South Carolina man sues doctor after Ozempic side effects

Brad Roberts, a 44-year-old from South Carolina, lost 150 pounds using Ozempic, a weight-loss medication. Initially, he was excited about his rapid weight loss and even appeared in a commercial promoting the drug. However, he now claims that the medication caused serious health issues. Roberts lost 24 pounds in the first month of treatment. By six months, he had dropped from 300 to 157 pounds. Despite his success, he began experiencing severe side effects, including joint and muscle pain, memory loss, and difficulty walking. He now spends up to 18 hours a day in bed due to these health problems. In a lawsuit against his doctor, Roberts alleges he was over-prescribed medications that harmed his health. He and his wife, Stacey, are seeking $35.8 million in damages, claiming the doctor did not properly monitor his treatment. The lawsuit states that he lost up to 3.5 pounds per week, exceeding the recommended weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds. Medical professionals have warned about potential risks associated with GLP-1 medications like Ozempic. Reports suggest that rapid weight loss can lead to conditions such as hearing loss and vision problems. Roberts suffers from severe hearing issues, described as muffled sounds and constant ringing in his ears. He has undergone surgery multiple times without improvement. Roberts’ therapist has noted a significant decline in his mental and physical health since starting the medication. He now struggles with basic activities and has difficulty managing everyday tasks. Medical experts agree that over-prescribing weight-loss drugs can lead to serious health complications. A spokesperson for LifeMD, the telehealth company that connected Roberts with his doctor, argued that the allegations are unfounded. Ozempic was originally developed for managing diabetes but has gained popularity for weight loss. While some patients report severe side effects, not all patients experience these reactions. The case is ongoing, with no trial date set yet. The situation has sparked discussion about the safety of weight-loss medications, as many people report concerning side effects. The manufacturers of Ozempic and other similar drugs have been contacted for comments on Roberts' case.