Mounjaro Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit: Gastroparesis and Mounjaro (December 2024)

Legally Reviewed

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by attorney Matthew Dolman and is accurate as possible. Matthew is a licensed attorney with twenty years of legal experience. His practice includes mass tort claims and representing plaintiffs in product liability lawsuits. Dolman Law Group has collected $250,000,000.00 in compensation for injury victims and has represented over 7500 individuals. Matthew presently represents a number of individuals who are plaintiffs in MDL 3094 In Re: Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAS) Products Liability Litigation pending in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. This content should not be taken as legal advice from attorney.

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Lawsuit Legal News does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact us. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.

Eli Lilly and Company's Mounjaro is a medication used for glycemic control in Type II diabetics. The tirzepatide drug is one of the most potent GLP-1 RA medications on the market, and its ability to help users achieve considerable weight loss has led some physicians to describe it as the successor of Novo Nordisk's Ozempic (semaglutide). 

However, despite Mounjaro's efficacy, the medication can cause various undisclosed side effects, such as gastroparesis, also known as stomach paralysis, which has landed uninformed users in hospitals and surgery rooms nationwide.

Eli Lilly and Company's failure to properly inform prescribing physicians and Mounjaro users of these risks has given rise to manifold product liability lawsuits, which seek to hold the company accountable. Despite the reported adverse events, Eli Lilly has not issued any recall.

Lawsuit Legal News is tracking the various Mounjaro stomach paralysis lawsuits as they advance in federal courts nationwide and will conduct in-depth analyses of important developments.

Federal Mounjaro lawsuits were finally consolidated into multidistrict litigation on February 3, 2024. As a result, these lawsuits are now combined for discovery and motion hearings before one Judge in one jurisdiction.

Click Here to View the Latest Mounjaro Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit Updates

Mounjaro Stomach Paralysis Lawsuits Table Of Contents

Eli Lilly and Company's "Dual Agonist" Medication, Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is a unique member of the GLP-1 RA drug class, which acts as a "dual agonist," mimicking both glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). These vital hormones are naturally produced in the small intestine, facilitate insulin production, and catalyze the metabolism of sugars. 

Mounjaro (a GLP-1 receptor agonist) is typically prescribed in 5, 10, and 15-milligram dosages, which users inject once a week. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Mounjaro for treating Type II diabetes mellitus because it regulates blood sugar levels effectively. While Mounjaro falls into the classification of diabetes drugs, it is among the GLP-1 agonists that have been utilized off-label as weight-loss medications.

However, like all GLP-1 RAs, tirzepatide has a considerable impact on the functioning of the digestive tract and gastrointestinal system. For instance, in clinical trials, the FDA observed that Mounjaro users sustained, on average, more significant weight reduction than participants prescribed either a placebo or semaglutide. Keep in mind that Mounjaro slows the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine, which makes the user feel full and satiated longer.

As a result, users throughout the country have sought Mounjaro prescriptions for both chronic weight management and cosmetic weight loss purposes. In an effort to capitalize on the demand, Eli Lilly and Company even developed an alternative tirzepatide medication, Zepbound, for weight loss, which received FDA approval in November 2023. 

MOUNJARO LAWSUIT UPDATES

We aim to provide the most up-to-date information on the Mounjaro lawsuit against Eli Lilly on the Internet. Please bookmark this page, and if you need additional information, you can contact our lead Mounjaro trial attorney for assistance. All Mounjaro lawsuits alleging gastroparesis, intestinal blockage, or ileus have been consolidated in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to ensure consistent discovery orders and streamline proceedings. 

Mounjaro Class Action Lawsuit Evolves Into Multidistrict Litigation

What started as the Mounjaro class action lawsuit evolved into multidistrict litigation (MDL). There are now hundreds of lawsuits against Eli Lilly (maker of Mounjaro) and Novo Nordisk (manufacturer of Ozempic) with consistent allegations of severe gastrointestinal problems caused by using a diabetes medication off-label for weight loss. The LLN team presently represents many clients who complain of severe gastroparesis after using these drugs.

