Ozempic Gallstone Lawsuit | November 2024 Update

Ozempic Lawsuit Updates

Read all the latest updates on the Ozempic lawsuits as they come in.

July 12, 2024 - Harvard Study Finds Potential Association Between Ozempic and Blindness

A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology reviewed 1,689 patients taking medication for diabetes and/or weight loss. The general findings indicate that patients taking drugs that contain semaglutide (like Ozempic) may be up to eight times more likely to develop NAION (nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy) than those taking medications without semaglutide. People with NAION can suffer optic nerve blindness because of a lack of blood supply to their optic nerves.

While further research is needed to confirm these initial findings, the LLN team is following this development closely and preparing for possible Ozempic NAION lawsuits, including the Ozempic vision loss lawsuit. Sadly, blindness is only one of many risks now associated with Ozempic, and Ozempic still does not warn against blindness, gallstones, or gastroparesis. 

November 1, 2024 – MDL Expands with 131 New Lawsuits

The multidistrict litigation (MDL) involving glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists continues to grow, though the pace may be moderating compared to previous months. Over the past 30 days, 131 additional lawsuits have been incorporated into the MDL. This brings the total number of active cases to 1,221. 

October 10, 2024 – MDL Sees 100 New Cases in September

September saw the addition of 101 lawsuits to the Ozempic MDL, building on the 300 cases added in August. This represents a doubling of the MDL's size in just two months. Currently, the MDL houses 1,090 pending cases, reflecting a significant surge in litigation activity. 

September 25, 2024 – Discovery and Motion Hearings Announced

The court has set hearings to address early discovery and motion practice related to preemption and the adequacy of warning labels. However, the issue of marketing discovery remains unresolved. Plaintiffs have filed a new motion requesting that marketing-related evidence be included in this phase of the proceedings. 

According to the plaintiffs, understanding pharmaceutical marketing is vital to the case. They contend that companies may minimize or misrepresent potential risks in their promotional materials, which can weaken the effectiveness of warning labels. Given the financial implications of the litigation, the plaintiffs emphasize the importance of exploring these practices. Past cases have often supported the relevance of marketing strategies when assessing the sufficiency of warning labels and arguments around preemption.

September 3, 2024 – Sharp Increase in MDL Cases 

The number of lawsuits in the Ozempic MDL has climbed to 869, more than doubling from the 346 cases reported just a month ago. This dramatic rise underscores the rapid influx of new claims being added to the MDL at an accelerating rate. 

September 1, 2024 – Study Links Ozempic to Suicide Risk 

Recent research has raised alarms about the potential for suicidal thoughts linked to GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Ozempic/Wegovy and Victoza/Saxenda. Key findings from the study include: 

• Elevated Risk with Ozempic and Wegovy: Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, showed a significant association with suicidal ideation. This risk was especially pronounced in individuals taking antidepressants or benzodiazepines. The study found this threat to be greater compared to other medications used for diabetes and weight loss, such as dapagliflozin, metformin, and orlistat. 
• Lower Risk for Liraglutide: While Victoza and Saxenda were linked to some reports of suicidal thoughts, researchers did not find a strong statistical connection. This suggests that the risk for these medications may be less severe than for semaglutide. 

The study emphasizes the urgency of addressing these risks, given the widespread use of these medications in 2024. Despite the benefits these drugs provide, their potential to cause severe side effects remains a matter of significant concern. 

August 15, 2024 – Updates on MDL Common Benefit Fund 

A new case management order has clarified the distribution of fees within the Ozempic MDL. According to the order: 

• 9% Allocation to the GLP-1 Fee Fund: This portion of any gross settlement or judgment is set aside to compensate the leadership attorneys overseeing the MDL, ensuring fair reimbursement for their work benefiting all plaintiffs. 
• 2% Allocation to the GLP-1 Expense Fund: This amount covers shared litigation costs, including expert fees, discovery expenses, and other necessary legal efforts. 

For plaintiffs, this typically means the 2% expense fund is deducted from the gross recovery. The 9% leadership fee is usually absorbed by your attorney’s contingency fee. For instance, if your attorney’s fee is 40%, their share after the leadership fee would be 31%. While exceptions exist in certain class action settlements, this is the standard practice for MDLs. 

