Ozempic is an injectable prescription drug that Novo Nordisk developed to treat type 2 diabetes. A substantial percentage of the U.S. population uses Ozempic, Wegovy, or a similar GLP-1RA drug not just to control their type 2 diabetes but to aid in weight loss, too.
But Ozempic’s soaring popularity could come with a huge price. Many people who use Ozempic or a similar drug are now suing the manufacturers, alleging the injections cause gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) and other serious injuries.
If you or a loved one has experienced a serious injury or illness after using Ozempic, contact the legal team at Lawsuit Legal News today for a free case evaluation.
We are preparing lawsuits for individuals injured by Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Trulicity, Mounjaro, and Zepbound.
While the payouts for Ozempic claims will vary between cases, depending on the severity of the illness or injury, we will help you understand where Ozempic lawsuits stand and what to expect. If you have specific questions, working with an Ozempic lawsuit attorney can provide you with the knowledge and support necessary for your case.
What Is Ozempic?
Ozempic, the brand name for the synthetic hormone semaglutide, is an injectable drug that can improve the body’s blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide belongs to a family of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1Ras).
The drug works by mimicking the human digestive hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), sometimes called the hunger hormone. GLP-1 regulates insulin production and appetite. Your body also produces GLP-1 to give you that full feeling after you eat.
The human body has GLP-1 receptors in the brain, tongue, stomach, liver, and pancreas, each serving a different function when triggered by the hormone. Novo Nordisk developed Ozempic to trigger those receptors when the body’s ability to perform some of these digestive functions naturally declines.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Ozempic in December 2017 as a diabetes drug, but doctors soon began prescribing it for weight loss, too, because it is an effective appetite suppressant.
Although the FDA did not approve of Ozempic as a weight loss drug, doctors may prescribe it for off-label purposes in people without diabetes. Prescribing drugs for off-label uses is legal in the United States.
Once the FDA approves a drug as safe, doctors may prescribe it for purposes other than its intended use.
In June 2021, the FDA approved semaglutide in a higher-dose formula for weight-loss purposes only. Novo Nordisk named this new drug Wegovy. With diabetes and obesity rates reaching epidemic proportions, semaglutide’s popularity soared, creating shortages of the Ozempic and Wegovy.
A University of California Irvine School of Medicine study found that nearly one-third of the U.S. population fits the patient profile for Ozempic or a similar semaglutide drug.
What Are Rybelsus, Wegovy, Trulicity, Mounjaro and Zepbound?
If you take Ozempic for type 2 diabetes or weight loss, you may have heard of similar drugs on the market, some of which Eli Lilly produces.
Or perhaps you take one of those drugs instead. All of these drugs contain semaglutide, the synthetic form of the human GLP-1 hormone that regulates digestion, insulin levels, blood sugar levels, and appetite.
However, each drug has its own characteristics and uses:
- Wegovy (semaglutide)
Also manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Wegovy is the same as Ozempic, only it comes in a higher dosage formula that is FDA-approved for weight loss in overweight and obese adults.
- Rybelsus (semaglutide)
Manufactured by Novo Nordisk for type 2 diabetes, Rybelsus is essentially the same as Ozempic but comes in an oral tablet form rather than an injection.
- Trulicity (dulaglutide)
Developed by Eli Lilly, Trulicity is a once-weekly injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist used to treat adults with type 2 diabetes. The active ingredient, dulaglutide, is a synthetic analog of human GLP-1. The drug resembles Ozempic, but it goes a step further and reduces cardiovascular risks.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Manufactured by Eli Lilly, Mounjaro is a once-weekly injectable drug that acts as a dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Essentially, Mounjaro mimics two digestive hormones instead of one like Ozempic. The FDA approved Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.
- Zepbound (tirzepatide)
Like Mounjaro, Zep Bound is Eli Lilly’s brand name for tirzepatide, a synthetic peptide that mimics the human hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP). While the FDA approved Maunajro for type 2 diabetes, it approved Zepbound for weight loss.
Plaintiffs claim that the manufacturers of these GLP-1RA drugs failed to warn patients and healthcare providers about the potential risks and severe complications associated with their use. Consequently, many individuals have suffered severe injuries and complications after taking Ozempic or a related medication.
Does Ozempic Make People Sick?
Ozempic is associated with several serious side effects.
Here's an overview of some potential adverse effects:
- Gastroparesis: a condition in which stomach muscles and nerves weaken or become paralyzed, causing the stomach to empty slowly and producing a feeling of fullness, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- Gastrointestinal distress: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation affecting the digestive system. These are the most reported problems associated with Ozempic.
- Intestinal obstruction (Ileus): A potentially deadly condition in which the intestines can't properly contract and move waste through the body.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, characterized by persistent abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- Thyroid issues: Development of thyroid cancer or tumors, which may present as swelling, pain, or lumps in the neck area.
- Kidney problems: Impairment of kidney function, leading to changes in urination frequency or concentration.
- Vision loss: A recent study has found a potential link between Ozempic use and NAION, a serious eye condition that can lead to sudden blindness. While we continue to monitor this development, patients also report blurred vision and other eye-related problems.
- Gallbladder disease: Formation of gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder, causing abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- Joint pain: Severe, persistent pain in the joints.
- Depression and suicidal thoughts: Changes in behavior and thoughts after using the drug, including a worsening of already existing disorders or development of uncharacteristic thoughts and behaviors.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A type of blood clot that can be deadly if it breaks off and travels to the lungs.
- Pulmonary embolism: a serious condition where a blood clot blocks one or more arteries in the lungs. DVT is often a culprit in pulmonary embolisms.
Will the FD Recall Ozempic?
