Trish Webster, a 56-year-old woman, passed away from acute gastrointestinal illness. Her family believes that her use of Ozempic may have contributed to her condition. Webster began using Ozempic in an effort to lose weight. Webster’s husband Roy said Trish saw an ad for Ozempic on TV and reached out to her doctor for a prescription in 2022. But while she was struggling with gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea, she kept using Ozempic.
“My daughter was getting married, and she just kept mentioning that dress that she wanted to wear,” he said, according to The Independent. “She went to the dressmaker to get the measurements. It was one big nightmare from there.” Although she successfully lost 35 pounds in five months, she also suffered from severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which turned into a challenging and distressing experience for her and her family.
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Acute Gastrointestinal Illness
On January 16, the situation took an alarming turn when Roy observed “brown stuff” coming out of her mouth. He realized that she had stopped breathing and attempted CPR, but tragically, his efforts were unsuccessful, and Trish passed away that night. Her death certificate cited acute gastrointestinal illness as the cause of death. Roy now suspects that the injectable medications his wife was using may have played a role in her unexpected and untimely death.
Trish’s husband expressed deep regret, tearfully stating that he couldn’t save her and that if he had known the risks, she wouldn’t have taken the medication. Ozempic is approved in Australia as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, but it is increasingly being prescribed “off-label” by medical professionals for weight loss. The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care acknowledges that this practice is common, especially for unusual conditions, and that they lack the authority to regulate clinical decisions made by healthcare professionals.
While Ozempic and other prescription medications have their place in weight management, there are natural alternatives and lifestyle changes that can complement or even substitute your treatment plan. These natural approaches can contribute to better health long term. It’s essential to work closely with a healthcare professional when considering stopping semaglutide (Ozempic).