December 1, 2024 - Ozempic Ileus Lawsuit Update

A new lawsuit highlights the ongoing litigation surrounding Ozempic and its potential for causing severe gastrointestinal side effects. Filed by Alabama resident Karen Linn on November 21, 2024, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Alabama, the case alleges that Novo Nordisk failed to warn users about the risks of gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) and ileus, a condition where the intestines fail to move food properly.

Linn claims that two years of Ozempic use led to significant injuries, including food intolerance, nausea, severe pain, and digestive system blockages, leaving her with substantial medical expenses. The lawsuit also accuses Novo Nordisk of negligence, fraudulent concealment, and failing to disclose these known risks.

The case is expected to be transferred to the multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, overseen by U.S. District Judge Karen S. Marston. The MDL now includes many GLP-1 lawsuits involving Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.

Judge Marston has directed early proceedings to focus on general causation evidence and key legal questions, including federal preemption and testing evidence requirements. These steps are crucial for selecting bellwether trials to gauge jury reactions and potentially pave the way for settlement discussions. The outcomes of these early trials could shape the trajectory of litigation for thousands of claims, emphasizing the importance of these initial phases.

November 1, 2024 - FDA Removes Mounjaro from Drug Shortage List Amid Ongoing Lawsuits

The FDA removed tirzepatide (Mounjaro) from its drug shortage list, confirming with Eli Lilly that supply levels are now stable. This decision has significant implications, as it restricts compounding pharmacies from making copycat versions of Mounjaro. The FDA emphasized that compounded drugs should only be made in limited, non-regular amounts, especially now that Mounjaro is deemed “commercially available.”

For current and potential Mounjaro users, this FDA stance brings attention to the drug’s risks and benefits in its intended formulation. The agency’s decision also affects patients who might have turned to compounded versions of Mounjaro due to prior shortages and concerns about side effects. With the supply issue reportedly resolved, users may face fewer barriers to accessing the FDA-approved product, with its safety measures and labeling intact. However, patients considering Mounjaro should still weigh the risks, given the ongoing lawsuits alleging gastroparesis and other gastrointestinal complications associated with GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro.

THE DANGEROUS SIDE EFFECTS OF MOUNJARO

Eli Lilly and the FDA have disclosed various side effects associated with the long-term use of Mounjaro, which was approved for sale in American markets in 2022. The most common adverse gastrointestinal events which users have reported include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

Other common side effects of Mounjaro include:

• Severe Vomiting/Excessive Vomiting
• Ileus
• Pancreatitis
• Renal Complications
• Abdominal Pain/Severe Stomach Pain
• Gastrointestinal Issues 
• Severe Gastroparesis/Delayed Gastric Emptying
• Gallbladder Issues

Users who experience the symptoms of any of the preceding complications are advised to seek immediate medical assistance and to speak with their physician to determine whether or not to continue the use of Mounjaro. We have noted the risk of gastroparesis is significant with Mounjaro and other diabetes medications that have been used off-label to treat obesity. Our clients have consistently reported gastrointestinal side effects.

Mounjaro and Gastroparesis' Link to Diabetes

As we have mentioned, tirzepatide (the generic name for Mounjaro) is a medication that helps patients with the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. The drug is a significant advancement in diabetes care for several reasons, mainly because Mounjaro works as a dual agonist for the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor and the GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor. This dual action is unique compared to previous diabetes medications.

Mounjaro has been shown to lower blood sugar levels significantly, cause weight loss, which can improve insulin sensitivity, and it can also reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke.

However, in recent months, patients with diabetes who use Mounjaro have reported developing gastrointestinal issues, one of the more serious of these complaints being gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) after using the tirzepatide medication to help manage their Type II diabetes. Gastroparesis is a debilitating condition that occurs when the stomach muscles fail to deposit the stomach's contents into the first part of the small intestine and when, in general, the smooth muscles in the stomach and intestines slow down altogether. 

This results in various subsequent complications, such as: 

• Profuse vomiting 
• Dehydration
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Stomach pain 
• Constipation

People with type II diabetes are already at a heightened risk of developing gastroparesis on account of damage to the vagus nerve. Yet, Eli Lilly's popular antidiabetic does not have a warning label that fully or properly informs users predisposed to the condition.

