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Numerous Ozempic lawsuits have been filed by patients who suffered severe and harmful symptoms. In several recent cases, the ailment affecting the plaintiff is gastroparesis, a paralysis of the stomach.
Every Ozempic lawsuit is filed against its manufacturer, Novo Nordisk. We are now also seeing a number of lawsuits filed against Mounjaro's manufacturer, Eli Lilly, and Co. All federal Mounjaro or Ozempic lawsuits have been consolidated before Judge Pratter in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Both drugs are regularly being used off-label for weight loss or as weight loss medications. Ozempic and Mounjaro were originally manufactured for diabetes therapy.
Each Ozempic lawsuit claims both blockbuster drugs are to blame for the plaintiff's severe gastroparesis. These lawsuits are part of the coordinated litigation against Novo Nordisk (Ozempic) and Eli Lilly (Mounjaro), which are already facing litigation regarding gallstone risk.
Each plaintiff was using Ozempic or similar drugs to treat obesity and lose a significant amount of weight—as so many people in America have done. But, there was a darker outcome that they had no idea was coming. Ozempic, Wegovy, and similar drugs have been proven to cause serious gastrointestinal and gallbladder problems.
If you or someone you love has suffered stomach, intestinal, or gallbladder problems after using Ozempic, reach out to protect your legal rights today. Call us at 866-535-9515 or fill out our simple online form to schedule a free consultation.
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Keep in mind that this prescription drug has caused enough serious problems that the FDA required new medication labels to warn about the risk of intestinal blockage. For these reasons alone, we believe Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are poor choices for long-term weight management.
The damages resulting from these unmentioned and dangerous side effects caused by Ozempic are potentially compensable, meaning a person can recover money for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, inconvenience, and future medical bills. To do this, anyone hurt by Ozempic needs to file a lawsuit with the assistance of a reputable product liability lawyer—ideally, one who has handled thousands of lawsuits against defective drug makers, medical device manufacturers, toxic chemical producers, and other harmful products.
Since Novo Nordisk placed a warning on their Ozempic labels, the time to bring a claim may be running out. Our experienced mass tort drug attorneys can explain more about the money you may receive if Ozempic has injured you. Call us at 866-535-9515 or fill out our simple online form to schedule a free consultation today.
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The First Gastroparesis Ozempic Lawsuit
The new Ozempic lawsuit against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly regarding their diabetes drugs, Ozempic and Mounjaro, involves a 44-year-old woman from Louisiana who took both diabetes drugs and consequently developed severe symptoms associated with gastroparesis. The plaintiff is reported to have suffered severe gastroparesis symptoms, such as vomiting with sufficient intensity to cause the loss of teeth.
The Ozempic and Mounjaro stomach paralysis lawsuit was announced Wednesday, August 2, 2023, and has been filed based on “failure to warn” regarding Eli Lilly and Co. and Novo Nordisk's lack of appropriate labeling informing consumers such as the plaintiff of risks such as gastroparesis. While many folks use both medications to control type one diabetes, many others use it off-label for the long term.
What Is Gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis or delayed gastric emptying is a disorder of the digestive system where the muscles that move food along the digestive tract work slower and cause numerous negative symptoms. The muscles along the digestive tract use spontaneous movement to push food along in a process known as motility. When motility is disrupted through gastroparesis, people can experience the following symptoms.
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal pain
- A feeling of fullness after eating just a few bites
- Vomiting undigested food eaten a few hours earlier
- Acid reflux
- Changes in blood sugar levels
- Lack of appetite
- Weight loss and malnutrition
Ozempic Lawsuit Update
Our goal is to provide the most up-to-date coverage of the many different stomach paralysis lawsuits currently going through the courts. If you seek to file an Ozempic lawsuit, check back often since we promise to update this page regularly. Sadly, we are learning more and more of reports of adverse events far more serious than mere stomach pain associated with the use of a weight loss drug like Ozempic. For more information on a potential lawsuit, contact us today at 866-535-9515 or fill out our simple online form to schedule a free consultation.
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This page was last updated on April 24, 2024
April 24, 2024 - Defendants Offically Counter Plaintiffs' Claim That Ozempic Can Cause Stomach Paralysis
The defendants in the MDL (Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly) have officially challenged the plaintiffs' claim regarding the link between GLP-1RA medicines and stomach paralysis, aggressive marketing, and failure to change the label.
