Mechanism, briefly
GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic a gut hormone that signals fullness to the brain, slows gastric emptying, and increases insulin secretion in response to a meal. Each of those mechanisms is therapeutic — and each is also responsible for a side-effect category.
Common, usually mild
These typically appear during dose titration and ease over a few weeks.
- Nausea
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Heartburn
Less common, sometimes serious
Some patients tolerate the drug poorly even at low doses.
- Persistent vomiting
- Dehydration requiring IV fluids
- Gallstones
- Acute kidney injury
- Severe hypoglycemia (especially when combined with insulin)
Severe — the injuries driving lawsuits
These are the injuries at the center of MDL 3094. Most require hospitalization; some are permanent.
- Gastroparesis ("stomach paralysis")
- Severe or recurrent pancreatitis
- Intestinal obstruction and ileus
- Gallbladder disease requiring surgery
- Aspiration pneumonia during anesthesia
- NAION (sudden non-arteritic vision loss)
- Medullary thyroid cancer (animal data; suspected in humans)
What to do if you experience them
Seek medical care immediately for severe symptoms. Document everything — keep your pharmacy records, hospital discharge summaries, and any imaging or test results. If a serious injury is diagnosed, request a case review.
General information for orientation. This article is not legal or medical advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.