The flurry of alarming Mounjaro reports parallels previous claims in investigative journalism conducted by CNN, which exposed the unnerving experiences of Ozempic and Wegovy users and forecasted subsequent litigation.

Mounjaro offers a promising option for individuals with Type 2 diabetes, especially those struggling with weight management in addition to glycemic control. Its unique mechanism of action helps lower blood sugar levels, supports weight loss, and may contribute to cardiovascular benefits. However, it does come with the potential risks of these serious conditions, some of which can be life-altering.

Understanding Gastroparesis: A Closer Look

Gastroparesis, often referred to as stomach paralysis, is a medical condition that affects the normal spontaneous movement of the muscles in your stomach (i.e., muscles you do not have to think about to control, like your heart, esophagus or bladder). These strong, smooth muscles normally contract and propel food through your digestive tract. However, in gastroparesis, these contractions are weakened or don't work at all, preventing your stomach from emptying the things you have eaten into your intestines to be processed.

This condition can lead to a range of symptoms and complications, significantly impacting a person's quality of life.

Symptoms of Gastroparesis

As we have briefly covered, the symptoms of gastroparesis can vary from mild to severe, with the most serious being gastroparesis, gallbladder disease, gallstones, ileus, pancreatitis, and kidney complications.

So, how does one know they might have gastroparesis? They look for signs or symptoms, including:

• Nausea and Vomiting, Especially After Eating: This is when you feel sick to your stomach and may throw up, which can happen soon after meals. It's uncomfortable and can make it hard to keep food down.
• Feeling Full After Eating Only a Small Amount of Food: This happens when you quickly feel like you've had enough to eat, even if you've only had a few bites of food. It can make it challenging to eat enough vitamins and nutrients that your body needs.
• A Large Amount of Weight Loss in a Short Period of Time: If you are losing a lot of weight very quickly without trying. It can be a sign that your body isn't getting the energy it needs from the food you are eating.
• Bloating and Abdominal Pain: Bloating is when your stomach feels swollen after eating, and it can be accompanied by pain. This can make you feel uncomfortable and full, often for a long period of time.
• Heartburn or Gastroesophageal Reflux: Heartburn is a burning feeling in your chest, often after eating, caused by stomach acid moving up into the throat. It's a common and uncomfortable issue that a lot of people face. It has been said that heartburn from Mounjaro can be very intense.
• Changes in Blood Sugar Levels: This refers to the amount of sugar in your blood going up and down more than it should. It can make you feel tired, thirsty, or need to urinate more often. This is often a symptom that only affects people with diabetes, but with Mounjaro, it can even affect people without diabetes.
• Lack of Appetite: If you don't feel hungry or have the desire to eat, it can lead you to not eat enough and potentially lose weight in an unhealthy way.

Diagnosis of Gastroparesis

Diagnosing gastroparesis typically involves a review of your medical history, a physical examination, and specific tests. These tests might include:

• Gastric emptying study: This is the most common test for gastroparesis. It measures how quickly food leaves your stomach and involves eating a meal containing a small amount of radioactive material, then tracking the rate at which it exits your stomach by viewing the radioactive material with a special machine.
• Endoscopy: To rule out other conditions, an endoscopy might be performed to look inside your stomach. This involves using a thin scope to down your throat and into your stomach.
• Ultrasound: This can check for other problems that might be causing symptoms, such as gallbladder disease or pancreatitis. Ultrasounds are like live X-rays and are the same procedure that pregnant women get to view their babies.

Treatment Options for Gastroparesis

Treatment for gastroparesis focuses on managing symptoms and ensuring nutritional needs are met. And in this case, it would probably involve stopping Mounjaro to prevent further complications.

However, you should not stop taking any medication without first speaking to your doctor and having a thorough conversation with them about your situation. This is very important.

Treatment options for stomach paralysis may include:

• Dietary changes: Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding high-fat and fibrous foods can help manage symptoms.
• Medications: Medicines that stimulate stomach muscle contractions or help control nausea and vomiting are often prescribed.
• Feeding tubes: In severe cases, if normal eating isn't possible, a feeding tube may be used to bypass the stomach and deliver nutrients directly to the intestines.
• Gastric electrical stimulation: A device that sends mild electrical pulses to the stomach muscles to help control nausea and vomiting.