The FDA and Novo Nordisk have no plans to recall Ozempic from the market. The lawsuits against the manufacturer do not necessarily mean the medication will be withdrawn.
The FDA or the drug manufacturer typically recalls drugs when safety concerns outweigh their potential benefits. Recalling a drug is a complex process that involves a thorough risk-benefit evaluation along with the number and severity of adverse events reported.
The FDA continues to monitor the safety data and reports of severe side effects. If Ozempic's risk profile changes substantially or if the lawsuits reveal new information that raises significant safety concerns, the FDA could decide to initiate a recall.
Don't wait any longer, call 866-535-9515 or submit your case for review today!
What Is the Basis of the Ozempic Lawsuits?
Plaintiffs in the Ozempic lawsuit allege that Novo Nordisk failed to warn doctors and consumers about some of the serious, potentially life-threatening risks associated with Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus.
Other plaintiffs in the same group of lawsuits accuse Eli Lilly of failing to warn about the health risks its drugs Trulicity and Mounjaro pose.
Among the most serious allegations is that the drugs can cause gastroparesis, a debilitating condition marked by significantly weakened or paralyzed stomach muscles and nerves.
The condition impedes the stomach's ability to move food into the small intestine, producing symptoms such as intestinal obstructions, nausea, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal distress.
Gastroparesis is a chronic condition without a cure, so patients diagnosed with it often face a lifetime of medical care or surgery to alleviate their symptoms.
Some plaintiffs allege the drugs caused other serious problems affecting the stomach and its lining and that the manufacturers either downplayed or concealed these risks, potentially paving the way for additional lawsuits.
Who Qualifies for an Ozempic Lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file an Ozempic complaint if you can prove that you took Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Trulicity, Mounjaro, or Zepbound for type 2 diabetes or weight loss and developed a serious health condition.
Some of the health conditions that may qualify include:
- Stomach paralysis (gastroparesis)
- Intestinal obstruction
- Ileus
- Gastric intestinal obstruction
- Pulmonary embolism
- Aspiration
- Gallbladder disease
- Gallbladder removal
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Pancreatic cancer
What Is the Status of the Ozempic Lawsuits?
Ozempic lawsuits filed in federal courts throughout the U.S. are consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in a Pennsylvania federal court.
Combining the lawsuits into one litigation coordinates discovery and streamlines other pretrial proceedings while allowing one judge to oversee all related cases. MDLs also promote consistent rulings across individual lawsuits.
While nobody knows how many lawsuits the Ozempic MDL will ultimately include, many legal sources say the litigation against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly could encompass as many as 10,000 claims.
It’s still too early to predict the timeline for the Ozempic lawsuit settlements, given the complexity and scale. Cases like this one often take several years to resolve. Factors that affect the timeline of a lawsuit include the volume of evidence, the legal strategies of both sides, the speed at which the court can handle cases, and the willingness of parties to reach an agreement. Furthermore, if the early (bellwether) cases go to trial rather than settle, or if the verdict leads to an appeal, the timeline could stretch even further.
How Do I File an Ozempic Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one has suffered harm after taking Ozempic or a related medication, the first step you should take outside of medical care is to consult with a lawyer experienced in handling mass tort cases.
Our network of experienced mass tort lawyers has a long and proven record of leading clients to successful resolutions. We fight for the compensation you need and deserve.
We evaluate your specific situation and advise you on the next steps. If you are eligible to file an Ozempic lawsuit, we will start by gathering medical records, building and filing a claim, and joining the MDL on your behalf.
Acting promptly is essential, as there are deadlines for filing these lawsuits. No single deadline exists for filing an Ozempic lawsuit and joining the MDL. Instead, eligible plaintiffs must adhere to the statute of limitations in their state.
Most states set the statute of limitations at two years from the date of the injury or discovery of the injury. However, the deadline could range from one to six years. Moreover, exceptions to these rules could shorten or lengthen the timeline for you.
Don’t delay in seeking an experienced and qualified lawyer to discuss your case.
At Legal Lawsuit News, our network of mass tort lawyers can advise you on all important matters affecting your case, keep you routinely informed of your case’s progress, and meet all critical deadlines.
How Much Is the Ozempic Lawsuit Going to Pay Out?
It's difficult to predict exact payout amounts, as each case is unique, and settlements or verdicts can vary greatly. However, based on similar mass tort cases involving pharmaceutical drug injuries, the payout for Ozempic claims may range from several thousand dollars to potentially millions of dollars.
The amount of compensation you may receive depends on:
- The severity of the injuries or damages
- The cost of past medical treatment, ongoing care, and future treatment
- The impact on the plaintiff’s quality of life
- Lost wages and decreased ability to work
- Emotional distress, pain and suffering
Working with your lawyer to determine your potential compensation is a key part of the claims process. Our lawyers know how to identify your case's pros and cons, all your damages and losses, and all sources of compensation.
What Should I Do if I Think I Have a Claim?
If you or a loved one suffered injuries or illness after taking Ozempic or a related drug, the steps you take could have a tremendous impact on your future:
- Seek medical attention immediately if you haven't already
- Gather all medical records, prescription information, and documentation of your injuries
- Consult with an experienced mass tort lawyer as soon as possible
- Provide your lawyer with all the necessary information to evaluate your case
- Keep all medical appointments and follow-ups
- Keep a journal describing the daily impact of Ozempic on your health and quality of life
Call Legal Lawsuit News Now for More Information About Your Ozempic Claim
If you or a loved one experienced harmful side effects from Ozempic or a similar drug, you may receive compensation.
At Legal Lawsuit News, our attorney network advocates for people like you who unsafe prescription drugs have harmed. Contact us today for your free consultation. We’ll explore your Ozempic lawsuit options and find out how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve. Call us at (866) 535-9515 to start your Ozempic claim.