August 1, 2024 – Ozempic MDL Sees a 200% Surge in July 

The Ozempic MDL experienced explosive growth in July, with 235 new cases added in just one month. This increase brings the total number of pending lawsuits to 346—marking a 200% expansion in just 30 days. 

July 12, 2024 - Harvard Study Finds Potential Association Between Ozempic and Blindness

A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology reviewed 1,689 patients taking medication for diabetes and/or weight loss. The general findings indicate that patients taking drugs that contain semaglutide (like Ozempic) may be up to eight times more likely to develop NAION (nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy) than those taking medications without semaglutide. People with NAION can suffer optic nerve blindness because of a lack of blood supply to their optic nerves.

While further research is needed to confirm these initial findings, the LLN team is following this development closely and preparing for possible Ozempic NAION lawsuits, including the Ozempic vision loss lawsuit. Sadly, blindness is only one of many risks now associated with Ozempic, and Ozempic still does not warn against blindness, gallstones, or gastroparesis. 

July 1, 2024 - Increases in Ozempic Lawsuits

The Ozempic litigation landscape continues to evolve, with a slight uptick in case filings. Last month saw a modest increase of four new lawsuits, bringing the total to 105. Today, however, marks a significant milestone as the 106th case joins the roster.

This latest filing comes from an Indiana resident who began her Ozempic journey in March 2022, following her doctor's advice for managing diabetes and weight. Exactly two years ago, on July 1, 2022, she found herself in the emergency room, grappling with severe constipation, rectal bleeding, and vomiting. Medical imaging revealed a bowel obstruction, which was treated before her discharge.

The plaintiff continues to struggle with irregular bowel movements and argues that the Ozempic label failed to adequately communicate the true extent of risks associated with the medication. She claims this oversight has had a profound impact on her quality of life.

June 23, 2024: Legal Action Initiated Against Ozempic Manufacturer

A resident of Kansas has initiated legal action against Ozempic's manufacturer. The plaintiff, who used the medication for type 2 diabetes from late 2019 to fall 2022, alleges that it led to gastroparesis, resulting in ongoing health issues. These include chronic vomiting, diarrhea, digestive discomfort, and significant emotional distress. The lawsuit seeks compensation for both physical suffering and medical expenses.

June 10, 2024: New Judge in Ozempic MDL

The Ozempic litigation has seen a change in leadership, with U.S. District Judge Karen Marston of Philadelphia taking the helm. Judge Marston, who joined the federal bench in 2019 after a career as a prosecutor, was chosen by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to oversee the growing number of product liability cases. This transition follows the unexpected passing of Judge Gene E.K. Pratter in May due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Legal teams continue to prepare their cases, including the development of a standardized plaintiff fact sheet. This document will streamline the process of collecting crucial information from the thousands of individual plaintiffs expected to join the litigation.

May 23, 2024: Judge Overseeing Ozempic MDL Dies

The Ozempic litigation faced an unexpected setback with the passing of Judge Gene E.K. Pratter, who was overseeing the multidistrict litigation (MDL). At 75, Judge Pratter left behind a legacy of distinguished service. This development has temporarily slowed proceedings as the MDL Panel searches for a replacement who must rapidly familiarize themselves with the complex case details.

May 21, 2024: Ozempic Plaintiffs’ Committee Files Status Report

The plaintiffs' committee submitted a progress update to the court. Their report highlighted a productive meeting in Rhode Island between opposing parties. Significant headway was made on finalizing a 13-page Plaintiff Fact Sheet (PFS) and accompanying authorization form, soon to be mandatory for all claimants. Both sides agreed to employ Rubris, an independent service provider, to manage the digital submission of these crucial documents.

May 18, 2024: MDL Judge Issues "Science Day"

In mid-May, the court issued Case Management Order #5, which set June 14, 2024, as the date for "Science Day." This event aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the medical and scientific aspects central to the litigation. While officially described as non-adversarial, seasoned observers note that both parties will likely use this opportunity to present evidence in a manner that supports their respective positions, even at this early stage.

The litigation's scope continues to expand, with April seeing 14 new cases added to the Ozempic class action MDL. This brings the total number of pending cases to 87, a significant increase for this relatively new consolidated action. Given the growing popularity of Ozempic and similar medications for weight management, industry watchers anticipate the potential for substantial growth in case numbers as the litigation progresses.