Gastroparesis and Mounjaro

For individuals using Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for Type II diabetes or to help with weight loss, it's important to be aware that gastroparesis is a potential side effect.

Mounjaro, like other GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Ozempuc and Wegovy, can slow gastric emptying, which might exacerbate or cause gastroparesis in certain individuals. If you're taking Mounjaro and experience symptoms like prolonged nausea, vomiting, or a feeling of fullness after eating small amounts, it's crucial to consult your healthcare provider.

The ongoing Mounjaro stomach paralysis lawsuits highlight the importance of being fully informed about the potential risks associated with this medication. That is why it is so important that patients and doctors are fully educated on these drugs before they are taken or prescribed.

Patients and healthcare providers must weigh the benefits of Mounjaro against the risk of developing gastroparesis or other gastrointestinal issues. These legal actions also underscore the need for pharmaceutical companies to provide comprehensive warnings about possible side effects, allowing patients to make informed decisions about their treatment options.

Gastroparesis is a challenging and serious condition that can significantly affect your life. Understanding the symptoms, how it's diagnosed, and the treatment options is crucial for anyone suffering from stomach paralysis to know.

GLP-1 RA Medications Known to Cause Gastroparesis and Other Adverse Medical Events

Mounjaro's rapid success in American markets was partially a result of the novelty of its "dual agonist" design and classification. Prior to Mounjaro's introduction, the antidiabetic and weight management industry had already undergone massive transformations in the wake of Novo Nordisk's cohort of GLP-1 RA medications, such as: 

• Rybelsus 
• Saxenda
• Ozempic
• Wegovy 

The Nordic multinational company's semaglutide drugs soon acquired mythic status, not only for their efficacy in treating Type II diabetes but also their marked weight loss potential. Nevertheless, clinical research and FDA postmarketing review have only recently scrutinized the long-term side effects of GLP-1 RA use and discovered highly alarming rates of gastroparesis. 

For example, an October 2023 report in JAMA found that the prescription of GLP-1 RAs for weight loss resulted in an increased incidence rate of stomach paralysis in comparison to available alternatives. The FDA also recently revised Ozempic's warning label to inform users of the risk of bowel obstruction, an adverse medical event common to most GLP-1 RAs. 

Eli Lilly Failed to Warn Users of Adverse Medical Events

The makers of prescription medications are required to inform users and/or prescribing physicians of the risks associated with a particular product. This duty of care is a critical component of guaranteeing the safety and well-being of the public, and a failure to observe it may constitute an actionable offense, especially if it results in severe injuries. 

Unfortunately, there is no explicit warning or caveat on Mounjaro's side effects label which informs either prescribing physicians or users of the risk of stomach paralysis. Consequently, plaintiffs in the ongoing Mounjaro stomach paralysis lawsuits allege that they were misled about the safety and efficacy of the "dual agonist" drug and would not have taken it had they known of its potential to cause gastroparesis. 

As of date, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration declined to comment on whether GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro cause gastroparesis. The FDA changed the warning label in September of 2023, to acknowledge the potential for intestinal blockage (Ileus). However, in light of patient safety, we do not believe off label use of Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) for weight loss The warning label also warns users that Mounjaro delays gastric emptying.

Mounjaro Manufacturer Faces Product Liability Lawsuits 

On account of Eli Lilly and Company's failure to place the safety of consumers above its concern for profits, Mounjaro users throughout the country have filed lawsuits in an effort to seek accountability and compensation. The cases are part and parcel of nearly 20 GLP-1 RA-related lawsuits that have been filed in federal courts in recent months. 

Prominent law firms representing current plaintiffs have stated that they are actively investigating upwards of 10,000 claims and have initiated the process to consolidate extant cases for pretrial legal proceedings in Louisiana federal court. 

The popularity of GLP-1 medications utilized as weight loss drugs has skyrocketed in recent years. We believe that while the FDA will monitor for potential adverse events if past incidents are any indication of future issues, Mounjaro should not be used for obesity medicine. Physicians should recommend patients take diabetes medications for their intended purpose. 

