Trish Webster, a 56-year-old woman from Australia, decided to take the prescribed drug Ozempic in an attempt to lose weight before her daughter's wedding. Ozempic belongs to a group of drugs called GLP-1s, primarily used for treating type 2 diabetes but also approved by the FDA for chronic weight management. The drug has gained popularity on social media as influencers and celebrities have either admitted to taking it or have been rumored to use it to maintain their weight.
Trish's husband, Roy Webster, revealed that his wife saw the drug on TV and subsequently obtained a prescription from her doctor. Despite experiencing symptoms of sickness and diarrhea, Trish continued taking the medication as she was determined to shed a few pounds for the upcoming wedding. Mr. Webster recalled how Trish's desire to wear a specific dress for the occasion motivated her weight loss efforts.
After three months of taking Ozempic, Trish allegedly switched to another weight loss drug called Saxenda for an additional two months. It is unclear from the interview whether this second drug was also prescribed. Overall, Trish lost a total of 16 kilograms (35 pounds). However, her weight loss came at a devastating cost.
According to Mr. Webster, the side effects of the drugs severely impacted Trish's health, leading to constant vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. On January 16, the situation took a turn for the worse when Trish collapsed at home. Mr. Webster attempted CPR but was unable to save her. Trish passed away that night, and her death certificate cited an "acute gastrointestinal illness" as the cause of death. Mr. Webster firmly believes that the drugs played a role in the tragedy, expressing his shock at the possibility of such severe consequences.
Ozempic and other weight loss drugs have been associated with a range of side effects and symptoms, including gastrointestinal issues. According to WebMD, over 8,500 reports of gastrointestinal problems related to these drugs have been made to the FDA. These issues are similar to the symptoms Trish experienced. Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical company that manufactures Ozempic, emphasized that they do not endorse the use of Ozempic specifically for weight loss and prioritizes the safety of their patients.
In a statement to The Independent, a spokesperson for Novo Nordisk stated that gastrointestinal events are well-known side effects of the GLP-1 class of drugs, including Ozempic. The majority of these side effects are mild to moderate and of short duration. However, 4.3% of patients experienced such severe gastrointestinal events that they had to permanently discontinue treatment. The company advises patients to take these medications only for their approved indications and under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Novo Nordisk also emphasized the importance of making treatment decisions in consultation with healthcare providers who can assess the appropriateness of using GLP-1 drugs based on a patient's individual medical profile. The safety of patients is continuously monitored, and the company collaborates closely with authorities to ensure patient safety. The label for Ozempic includes information about gastrointestinal side effects.
Novo Nordisk declined to comment on Trish Webster's case, stating that they do not provide individual case responses.
