The diabetes medication Ozempic has come under scrutiny from several doctors and voices in the medical community regarding its potential to cause harmful side effects that outweigh the benefits. Dr. Nesheiwat, a Fox News medical contributor, has issued a warning against the misuse of Ozempic.
Dr. Neshiwat stated that while the drug can keep hunger away for a while, your blood sugar may drop too low, cause dizziness, or even vomiting. Dr. Nesheiwat also states that if you have a history of thyroid cancer there is a possibility that it can reintroduce it into your body.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic, known by its generic name semaglutide, is a non-insulin antidiabetic medication primarily used for treating type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, for weight management by controlling blood sugar levels.
Developed by the Danish multinational pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk in 2012, Ozempic has become widely prescribed in the United States, with over 4 million prescriptions. However, it's essential to note that Ozempic is not intended for use in type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, or individuals with a history of pancreatitis.
What Injuries Can Ozempic Cause?
Users of Ozempic have reported experiencing issues related to stomach paralysis, also known as gastroparesis, and the gallbladder, including gallstones, biliary diseases, and acute gallbladder disease, following the use of this medication. The side effects associated with Ozempic appear to primarily affect the digestive system by causing issues with stomach muscles and inflicting stomach paralysis or the gallbladder, an essential organ in the digestive system.
The gallbladder plays a crucial role in storing and releasing bile, which is produced by the liver and aids in the digestion of fats from food. Ozempic has been linked to an increase in cholesterol levels, which can lead to the gallbladder needing to produce more bile to break down the excess cholesterol.
In cases where cholesterol levels become too elevated, the gallbladder may struggle to process it effectively, resulting in the formation of solid deposits known as gallstones. While smaller gallstones may sometimes resolve on their own or pass through the body naturally, a significant number of gallstones or larger ones may require medical intervention.
For instance, when a gallstone or multiple gallstones obstruct the bile duct and prevent the release of bile, it can lead to a condition called Cholecystitis, which is characterized by inflammation of the gallbladder. This condition often necessitates surgical intervention to resolve the issue.
What Are Gallstones?
Cholelithiasis, commonly known as gallstones, is a medical condition characterized by the formation of solid particles or stones within the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver on the right side of the abdomen. Its primary function is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps in the breakdown and absorption of fats from the food we eat.
Gallstones are typically made up of cholesterol, bilirubin (a waste product), and calcium salts. They can vary in size, ranging from small sand-like particles to larger stones that can be as big as a golf ball. The presence of gallstones in the gallbladder can lead to various health issues and discomfort.
According to the Ozempic product label, clinical trials revealed that gallstones were reported in 1.5% of patients treated with 0.5mg of Ozempic and 0.4% of patients treated with 1mg of Ozempic. However, no cases of gallstones were reported in patients who were given a placebo during these trials. Remarkably, 90% of the patients who reported gallstones in these Ozempic clinical trials classified their cholelithiases as a serious event, necessitating cholecystectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of the gallbladder.
Lawsuits Regarding Ozempic Negative Side Effects
In line with typical personal injury cases, individuals who have suffered harm from taking Ozempic have the right to seek compensation for specific financial losses and damages. Like other cases involving dangerous drugs, those affected by Ozempic can pursue both economic and non-economic damages to assist in covering expenses and reclaiming a sense of normalcy in their lives.
Just like any personal injury lawsuit, the compensation awarded to each individual plaintiff in an Ozempic claim will be determined by the impact of their injuries on their financial, physical, and emotional well-being. For instance, a plaintiff who experienced minimal consequences, such as passing a small gallstone at home without significant repercussions, would likely receive a smaller settlement compared to someone who had to undergo gallbladder removal surgery and missed work for two weeks due to Ozempic use.
As of now, it's challenging to provide an exact value for an Ozempic claim since these cases have not been resolved yet. However, as a rough estimate, plaintiffs who underwent gallbladder removal surgery might potentially be eligible for damages in the range of hundreds of thousands of dollars, considering the severity of their situation.
Can I File an Ozempic Lawsuit?
You may qualify to bring an Ozempic lawsuit if you meet certain conditions. Specifically, you must have the following:
- Used Ozempic prior to April 2022
- Suffered gallbladder injuries, such as gallstones
- Sustained financial damages as a result of your gallbladder injuries
Having a personal injury attorney by your side is crucial in accurately assessing the damages you have incurred and including them in your claim. With their expertise in calculating damages, you can optimize the value of your Ozempic lawsuit and possibly identify damages you may not have been aware of on your own. Their professional assistance can prove invaluable in navigating the complexities of your case and ensuring you receive fair compensation for the harm caused.
Contact an Ozempic Lawsuit Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one have experienced gallstones due to the use of Ozempic, please do not hesitate to contact an attorney in your area as soon as possible. You may be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit against the manufacturer of the drug.
Filing an Ozempic lawsuit can get you the compensation you need to cover damages related to injuries like gallstones. Medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering can be claimed as damages in an Ozempic lawsuit. It is recommended that you contact an experienced personal injury lawyer about your Ozempic case today and begin the process of filing a claim sooner rather than later to better increase your chances at attaining fair compensation with an Ozempic lawsuit settlement.