First Mounjaro Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit Filed in August 2023 

The first Mounjaro and Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuit was filed in August 2023 against both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and Company. The plaintiff, Jaclyn Bjorklund, claims to have taken Ozempic for slightly more than a year before developing severe gastrointestinal complications reminiscent of stomach paralysis. 

After vomiting so excessively that she lost teeth, Bjorklund discontinued her use of Ozempic and received, upon the recommendation of her physician, a prescription for Mounjaro, in July 2023. However, the new medication, whose gastrointestinal effects are more potent than those of Ozempic, served only to intensify her medical emergency. 

Bjorklund alleges that Novo Nordisk, Ozempic manufacturer, and Eli Lilly and Company failed to adequately warn her of the risks she ran from taking their drugs, which directly caused her injuries. Another Mounjaro lawsuit filed in December 2023 echoed Bjorklund's complaint. 

The plaintiff, Blake, received a Mounjaro prescription and shortly thereafter suffered from routine bouts of projectile vomiting. Blake's condition became so severe as to necessitate hospitalization and required him to take time off from work, jeopardizing his household's financial stability. In order to quell his seemingly permanent stomach paralysis diagnosis, Blake has had to adjust his work schedule, radically alter his diet, and seek alternative medications to treat his Type II diabetes. 

Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and Co. Attempt to Dismiss Litigation

Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and Company have denied liability, reaffirmed the safety of their drugs, and undertaken to derail the litigation. In the final quarter of 2023, both pharmaceutical companies petitioned the federal court in which Bjorklund's claim had been filed to dismiss her claim on the grounds that she failed to establish specific instances of wrongdoing and sought damages impermissible via the statute under which she filed suit. 

Judge James D. Cain Jr., who currently presides over the lawsuit, largely rejected Novo Nordisk's arguments and reaffirmed Bjorklund's standing at the pleading stage. He has not, however, issued a final decision on Eli Lilly and Company's motion. Nonetheless, given the intentional similarity of the companies' rationale to dismiss the lawsuit, it is likely that the court will rule comparably on the Mounjaro manufacturer's bid. 

Plaintiffs Request Case Consolidation for Pretrial Legal Proceedings 

On December 1, 2023, the law firm representing both Bjorklund and Blake filed a motion with the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML). The JPML is a federal panel that determines whether or not to consolidate cases for pretrial proceedings. 

The court relies upon various criteria in making a decision, such as commonalities of fact and law, the economy for the resolution of mass torts through the federal court system, and the importance of consistent rulings. If the U.S. JPML concludes that consolidating similar cases would efficiently streamline legal proceedings, eliminate duplicative discovery, and alleviate parties of burdensome costs, it establishes a multidistrict litigation (MDL). 

The JPML has yet to respond to the request to create a Mounjaro MDL, which plaintiffs seek to transfer to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, before Judge Cain. A favorable ruling from the JPML would not only consolidate pending lawsuits but would likely result in an eventual enrollment procedure for novel claims. 

Contact an Experienced Mounjaro Stomach Paralysis Lawyer Today 

Our goal is to inform consumers of defective prescription medications of their rights and legal options and assist them with attaining fair compensation for their damages. That is why our talented legal team is on standby to offer Mounjaro users advice and assistance as they determine whether or not to file a claim against Eli Lilly and Company. 

Over the past several years, we have used our 120 combined years of personal injury law experience to pursue accountability and justice from the makers of Ozempic, Tepezza, and Tylenol. In addition, we are comfortable with managing the complex legal landscape of multidistrict litigation, in order to maximize our clients' chance of success. 

In a free consultation, our Mounjaro lawyers can answer any additional questions you may have about your eligibility and the compensation to which you may be entitled. For more information, contact us today. We are reviewing claims against Mounjaro and other GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy. The number of medical issues and severe side effects associated with GLP-1 medications is alarming.

Mounjaro Gastroparesis Lawsuit FAQs

In the 5 months since Bjorklund filed the first Ozempic and Mounjaro stomach paralysis lawsuit, the groundswell of filings and the potential for thousands of claims have increased exponentially. To dispel any confusion, we have answered common questions that prospective plaintiffs and Mounjaro users have raised over the complex process of seeking compensation and accountability for their injuries.