One of their main points was that plaintiffs will be unable to prove causation at future trials. The plaintiffs claim that these drugs increase the risk of severe gastrointestinal issues, such as gastroparesis, ileus, and bowel obstruction. However, the manufacturers argue that there is no significant evidence linking the drugs to these conditions because diabetes itself can cause these same issues, which many plaintiffs already have.
The plaintiffs have also challenged the fact that Ozempic and other similar drugs have aggressively marketed and spent a ton of money on advertising despite their drugs not being FDA-approved specifically for weight loss. The manufacturers addressed their aggressive marketing strategies. They contend that the medical community is well aware of the gastrointestinal side effects associated with these drugs and, therefore, could have warned their patients. That is one of the issues this case will explore: whether the marketing practices of the drug companies were misleading about the severity of the potential side effects and the long-term use of the drugs.
April 2, 2024 - Ozempic Maker Spends $11 Million to Market Drug For Weight Loss
The LLN team has learned that Novo Nordisk budgeted 11 million dollars to pay for doctors' travel and dining expenses as a marketing strategy to encourage them to prescribe Ozempic and other similar drugs for weight loss purposes. The money was used to pay 12,000 physicians for 457,000 meals and trips to places including Honolulu, Paris, London, and Orlando.
Critics have noted, and our legal professionals agree, that this large sum of money could have been better spent on research to determine the extent of the drug's serious side effects and long-term concerns, including stomach paralysis and other digestive problems. This information will make it difficult for Novo Nordisk to argue it doesn't have the funds to pay settlement amounts or verdicts awarded to the patients who were injured by this medication.
March 29, 2024 - Judge Pratter Stresses Efficiency During First Hearing in Ozempic Lawsuit MDL
Judge Pratter of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania stressed that she wants to see little in the way of bickering and good communication between all parties to the newly formed Ozempic multi district litigation (MDL). Further, she harped on efficiency and warned the lawyers from requesting delays and new dates.
There are presently 72 lawsuits consolidated in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. A number of plaintiff lawyers are predicting the Ozempic lawsuit MDL could eventually house over 20,000 cases of individuals who were prescribed Ozempic or other GLP-1 receptor agonists (glucagon-like peptide-1) such as Mounjaro, Wegovy and Trulicity. The lawsuits contain a common allegation that use of the GLP-1 receptor agonists raises the risk of severe stomach paralysis.
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy while tirzepatide is the active ingredient of Mounjaro. Unfortunately, these ingredients are designed to slow down digestion. In some cases, it can almost completely shut down the process. We have a number of clients who allege intestinal blockages, gastrointestinal burning along with stomach paralysis. Many of these individuals report visiting the emergency room and a few required surgical intervention. These dangerous drugs completely slow down the digestion process. There is a new body of research linking Ozempic (semaglutide) to gastrointestinal adverse events. In turn, plaintiffs allege they were not adequately warned of any risks associated with using diabetes medications off label for weight loss.
March 1, 2024 - Ozempic Multidistrict Litigation Officially Begins With First Scheduled Court Date
March 14, 2024, is the date for the first status conference in the federal Multidistrict Litigation (MDL). US District Judge Gene E.K. Pratter was assigned to preside over the many cases involved in the MDL. We should learn more about how these lawsuits will proceed in a few weeks.
February 20, 2024 - Two New Studies Link Ozempic to Digestive Problems and Psychiatric Side Effects
A recent study reported in the BMJ confirmed that GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs provide many benefits for diabetes patients. However, these patients are also facing a greater chance of gastrointestinal problems, including vomiting, nausea, and complications while digesting food. Higher doses of the medications tend to cause more side effects, so dosage is also an important factor regarding these problems.
Another new study posted by Frontiers Journals used the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System to conclude these weight loss drugs are also associated with psychiatric adverse events in patients.
February 6, 2024 - Multi-District Litigation (MDL) is Created; Ozempic and All Similar Medications Included
The MDL Panel agreed with the majority of the injured plaintiffs that all federal lawsuits involving Ozempic and similar drugs should be consolidated into an MDL. This litigation will now be assigned to Judge Gene Platter of the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia, PA.
Although defendants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly requested different jurisdictions in California or North Carolina, the panel chose Pennsylvania since many pending lawsuits were already filed in that jurisdiction. Also, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania is close to Novo Nordisk's New Jersey headquarters.
Novo Nordisk will now face a huge risk that may dramatically impact its stock price. Ozempic is already an industry staple, but now Wegovy (both Ozempic and Wegovy are semaglutide medications) is exploding in popularity. Wegovy is essentially a very similar formula to Ozempic but is marketed solely as a weight-loss medication.
