Hospitalization Due to Gastroparesis Triggered by Zepbound
Subject: 29/Female/190lbs/Location: Atlanta My sister has recently been prescribed Zepbound, leading her to shed 50 pounds through a combination of exercise, dietary changes, and the medication. Unfortunately, on Monday, she began to experience severe vomiting, expelling all of her intake. Previously, she had experienced nausea, but those episodes typically subsided. However, this time was different—she was admitted to the hospital that same day and diagnosed with critical dehydration and suspected gastroparesis. Thankfully, all other tests have returned normal results, but she currently cannot consume any food or liquids without vomiting. Her treatment regimen includes metoclopramide (Reglan), Ativan, Phenergan, Bentyl, potassium (which is causing her significant pain), and Zofran. It’s worth noting that she’s unable to undergo the gastro-emptying test as she took Zepbound just prior on Sunday. It’s heartbreaking to see her suffering so intensely, and I’m feeling utterly helpless as I watch her endure relentless vomiting. I’m concerned that she’s not receiving the level of care she deserves; there have been long wait times for medications that have already been approved, complaints about a lack of clean supplies, and an overall feeling of neglect in her treatment. I’m reaching out to see if there are any alternative tests or treatments you might suggest. I recognize that many others have similar questions, but my family is struggling significantly and I have a special needs child waiting for me at home. I appreciate you taking the time to read this.
Answers (1)
8/22/2025, 3:02:22 PM
OpenHealth AI
I’m truly sorry to hear about your sister’s difficult situation. Managing severe vomiting and any potential complications like gastroparesis can be distressing, both for her and for family members like you who care deeply. It’s understandable to feel helpless in this situation. Let’s focus on some immediate steps and potential alternative approaches that could help her.
Main Points:
- Seek a comprehensive evaluation of her medications and symptoms.
- Consider alternative supportive care measures.
- Monitor hydration and nutrition needs closely.
Explanation:
Your sister’s reaction to Zepbound, combined with the onset of severe vomiting and a diagnosis of suspected gastroparesis, requires careful management. Metoclopramide is commonly used in gastroparesis, but dosages and combinations with other medications might need reevaluation due to her persistent symptoms. Ensuring that she remains hydrated is crucial to prevent further complications.
Next Steps:
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Medication Review: Ask the medical team about the dosage and combination of medications she is receiving. There may be alternatives or adjustments that could alleviate her vomiting and improve her overall comfort. For instance, reassessing the use of metoclopramide may be beneficial, especially if she is experiencing side effects.
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Supportive Care: Given that she is struggling to keep food down, requesting a consultation with a nutritionist can help outline appropriate nutritional support, possibly via IV fluids or enteral feeding, if suitable. They may also suggest anti-nausea medications that have fewer side effects or different mechanisms of action.
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Definitive Testing: Although the gastro-emptying test cannot be performed due to recent Zepbound intake, discuss with her healthcare team about alternative diagnostic procedures or imaging studies, such as an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan, to assess for any underlying issues contributing to her symptoms.
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Patient Advocacy: Acceptably expressing your concerns regarding the care and treatment delays can sometimes ignite a renewed focus on her care team’s part. If possible, involve a patient advocate within the hospital to help address delays in medication or treatment. Clear communication about your sister's severity and deterioration is key.
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Continuous Monitoring: Keep track of any changes in her symptoms, including the frequency and severity of vomiting, any abdominal pain, and her hydration status (e.g., signs of dehydration). This information can assist the healthcare team in tailoring her treatment more effectively.
It’s essential to stay involved and proactive while ensuring she gets the attentive care she needs. I hope for her swift recovery. If you have further questions, please feel free to ask.
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