Ozempic (semaglutide) is designed to slow digestion as part of its therapeutic effect. However, in some patients, this slowing appears to progress into severe gastrointestinal motility disorders, including digestive paralysis, bowel shutdown, and long-term inability to tolerate food.
As Ozempic prescriptions expanded beyond diabetes into weight loss, reports of serious motility-related injuries have increased, prompting legal scrutiny and inclusion of these injuries in federal GLP-1 litigation.
What Are Motility Disorders?
Motility disorders occur when the muscles and nerves of the digestive tract fail to move food properly, causing it to:
- move extremely slowly
- stop moving altogether
- back up in the stomach or intestines
These conditions are functional, meaning they occur without a physical blockage.
Motility Disorders Reported in Ozempic Users
Reported conditions include:
- gastroparesis (stomach paralysis)
- ileus (functional bowel shutdown)
- severe chronic constipation
- intestinal dysmotility
- generalized GI paralysis
Many patients require hospitalization.
Why Ozempic May Contribute to Motility Disorders
Ozempic works by:
- delaying gastric emptying
- suppressing appetite
- altering gut-brain signaling
In some patients, this intended effect may become excessive or prolonged, especially with dose escalation or long-term use.
Symptoms That May Indicate a Serious Problem
Seek medical care if you experience:
- persistent nausea or vomiting
- inability to tolerate food
- abdominal distension
- constipation lasting days or weeks
- severe abdominal pain
- repeated dehydration
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis often involves:
- gastric emptying studies
- abdominal imaging
- exclusion of mechanical obstruction
- GI motility testing
Treatment options are limited and may not fully resolve symptoms.
Ozempic Motility Disorder Lawsuits
Ozempic lawsuits involving motility disorders typically allege:
- inadequate warnings about severe digestive paralysis
- under-disclosure of long-term GI risks
- failure to identify high-risk patients
➡️ Related: Motility Disorders
Who May Qualify for a Claim Review
You may qualify if:
- you used Ozempic, AND
- you developed severe digestive dysfunction, AND
- symptoms required hospitalization or persisted long-term
➡️ Start here: File a Claim
Severe motility disorders linked to Ozempic can cause long-lasting digestive disability and significant life disruption. These injuries are now a recognized category in GLP-1 litigation.