The team at Lawsuit Legal News predicts the MDL will draw thousands of claims from people who suffer severe gastrointestinal issues after using GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, and Trulicity.
We expect the main legal theory will be a failure to warn users of the potentially serious medical complications these drugs can cause. We are pleased the Panel kept all of the drug makers in the MDL as potential defendants. At the end of the day, plaintiffs must prove the drug manufacturers failed to adequately warn patients of known risks such as ileus or gastroparesis. All that the warning label references is that the use of Ozempic delays gastric emptying. The warning label makes no other mention of gastric problems.
January 31, 2024 - Defense Lawyers and One Plaintiff Lawyer Argue MDL Should be Limited to Only Novo Nordisk (Ozempic & Wegovy)
The defense lawyers and a single plaintiff's lawyer argued to the JPML (Judicial Panel of Multidistrict Litigation) panel last week that the MDL should be limited only to Novo Nordisk. They argued there's a stronger link between Semaglutide (the main ingredient in Ozempic) and gastroparesis and other potential side effects, including ileus, bowel obstruction, intestinal obstructions, and intestinal blockage, than other similar drugs like Mounjaro, which contain tirzepatide.
If the defense has its way, the only defendant pharmaceutical company would be Novo Nordisk, and Eli Lilly would be out of the lawsuit. Drug manufacturers of other diabetes medications utilized off-label for weight loss could face a separate MDL.
Plaintiff lawyers have requested that Ozempic lawsuits be consolidated in the Western District of Louisiana or any Federal District in Pennsylvania. The defendants have sought centralization in North Carolina or California. It should be interesting to see whether the forthcoming Ozempic MDL is only limited to the use of semaglutide medication.
Jan 25, 2024 - JPML Meets Today to Decide If All Federal Cases Will Be Combined to Resolve the Litigation Faster
The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) is having its session to discuss combining Ozempic lawsuits into a multidistrict litigation (MDL). The hearing is taking place in Santa Barbara, California. When the news will come out, we are not sure. But we will let you know ASAP.
Jan 24, 2024 - Counterfeit Ozempic Causes Concern as it Floods the US Market, FDA
Ozempic, the diabetic medication that was discovered to help patients lose a ton of weight in a small amount of time, is facing a double whammy today as its litigation nightmare over serious side effects collides with new findings that fake versions of the drug are "flooding US supply chain". I think it's safe to say that this once-touted 'miracle drug' is getting a new reputation when compared to its moment in the sun just a year or so ago.
As if concerns over common side effects including stomach paralysis and gallstones weren't worse enough, now people have to worry that the Ozempic they're taking is counterfeit.
Three cases of severe low blood sugar linked to the fake Ozempic have been reported so far. As of now, what we know is that the fake medication contained insulin instead of semaglutide, which is the correct drug for Ozempic.
This new issue creates concerns beyond the existing concerns that are already present for genuine Ozempic and may fuel legal arguments about Novo Nordisk's transparency.
The FDA has stepped up its fight against counterfeit Ozempic, seizing shipments and working with international partners to disrupt the supply chain. While this crackdown aims to protect consumers from the dangerous fake Ozempic, it also shows that the medication's popularity is making it more appealing to drug counterfeiters.
In fact, the medication has become so popular, that being able to find it in places like Beverly Hills has become fodder for funny TikToks.
These original injury and death claims, coupled with these counterfeit concerns, create a complex mess where safety and marketing ethics collide.
As Ozempic's popularity continues, it will be up to regulators and manufacturers to help keep patients safe.
January 8, 2024 - Motion to Consolidate Stomach Paralysis Lawsuits to be Heard January 25, 2024.
The Ozempic class action lawsuit may soon evolve into multidistrict litigation. On January 25, 2024, the motion to form an MDL will be presented to the Joint Panel on Multidistrict Litigation in Santa Barbara, California. The common goal is to consolidate all stomach paralysis lawsuits that have been filed in Federal District Courts throughout the United States before Judge James Cain in the Western District of Louisiana due to common questions of fact and for the purpose of consolidated discovery.
Back in November, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated the Ozempic warning label to reference reports stating adverse events of blocked intestines. The FDA is now acknowledging numerous reports of a condition called ileus, which is essentially blocked intestines. The FDA has also received reports of gastroparesis (paralyzed stomach). This occurs when the muscles in the stomach are weakened and delay the digestion and movement of food. As a result, food sits in the stomach for far too long, leading to a host of other health issues.
