Tragic Death of Australian Mother Raises Concerns About Weight Loss Injectables

Published on November 10, 2023, 12:44 am

An Australian mother, Trish Webster, tragically passed away due to acute gastrointestinal illness after using weight loss injectables, including Ozempic and Saxenda. Trish had been taking these medications for several months to lose weight for her daughter’s wedding. According to her husband Roy, Trish saw an advertisement for Ozempic on TV and obtained a prescription from her doctor. Despite experiencing gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea, she continued using the medication.

Ozempic is approved in Australia for people with type 2 diabetes and not specifically for weight loss. The Australian government does not have the power to regulate the clinical decisions of healthcare professionals, so doctors can prescribe Ozempic “off-label” for other health conditions. Similarly, Saxenda is another injectable that Trish switched to after a few months to continue losing weight.

The family claims that while Trish lost 35 lbs during the five months she was on these injectables, she also experienced severe side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. Unfortunately, on January 16 of this year, Trish Webster stopped breathing and passed away from acute gastrointestinal illness.

While Roy Webster believes that the weight-loss injectables contributed to his wife’s death, the official cause of death does not mention these medications. However, investigations are currently underway regarding the impact of Ozempic and similar drugs on the digestive system.

In June, a link was discovered between these medications and severe gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), which inhibits proper stomach emptying. The FDA also issued a warning in September stating that Ozempic can lead to a life-threatening condition called ileus—a type of bowel obstruction that restricts blood flow to organs.

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, states that patient safety is their top priority but doesn’t comment on individual cases. They emphasize that Ozempic is intended for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and is not indicated for chronic weight management. The most commonly reported side effects of Ozempic are gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation.

While the safety and efficacy of Ozempic have been evaluated in clinical studies involving thousands of patients, there are known risks associated with its use. Novo Nordisk stands behind the safety and efficacy of Ozempic when used as indicated.

It is important to consult with a licensed healthcare provider regarding the use of prescription medications like Ozempic and Saxenda. Patient safety should always be a priority, and any adverse events or concerns should be reported to healthcare professionals.