April 16, 2024: Plaintiffs Challenge Defendants

The Ozempic class action lawsuit has taken a new turn as plaintiffs' attorneys challenge the defendants' stance on their marketing and treatment approach. In a recent filing, the plaintiffs argue that despite the revolutionary impact of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs, the defendants are not absolved of their duty to properly inform prescribers about potential severe risks. The plaintiffs contend that the widespread adoption of these medications actually increases the urgency for comprehensive risk disclosure.

The core of the Ozempic litigation revolves around inadequate warning claims. The plaintiffs' legal team criticizes the drug labels for failing to sufficiently caution users about possible severe side effects, despite ongoing use and reported adverse reactions. They highlight the absence of long-term safety studies, with the most extensive research only spanning two years. This concern is amplified by the significant number of users discontinuing the medication due to complications or other factors.

A key point of contention in the legal proceedings is the methodology for establishing causation of alleged injuries. The plaintiffs reject the defendants' suggestion to rely exclusively on gastric emptying studies, advocating instead for a differential diagnosis approach. This method, endorsed by numerous medical professionals, involves evaluating all potential causes and eliminating unlikely ones to identify the drug as a probable contributor to the condition.

Furthermore, the plaintiffs oppose what they perceive as premature attempts by the defendants to dismiss claims or restrict causation testing to overly narrow methods. They argue that such approaches fail to adequately consider individual patient histories and the clinical judgments of their physicians, which are crucial for a fair trial.

The filing also takes issue with the defendants' portrayal of drug-induced conditions like ileus and bowel obstruction, asserting that these complications can be far more severe than the defendants suggest. The document concludes by emphasizing the importance of a thorough and equitable discovery process to ensure all claims receive proper consideration and adjudication.

April 2, 2024: Ozempic MDL Grows

The Ozempic class action MDL, initially created in February with 55 consolidated cases in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, has grown to 74 pending cases as of April 1, 2024. Given the widespread use of Ozempic, legal experts anticipate significant growth in case numbers.

March 18, 2024: Ozempic Marketing Strategies Under Scrutiny

Recent revelations about Novo Nordisk's marketing strategies for Ozempic have raised eyebrows. In 2022, the company allocated $11 million solely for meals and travel expenses for physicians as part of their efforts to promote Ozempic and related diabetes medications that aid in weight loss. This expenditure covered over 457,000 meals for nearly 12,000 doctors and included trips to international and domestic destinations such as London, Paris, Orlando, and Honolulu.

The scale of this spending has drawn criticism, including from the President and CEO of the Alliance of Community Health Plans, who described it as "outrageous." Critics argue that these funds could have been better invested in researching the drug's potential side effects and long-term efficacy. They point to studies from spring 2023 indicating an increased risk of intestinal obstruction associated with GLP-1 RA medications, underscoring the need for further investigation into these drugs' safety profiles.

March 15, 2024: First Status Conferences Regarding Ozempic MDL Take Place

The first status conference in the Ozempic class action lawsuit took place yesterday, bringing together attorneys for Novo Nordisk and plaintiffs alleging inadequate warning about the drug's side effects. The conference, held in a Pennsylvania federal court, addressed organizational and procedural aspects of the case, including leadership structure, motion practice, and the development of fact sheets.

The litigation involves multiple law firms representing both plaintiffs and defendants, indicating its complex nature. Discussions focused on streamlining the litigation process by appointing a leadership team for the plaintiffs and establishing efficient procedures for handling motions, particularly motions to dismiss that would apply across numerous cases.

A key point of discussion was the development of plaintiff fact sheets, which both sides agree are crucial for exchanging information about drug use and alleged injuries. Negotiations on these fact sheets are ongoing, with an emphasis on providing prompt proof of drug use and injury to the defendants.

Currently, eighteen lawsuits have been consolidated in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania under Judge Gene E.K. Pratter, with an additional 37 lawsuits pending consolidation. The majority of these cases focus on failure to warn of the risk of gastroparesis, a condition that impairs stomach contractions and digestion, leading to severe symptoms. The litigation also encompasses other glucagon-like peptide 1-receptor agonists such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Trulicity.

As of now, no case management order has been issued. Most court orders have focused on admitting out-of-state Ozempic lawyers from both sides to participate in the litigation.

February 2, 2024 - Ozempic is Officially an MDL

An important decision concerning the Ozempic lawsuits was made today when the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) decided to merge these cases into a single Multidistrict Litigation (MDL).