Plaintiffs in Ozempic lawsuits claim Novo Nordisk failed to warn consumers about the potential risk of medical issues related to this prescription medication. Failure to warn claims based on inadequate warnings will center on when the manufacturer of Ozempic (Novo Nordisk) was first made aware that the use of this diabetic medication (used off-label as an obesity drug) might be causally related to stomach paralysis. Ozempic belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 Agonist Medications. Other GLP-1 drugs include Wegovy (also manufactured by Novo Nordisk and Mounjaro (made by Eli Lilly).
December 8, 2023 - Motion to Dismiss Ozempic Lawsuit Filed by Novo Nordisk is Denied
Federal Judge James Cain, Jr., denied Novo Nordisk's motion to dismiss, stating the plaintiff had provided enough evidence to show the manufacturer of Ozempic failed to warn physicians about the risk of gastroparesis. Jaclyn Bjorklund (the plaintiff) will continue forward in her failure to warn lawsuit against Novo Nordisk. There are simply too many adverse reactions being reported by patients for Judge Cain to dismiss this Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuit at this point.
November 13, 2023 - Weight Loss Drugs Linked to Risk of Delayed Gastric Emptying & Gastrointestinal Issues
The risk of stomach paralysis by those using a semaglutide drug like Ozempic or Wegovy is too significant to ignore, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The authors used a cohort study of GLP-1 agonists and measured individual users against those utilizing regular weight loss drugs. The subjects using GLP-1 agonists such as Ozempic and Wegovy had a substantially increased risk of pancreatitis and other severe side effects. Doctors would be mindful in prescribing GLP-1 medications for weight loss.
October 1, 2023 - Warning Label for Ozempic is Updated per FDA
The FDA is now acknowledging the numerous complaints of intestinal blockage. However, the FDA has yet to change the warning label to include gastroparesis or stomach paralysis. While similar, gastroparesis is not quite the same as ileus, which is the medical term for intestinal blockage. Gastroparesis occurs when food can not reach the small intestine despite the absence of blockage in the intestines.
Ozempic's warning label already references the drug causes delay of gastric emptying (delay of stomach emptying). The FDA says it will continue monitoring reports of gastroparesis and will act accordingly. At the same time, the FDA did not comment about complaints and a potential warning of other gastrointestinal events such as severe vomiting or excessive vomiting, cyclic vomiting syndrome, digestive issues or other severe stomach issues.
In the meanwhile, physicians concerned with patient safety and reports of gastrointestinal issues should consider other options when considering weight loss drugs. Based on adverse event reports, the risk of gastroparesis should not be ignored. We also hope that physicians prescribing Ozempic off-label for weight loss should consider whether the patient has type 2 diabetes.
A few more Ozempic lawsuits have been filed nationally. We are hearing that a proposed class action lawsuit is on the horizon. If you are thinking of filing a lawsuit for injuries after taking Ozempic, we expect this litigation to be consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the coming months.
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What is Ozempic, and Why Is It Controversial?
Ozempic is an FDA-approved diabetes drug produced by Novo Nordisk. The drug has also been used for weight loss. Ozempic is a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Analog-Type drug used to control high blood sugar in type 2 diabetics.
The drug does this by replicating the effects of incretin glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and helping to regulate blood sugar by stopping excess sugar production in the liver and signaling the pancreas to generate more insulin, which is a primary issue for type 2 diabetics. Ozempic comes in an injector pen and is administered once a week.
While Ozempic has shown some positive results for many, it still has caused many patients to develop unprecedented health conditions that they were not aware the drug had a risk of causing.
Ozempic slows down the rate of digestion, which leads to a loss of appetite based on feeling full for longer. However, there have simply been far too many adverse event reports, including gastrointestinal injuries such as ileus, bowel obstruction, intestinal obstruction, intestinal blockage, and gastroparesis.
Ozempic and Gallstones
The new lawsuits against Ozempic over it causing gastroparesis come after many lawsuits have already been filed over Ozempic’s connection to gallstones and other gallbladder-related illnesses. Several people have come forward with diagnoses of cholelithiasis, also known as gallstones, which they claim are connected to their use of Ozempic. Studies have found that 1 in 6 patients taking Ozempic will develop gallstones.
Gallstones occur when the gallbladder is unable to properly process bile, which leads to the creation of stones made up of accumulated bile materials. These gallstones can pass through the body naturally in cases when they are small and occasional but can be painful when they are large or numerous, such as in the cases of plaintiffs suing Ozempic manufacturers.
