Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit Update

Weight Loss/Diabetes Drug Side Effect Lawsuit

Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit Table Of Contents

Ozempic and Mounjaro, Along With Other Medications Such as Wegovy, Trulicity, and Rybelsus, are Harming Thousands of Users

Amid the portrayed image of well-being, reality has taken a darker turn for some obesity medicine users. A surge of more than 10,000 complaints revealed unexpected and severe side effects experienced by individuals who took Ozempic or similar drugs such as Mounjaro or Wegovy.

This may be because Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus) is a medication designed to raise insulin and lower blood sugar, not cause weight loss.

We are seeing ever-growing anecdotal evidence of a link between these diabetes medications and a medical condition called gastroparesis, also known as a "paralyzed stomach."  These medications slow down food movement in the digestive tract, causing one to feel full.  

Common symptoms of gastroparesis include nausea and vomiting. Further, we continue to hear complaints of severe gastroparesis, visits to the emergency room for abdominal pain, and extremely slow digestion. 

Use of Drugs Like Ozempic and Wegovy Expanding Rapidly for Weight Loss

Ozempic, Wegovy, and Saxenda form a class of drugs called GLP-1, which mimics natural hormones controlling appetite. Some 400 million people worldwide prescribed this product last year.

Previous studies show that drugs with GLP-1 may cause gastrointestinal problems, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, or constipation. Even more severe symptoms, such as intestinal paralysis, have been described before.

GLP-1 drugs tend to slow down digestion much more than anyone previously anticipated. As a result, users often feel full and satiated for a more extended amount of time. This has led to drugs such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Rybelsus taking off in popularity.

Many individuals develop a host of medical issues requiring additional medications and treatments.

The risk of stomach paralysis is alarming the medical community with a growing number of adverse event reports related to this class of medications.

We have seen numerous reports of gastroparesis and gastrointestinal injuries in the past few months since publishing content on this site.

8 Reasons to be Cautious Before Using Ozempic or Wegovy For Weight Loss

1. Ozempic is used to treat people with Type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy is used to treat people who are obese or who have health problems related to excess weight. These drugs are not meant for everyone and anyone who wants to take them, and their approved indications are to treat diabetes.
2. People who stop taking Wegovy and Ozempic often gain weight back quickly because they have been relying on the drug rather than lifestyle changes.
3. These drugs are very expensive and usually aren’t covered by health insurance for weight loss (although they are often covered for people with diabetes).
4. The popularity of these drugs has led to shortages for people who need them to treat their diabetes.
5. Ozempic and Wegovy can cause severe gastrointestinal side effects, some of which require surgery to fix and some that cause permanent damage.
6. A small percentage of people who take these drugs can develop retinopathy, which is damage to the blood vessels in the back of the eye that can cause blurred vision or blindness.
7. Ozempic and Wegovy’s widespread off-label use is to suppress the user's appetite. But to lose weight, you still have to reduce your intake of foods that are bad for you (like desserts, sugary beverages, and fatty foods) and increase your exercise. Suppressing your appetite is not enough to lose weight healthily.
8. Some people have complained that these drugs cause them to lose a large amount of fat on their face, which causes the skin to sag and makes them look older. This is known as “Ozempic face” or “Wegovy face”.

If you were given a prescription for Ozempic and later experienced severe symptoms, consult with a seasoned product liability attorney. Contact our dedicated legal staff at 866-535-9515 or complete our contact form for your free consultation today.

First Ozempic Lawsuit Describing Paralyzed Stomach Issues Filed In August 2023

The first Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuit aims to provide further evidence of these problems. It identifies Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, as the defendant in a claim where the plaintiff seeks financial compensation for her extensive medical hardships.

After this initial lawsuit, we expect a wave of Ozempic lawsuits in the coming months and years.

When the first lawsuit was filed, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declined to comment on the stomach paralysis lawsuit or the off-label uses of a medication designed to treat diabetes. See our November update to read about the FDA's current position.

The Lawsuit Legal News team and our associated law firm are currently speaking with anyone experiencing severe abdominal pain or who has developed gastroparesis after taking the diabetes drug Ozempic, its sister drug Wegovy, or any weight loss drugs.

Current Ozempic Lawsuit Updates - December 2024

December 1, 2024 - Significant Developments in Ozempic Gastroparesis Litigation

Recent Legal Actions

In November 2024, a Tennessee woman filed a lawsuit within the MDL, alleging that Novo Nordisk's drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, caused her to develop severe, chronic gastrointestinal injuries, including gastroparesis. She was prescribed Ozempic in 2022 to manage diabetes and weight but soon began experiencing persistent vomiting, nausea, and extreme stomach discomfort.