This marks a critical point for everyone affected by Ozempic or involved in the cases.

Merging the lawsuits into an MDL will speed up the pre-trial process, hopefully leading to quicker resolutions for the plaintiffs.

January 15, 2023 - Court Rules Louisiana Plaintiff Can’t Revise Claim to Preserve Negligence Accusation

In December of 2023, U.S. District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. dismissed the breach of express warranty claims against Ozempic manufacturer Novo Nordisk. Thus, product liability claims that were solely based on this accusation were removed from the ever-growing body of Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuits housed in federal court in Louisiana.

Plaintiffs had a 30-day window to modify their Ozempic stomach paralysis claims if they wanted to continue to be considered in the multidistrict litigation. Judge Cain is actively enforcing this deadline. He has just prevented one plaintiff who alleges her gastroparesis resulted from using Ozempic from changing her claim to proceed.

How Ozempic Helps Treat Type II Diabetes

Ozempic is a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Analog-Type drug used to control high blood sugar in Type II diabetics. Type II diabetes is characterized by an inability to process glucose, a form of sugar, normally due to an insufficient supply of insulin, or insulin-resistant conditions. 

If left untreated, Type II diabetes can lead to life-threatening conditions such as stroke and heart disease, as well as conditions that diminish a person's quality of life, such as eye or kidney disease.

Ozempic is intended to mitigate a Type II diabetic's issues with processing sugar. It accomplishes this by performing the job that is normally done by incretin glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that increases insulin secretion, in a non-diabetic. Ozempic serves as a blood sugar balancer by preventing excessive sugar production by the liver while also encouraging the pancreas to provide additional insulin to help regulate the body's blood sugar. 

Ozempic is typically sold as a liquid injection that is administered once a week, with the dosage being increased over time. It is not used to treat Type I diabetes or ketoacidosis. 

People with Type II diabetes should also maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen since Ozempic is intended to be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes to manage high blood sugar.

What Injuries Can Be Caused by Ozempic Use?

Ozempic users have reported gallstones, biliary diseases, and acute gallbladder disease after using the medication. The issues associated with this drug's side effects are primarily focused on the gallbladder which functions as a part of the digestive system. 

The gallbladder is an organ that is responsible for storing and discharging bile received from the liver in order to help the body process the fat in food. Ozempic may increase cholesterol, and the gallbladder must create more bile to break it down. 

In cases where cholesterol is too high, the gallbladder may be unable to complete this process, leading the cholesterol or other bile materials to form hard deposits known as gallstones. Smaller gallstones may resolve or pass naturally through the body, but a large number of gallstones or a sizable gallstone may need medical intervention. 

For example, when a gallstone or several gallstones are large enough to block the bile duct and prevent the release of bile, this is known as Cholecystitis. This inflammation often requires surgery to resolve.

Ozempic and Stomach Paralysis (Gastroparesis)

In addition to problems with the gallbladder, Ozempic has also been connected to stomach paralysis, also known as gastroparesis. This uncomfortable side effect involves the patient suffering from symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, appetite problems, and bloating. Stomach paralysis is caused by the muscles of the digestive tract responsible for moving food through to digest slowing down.

Gastroparesis is believed to be connected to type 2 diabetes which Ozempic is prescribed to treat. Similar drugs to Ozempic such as Wegovy, Rybelsus, Trulicity, Saxenda, and Mounjaro are also linked to reports of stomach paralysis in patients. As a result, many are now filing Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuits similar to the ones being filed over gallstones. Mounjaro stomach paralysis lawsuits have been filed and may potentially be joined by Mounjaro gallstone lawsuits if the Ozempic competitor proves to cause the same issues.

Multiple Studies Confirm Patient Reports That Ozempic is a Defective Antidiabetic Medication

In a meta-analysis of clinical trials of Ozempic, a group of researchers found an increased risk of gallbladder issues in Ozempic users who took the drug for weight loss purposes, used the drug in high doses, or over a prolonged period. According to Ozempic’s own warning labels, a 0.5 mg dosage caused Cholelithiasis in 1.5% of participants in the clinical study, and a 1 mg dosage caused Cholelithiasis in 0.4% of study participants. 

The study participants who received the placebo drug did not experience Cholelithiasis gallstones. Of the participants who developed gallbladder issues, 90% required surgery to remove their gallbladders. 