Studies Connecting Ozempic to Gallstones
Researchers have connected the use of Ozempic to an increased risk of gallstones. A 2017 study found through data collected from 113 clinical trials that GLP-1 drugs taken by patients with type 2 diabetes increased the risk of cholelithiasis.
The same researchers would go on to support these findings by conducting another study in 2020 using an updated meta-analysis.
Another study conducted by Chinese researchers used data from 76 clinical trials to determine that there was a connection between patients who used GLP-1 drugs and the diagnosis of gallbladder issues that included gallstones.
Damages Caused by Ozempic Related Illnesses
Ozempic is a drug that many patients put their trust in and came out worse for wear after experiencing severe health conditions such as gastroparesis and cholelithiasis. It is not unusual for drugs to have negative side effects but it is the manufacturer’s duty to inform consumers of risks which Novo Nordisk failed to do with regard to gallstones and gastroparesis.
The damage inflicted by these health conditions, in many cases, may not be life-threatening but can still cause significant disruption to someone’s life, both financially and personally. Economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages from time spent recovering, as well as non-economic damages such as mental anguish or pain and suffering, are compensable through an Ozempic lawsuit settlement. Some other common damages claimed in these lawsuits include:
- Medical bills
- Lab tests
- Imaging
- Medication
- Surgery
- Hospital stays
- Job-related losses
- Lost wages
- Missed promotions
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
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Potential Long-Term Effects of Ozempic
GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide are designed for extended and, in some cases, lifelong use as weight-management medications. However, there remains limited knowledge about potential long-term adverse effects, especially among individuals using these drugs for obesity, according to a recent study published in the JAMA Medical News and Perspectives.
One potential concern is medullary thyroid cancer, as indicated by rodent studies. Yet, since cancer is a latent disease, it will take many years to accumulate substantial data on its impact on individuals.
It's important to note that a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer is considered a contraindication for Dulaglutide, Liraglutide, Semaglutide, and the newly approved Tirzepatide. Tirzepatide, unlike other GLP-1 agonists, mimics two gut hormones, offering a distinct approach.
As Kasia Lipska, MD, an associate professor of medicine in endocrinology at the Yale School of Medicine, points out, people are often prescribed these medications for potentially extended durations, and our understanding of their effects may evolve over time. Nevertheless, she anticipates these newly recognized adverse effects will likely remain infrequent.
Etminan's research focus is now shifting from stomach-related concerns to potential ocular adverse effects associated with GLP-1 agonists, particularly among individuals with obesity. While some studies have hinted at an increased risk of retinopathy in individuals with type 2 diabetes using Semaglutide, his 2018 study did not find this association.
This emphasizes the need for ongoing research to better comprehend the long-term implications of Ozempic use, including potential health risks. If you have concerns regarding Ozempic-related effects, it is advisable to consult with experienced legal professionals for guidance.
How an Ozempic Lawyer Can Help
After receiving a diagnosis of gastroparesis of cholelithiasis after using Ozempic, consumers harmed by this product should consider hiring a product liability lawyer. Getting expert legal representation is integral if you are considering filing an Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuit since knowledge of your rights and the legal process can mean the difference between a fair settlement and walking away from a lawsuit with nothing.
An experienced product liability lawyer will advocate on your behalf and assist in the negotiation of a settlement, gathering evidence, calculating your damages, and more. Ultimately, lend professional skills and resources to plaintiffs still dealing with Ozempic-related injuries and manage your case so you can focus on recovery.
Contact an Experienced Product Liability Lawyer About Your Ozempic Lawsuit
If you or a loved one have suffered severe symptoms of gallstones or another illness you believe to be associated with Ozempic use, then consider contacting a product liability lawyer as soon as possible about your case.
Getting in contact with an Ozempic lawyer can provide you with valuable information regarding the viability of a potential Ozempic lawsuit and jumpstart the process of attaining fair compensation for your severe gastrointestinal issues. Reach out to the skilled lawyers associated with Lawsuit Legal News for a free consultation to see if they can help you seek compensation.
Our experienced Ozempic lawyers, who also handle other Semaglutide drugs such as Wegovy, can evaluate your case to determine whether or not you may be eligible to seek financial compensation, the value of any damages you may have, and what legal options are available to you. We can immediately get to work and file an Ozempic lawsuit to preserve your potential claim. Call us today at 866-535-9515 or fill out our simple online form to schedule a free consultation.
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