Judicial Developments

On November 5, 2024, the Ozempic MDL judge signed a court order setting critical deadlines for expert reports and responses. Plaintiffs must submit their first batch of expert reports by November 18, 2024, unless they file for an extension. Defendant corporations like Novo Nordisk have until December 23, 2024, to file their initial expert reports.

Manufacturer Responses

Novo Nordisk maintains that its products are safe when used as prescribed. They assert that gastrointestinal events are known side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists and are generally mild to moderate in severity.

Implications for Users

Individuals using Ozempic or similar medications should be aware of potential side effects, including gastroparesis. Consulting healthcare providers for personalized medical advice is essential.

The litigation is ongoing, and further developments are expected as the cases proceed through the legal system.

November 1, 2024 - Key Issues Raised in GLP-1 Agonist MDL 3094

A significant development emerged in the In re Glucagon-LikE Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 Ras) Prods. Liab. Litig., MDL 3094 (E.D. Pa. Oct. 17, 2024), consolidating cases against medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and other similar drugs. This case, managed by the U.S. District Court in Eastern Pennsylvania, now includes well over a thousand individual claims alleging gastrointestinal complications, including gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), intestinal obstructions, and severe nausea.

The Court's latest ruling has allowed early discovery focusing on two critical areas: (1) whether diagnostic testing effectively verifies gastroparesis in patients and (2) the adequacy of warning labels provided by the drug’s manufacturers, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. Plaintiffs allege that these medications, often prescribed off-label for weight loss, carry severe side effects, including those tied to long-term gastrointestinal damage.

With more than 1,000 cases now involved and growing, this MDL will likely impact future litigation involving GLP-1 receptor agonists. The Court has delayed marketing-related discovery until further rulings on these initial issues. We monitor these proceedings closely to inform you of developments that may shape GLP-1 litigation in the months ahead.

October 1, 2024 - Taking Ozempic to Reduce Opioid Overdoses Could Lead to More Lawsuits

The recent findings from the JAMA Network Open suggest that Ozempic, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, might also lower the risk of opioid overdose. The study found that patients with type 2 diabetes who were prescribed semaglutide had a significantly lower risk of opioid overdose compared to those using other antidiabetic medications. This novel discovery could open up discussions about using semaglutide as a possible treatment to combat the opioid epidemic.

However, the findings could also raise concerns regarding potential misuse. If individuals believe that taking Ozempic reduces their overdose risk, they may feel encouraged to misuse opioids, possibly leading to more cases of addiction or other harmful effects.

Moreover, Ozempic is already facing numerous lawsuits due to serious side effects, such as gastrointestinal issues and gastroparesis, which could mean that a broader use of the drug for opioid overdose prevention might trigger even more legal cases. This includes people taking the drug for unintended reasons or experiencing unexpected adverse effects, further complicating the landscape of litigation surrounding semaglutide.

September 13, 2024 - New Study Finds Potential Link Between Suicidal Thoughts and Semaglutide Drugs

After reviewing data from the World Health Organization (WHO), researchers published a study in the JAMA Network that revealed an increase in suicidal thoughts in patients taking semaglutide drugs, like Ozempic and Mounjaro, and other medications, including antidepressants. While further research is needed, this study could mean we still don't know all the devastating side effects these drugs may cause.

The next court appearance has been rescheduled to September 23rd. We expect plaintiffs' lawyers to file a motion to pursue discovery about the defendants' marketing efforts to show they are downplaying their drugs' actual risks.

September 5, 2024 - Plaintiffs Trying to Protect the Discovery Process to Determine Important Evidence; MDL Filings More Than Doubles

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, and other defendants want expedited discovery so the court can make a quick decision and possibly end this litigation early. Their focus is on "cross-cutting legal issues," specifically whether the link between these drugs and conditions like gastroparesis requires an objective diagnostic test and whether the warning labels on these drugs are sufficient because of federal law. The defendants want limited discovery on these issues, which could lead to a rash decision based on insufficient information. The plaintiffs are now on the defensive but aren't backing down.

Since these are crucial issues, plaintiffs maintain all related evidence should be examined under Bradford Hill criteria. These principles help determine if there is a legal causal relationship between a medical condition and an alleged factor, such as a drug side effect. Here, the court should use these guidelines to decide if Ozempic can be causally linked to health conditions, including gastroparesis.