In short, while gallbladder issues caused by Ozempic may be relatively rare when they do happen, they are typically severe enough to necessitate surgery.

Diabetics File Claims Against Ozempic Makers for Failure to Warn

Novo Nordisk, the company that manufactures Ozempic, secured FDA approval for the drug in 2017. Unfortunately, as we have seen with other defective drugs and medical devices, FDA approval does not necessarily mean that a product is completely safe and does not involve undisclosed or downplayed risks. Prior to updating their packaging label, drug manufacturers did not describe the risk of gallbladder injury associated with using Ozempic. This failure to warn users about potential gallbladder issues has potentially left them open to being held liable for injured users’ damages. 

Other companies, such as the manufacturers of Tylenol, have been similarly accused of failure to warn and are now facing claims for personal injury damages. Consumers have a right to be informed of the risks of the medications they use to protect their health before taking the drug. 

It appears Novo Nordisk neglected to warn Ozempic users of the risk of gallbladder injury associated with using their product. If plaintiffs can establish that Novo Nordisk’s failure to alert consumers to the increased risk of gallbladder issues resulted in their injuries and subsequent damages, they may be able to hold Ozempic’s manufacturers liable under the legal theory of negligence. 

Do You Qualify to File an Ozempic Gallstone Lawsuit?

Ozempic gallstone claims fall under the category of product liability lawsuits. A product liability lawsuit can be brought based on a design flaw, a manufacturing error, a distribution issue, or a failure to provide a warning label. 

In the case of the Ozempic claims, the manufacturer did not warn consumers about the increased risk of gallbladder issues until March 2022, even though the drug had been available to consumers for many years by that time.

You may be eligible to bring an Ozempic lawsuit if you meet certain conditions. Specifically, you must have:

• Used Ozempic prior to April 2022
• Suffered gallbladder injuries, such as gallstones
• Sustained financial damages as a result of your gallbladder injuries

To determine if you have a valid claim, you should contact a product liability attorney to discuss your specific circumstances. 

During a free consultation with our legal team at Lawsuit Legal News, you can learn more about the process of filing a claim, what evidence you will need to provide, and what a settlement or trial verdict could be worth.

What is an Ozempic Lawsuit Worth?

As with any personal injury lawsuit, the amount of compensation each plaintiff receives will depend on how their injuries have impacted their life financially, physically, and emotionally. For example, a person who passed a small gallstone at home with no other repercussions would likely receive a smaller settlement than a plaintiff who had gallbladder removal surgery and missed two weeks of work as a result of using Ozempic. 

At this point, we cannot say exactly what an Ozempic claim may be worth because they have not been resolved yet. To provide a general estimate, we believe plaintiffs who had to endure surgery for gallbladder removal could potentially see damages in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

Why You Need an Ozempic Lawyer

With more than 4 million Ozempic prescriptions issued in one recent year alone, we expect many more users will be injured and more Ozempic gallstone lawsuits will be filed. If these dangerous drug cases follow the pattern set by other similar product liability cases, Ozempic lawsuits are poised to become a mass tort situation. 

You don’t want to get lost in the shuffle of mass tort litigation and end up receiving nothing or settling for less than you deserve because you did not have your own personal injury lawyer fighting for you. Product liability attorneys are an invaluable resource in a complex personal injury claim.

A skilled Ozempic attorney will manage the administrative tasks that accompany any personal injury claim as well as other legal services typically involved in these cases, such as taking depositions, documenting damages, and ensuring that all filing deadlines are met. A dedicated product liability attorney will also investigate the defective product to help you build a solid case and protect your right to seek compensation for your damages.

The group of Ozempic claims is quite new, so plaintiffs will not have the benefit of knowing how other Ozempic claims have been resolved. This makes working with a skilled negotiator even more important to successfully securing the maximum amount of compensation possible. The defective drug lawyers at Lawsuit Legal News have the experience needed to ascertain the best strategy to maximize your compensation.

Contact a Dedicated Ozempic Lawsuit Lawyer Today

If you have experienced gallstones or gastroparesis after using Ozempic or Mounjaro, you may have the right to bring a product liability personal injury lawsuit against the drug manufacturer. As you can see, these legal claims are complicated, but you don’t have to face them alone.

Contact the knowledgeable legal team at Lawsuit Legal News to learn more about your unique options and how to recover the compensation you need and deserve. Call us at 866-535-9515 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation today.