is currently facing lawsuits in the United States over claims that their weight-loss drugs can cause severe gastrointestinal problems, including gastroparesis or “stomach paralysis,” which can be fatal. Law firm Morgan & Morgan has received numerous inquiries from clients across 45 states regarding injuries allegedly caused by these drugs.
The US FDA updated the Ozempic label in September to acknowledge complaints of blocked intestines and gastrointestinal troubles from users. However, experts have raised concerns about the long-term effects of Ozempic and similar medications, including suicide concerns, as they have not been available for study for a sufficient amount of time.
The tragic death of Trish Webster serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with weight-loss medications. It is crucial for individuals to consult with healthcare professionals and carefully consider the potential side effects before starting any new medication regimen.