A leading pharmacist has issued a warning about a concerning increase in gallbladder problems among patients using weight-loss injections, potentially leading to the need for invasive surgery. Deborah Grayson, a chemist with over 25 years of experience, shared her concerns in a TikTok video, claiming that she has seen a rising number of patients who required gallbladder removal due to complications from these drugs.
In her viral video, which has garnered over 100,000 views, Grayson stated, “I’m seeing more and more patients taking weight-loss injections who then need their gallbladders removed.” She highlighted the risks associated with these medications, specifically the impact they have on bile flow in the gallbladder.
Grayson, who is also known online as “The Godmother of Pharmacology,” explained that weight-loss injections slow bile flow by inhibiting the hormone that controls its release. This can cause the bile to thicken, leading to the formation of gallstones, a painful condition that often requires surgery.
The issue is particularly prevalent among users of Mounjaro, the most potent weight-loss injection currently available. Gallstones, which are small deposits of excess cholesterol, typically form in the gallbladder, an organ responsible for storing bile used in fat digestion. While most gallstones do not cause significant problems, if a stone becomes trapped in a bile duct, it can cause intense pain and other severe complications.
Grayson pointed out that up to 10% of people taking Mounjaro may experience this issue, a fact also acknowledged by the drug’s manufacturer, Eli Lilly, in the medication’s warning leaflet. A similar risk of gallstones has been observed in patients using Wegovy, another weight-loss injection from Novo Nordisk, the same company that produces Ozempic.
However, Grayson noted that some individuals may be at a higher risk due to additional factors, such as gender, thyroid conditions, menopause, or rapid weight loss. “We have a greater risk of developing gallstones if we’re female, have thyroid disease, are menopausal or perimenopausal, or have experienced rapid weight loss,” she explained. “If any of these apply to you, it’s important to watch out for signs that your gallbladder might be struggling.”
In a follow-up post, Grayson also mentioned that high cholesterol and poorly managed blood sugar levels further increase the risk of gallstone formation, emphasizing that the more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance of complications.
Grayson urged patients to be vigilant for symptoms that may indicate gallbladder issues. These include severe reflux, burping, chest pain, pain under the rib cage, left-sided shoulder pain, prolonged abdominal pain, diarrhea, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and pale, greasy stools.
Some viewers shared their personal experiences, with one woman commenting, “I wish I had seen this before I started months ago. I’ve just been discharged from my second hospital visit and I’m scheduled for gallbladder surgery next week.”
Gallstones can cause more than just pain; they can lead to jaundice, a sign of liver dysfunction, or pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas. However, most patients recover fully after gallbladder removal, as the liver can continue to produce bile without the need for storage in the gallbladder.
While weight-loss injections like Mounjaro have been praised for their effectiveness in treating obesity, they have also been linked to other health risks. These range from nausea and abdominal pain to more severe conditions, including bone pain and an elevated risk of thyroid cancer. A recent investigation revealed that nearly 400 patients in the UK have been hospitalized due to complications related to these injections since their introduction.
Despite these risks, many patients continue to use weight-loss injections for their potential benefits, including significant reductions in the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. As with any medication, it is essential to weigh the risks and benefits and consult a healthcare provider before starting treatment.
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