Not surprisingly, the Ozempic MDL has more than doubled in the last month and now includes 869 claims.

September 1, 2024 - Surge in Lawsuits as Drug Makers Persist in Promoting Potentially Harmful Medications

As of September 2024, 257 new cases have been filed against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania within the Third Circuit. These additional healthcare and pharmaceutical personal injury product liability cases highlight ongoing issues associated with Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, indicating that these drugs continue to pose user risks.

August 1, 2024 - New Judge Appointed After Delay in Proceedings

As of August 2024, 105 lawsuits have been consolidated in multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. These cases primarily focus on severe gastrointestinal injuries caused by Ozempic, such as gastroparesis, ileus, and intestinal blockage.

Recent developments include the appointment of Judge Karen S. Marston to oversee the MDL following the death of Judge Gene E. K. Pratter, which had temporarily delayed proceedings. The plaintiffs allege that Novo Nordisk failed to provide adequate warnings about the risks associated with Ozempic, which has led to significant health issues for many users​.

June 6, 2024 - Ozempic MDL Delayed After Judge's Death, Number of Lawsuits Continues to Rise

The Judge assigned to this Multidistrict Litigation, Gene E.K. Pratter, recently died at age 75. The MDL panel will appoint a new judge, but that person will need some time to get up to speed on this complicated litigation.

Only 12 new cases joined the MDL during May. While the LLN team expected faster growth in this litigation, only 101 cases are pending.

May 21, 2024 - Science Day Scheduled, Plaintiff's Fact Sheet Almost Done

MDL Judge Pratter has chosen June 14th as a "Science Day," for which she will receive a summary of the scientific and medical issues related to these Ozempic cases.

Although the court date is meant to be non-adversarial, no part of the litigation process is purely neutral. Both sides will undoubtedly present evidence to predispose the judge to their legal positions during this proceeding.

Also, the plaintiffs' committee reported that both sides met to hammer out the details of the consolidated Plaintiff Fact Sheet (PFS) that all plaintiffs must complete to participate in this MDL. Once the PFS is finalized, the parties agreed that Rubris (an outside company) will control electronic submissions and PFS processing.

May 1, 2024 - Defendants Attempting to Avoid Responsibility For GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Drugs' Harmful Side Effects, Pending Cases Rise to 87

The defendant drug makers have taken the position that they should not be legally liable for the injuries suffered by Ozempic and similar drug users because of their marketing and novel treatment approaches related to diabetes and obesity.

Plaintiffs' counsel has filed a response arguing that regardless of the impact these drugs may have on society, the manufacturers still must adequately warn users about the potential side effects and risks related to these drugs. Since so many people are using these drugs, the duty to warn is even more critical.

Despite hundreds of reports from users facing serious medical issues after using Ozempic, the company has not adequately warned patients and has not performed sufficient studies to determine the long-term effects of these medications. The most extended study only lasted two years, possibly due to a large portion of those involved having to stop taking the drug due to medical concerns, injuries, and other factors.

With the addition of 14 more lawsuits in April, the number of claims in this MDL has reached 87. We expect many more lawsuits in the coming months. If you are considering an Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuit, contact the LLN team today.

April 5, 2024 - Ozempic MDL Will Likely Focus on 3 Main Injuries; Plaintiffs' Leadership Group Disputed; New Cases Bring Total Lawsuits to 74

As the MDL grows, three main digestive system conditions are surfacing as the most common injuries alleged by Ozempic users. All of these conditions affect how the user's body moves food through the digestion process:

• Gastroparesis—Known as stomach paralysis, when the stomach's regular muscle movements slow or stop entirely, food cannot correctly leave the stomach. This condition can cause vomiting, nausea, bloating, feeling full after eating a small amount, pain, and, of course, weight loss.
• Ileus—When food and gas can't pass through your intestines normally, it leads to pain, bloating, vomiting, nausea, and a lack of bowel movements. Although usually reversible by changing the condition that caused it and resting the bowels, this condition causes extreme discomfort and disruption in normal digestion.
• Obstructed bowels—When a portion of your intestines is wholly or partially blocked, no food, fluid, or gas can move through your system. This condition can be severe and may require emergency medical treatment or surgical intervention to avoid severe problems and complications.

If you suffer from any of these conditions after using Ozempic, contact the LLN team now.

On another topic, a dispute arose about the choices after the Plaintiffs' Leadership Team was announced. Specifically, one law firm, mostly one particular lawyer, wants more involvement. We believe the chosen leaders are solid attorneys who can competently lead this litigation to a successful conclusion.

This MDL began in February when 55 cases were consolidated into the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Federal Court. By the start of April, 74 cases had joined, and we expect hundreds, if not thousands, of new cases before year-end.

March 30, 2024 - Results of the First Status Hearing; $11 Million Allocated to Ozempic Marketing Budget

The first status hearing was held on March 14th, focusing on organizing this potentially enormous multi-district litigation (MDL). Topics of discussion included forming a leadership team of plaintiffs' lawyers, establishing a process for motions, especially motions to dismiss, and creating a Plaintiff Fact Sheet to standardize the information about each plaintiff's use of the GLP-1 receptor agonist medications along with the injuries they are alleging.

Although we refer to this litigation as the Ozempic MDL, lawsuits have also been filed against other glucagon-like peptide 1-receptor agonists, including Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Trulicity. As of the end of March, 18 lawsuits have joined the MDL, and another 37 are waiting to join. Since we potentially expect thousands of cases in this complex litigation, it's crucial to organize the process and procedures early in the game.

The LLN team has also learned that Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, allocated $11 million to pay for meals and travel expenses for doctors who prescribe Ozempic to their patients. More than 12,000 doctors were treated to dinners and travel to destinations like Hawaii, Paris, Orlando, and London.

So, rather than using this large sum of money to research all of Ozempic's harmful side effects, the company decided to fund more Ozempic use, which we expect will lead to more injuries and serious medical complications.

March 14, 2024 - Ozempic MDL Hearing Being Held Today in Philadelphia

Today marks a significant step in the legal proceedings over the medication Ozempic and its alleged serious side effects. The first hearing regarding the class-action lawsuit is taking place in Philadelphia's federal court today, and it will decide some important points and reveal important information.

This Ozempic hearing will be essential in advancing the lawsuit forward as the plaintiffs, defendants, legal teams, and other vital parties discuss their initial arguments and evidence. This hearing will do more than just that; it will offer a glimpse into the strategies both the defense and the plaintiffs' attorneys will use moving forward.

We have covered the details of this lawsuit extensively on our website and will continue to do so. Follow Lawsuit Legal News for up-to-date information on the Ozempic Lawsuit.

March 10, 2024 - Important News In Ozempic Lawsuit

Judge Gene E.K. Pratter is getting ready to assign roles to attorneys and establish a timeline for discovery in the Ozempic lawsuit. She will also determine which cases qualify for inclusion in the lawsuit and decide on the admissibility of evidence for the trial.

The Ozempic lawsuit is anticipated to be one of the most significant and complex in U.S. history. We are waiting to see what will happen soon.

The first status conference is scheduled with Judge Pratter on March 14, 2024.

February 6, 2024 - Newly Created MDL to Be Located in Philadelphia and Includes All Similar Drug Makers

The Panel that recently agreed to consolidate all federal Ozempic lawsuits into one multidistrict litigation (MDL) has chosen the Eastern District of Pennsylvania as the best jurisdiction for these cases. The MDL will also include all medications similar to Ozempic, including Wegovy, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, and Trulicity.

The biggest drug manufacturers involved, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, objected to the formation of an MDL but suggested either California or North Carolina as the best jurisdiction if the MDL was created. The Panel chose the Philadelphia area since several pending lawsuits were filed there, and Novo Nordisk's New Jersey headquarters are nearby.

February 2, 2024 - Major Development in Ozempic Lawsuits as the JPML Ruled to Consolidate the Cases in an MDL

In a significant development for everyone involved in the Ozempic Lawsuits, a decision has been reached to consolidate the cases into a multidistrict litigation (MDL). This is a pivotal moment for all the people who have been harmed by the side effects of Ozempic.

The consolidation into an MDL will streamline the pre-trial proceedings and eventually help clients get their settlements faster if the case goes to trial. Everything will be more efficient now, including gathering evidence, conducting discovery, and deciding on pre-trial motions.

January 15 – Ozempic Lawsuit Filed in Idaho District Court 

Another Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho. The early January filing by a plaintiff named Sandra Linney of Bonneville County, Idaho, is the latest suit to target Novo Nordisk for its inadequate Ozempic safety label, which only lists minor gastrointestinal complications. 

The multinational pharmaceutical company has not released a statement on the case but will likely seek to deny liability and dismiss the action. As Ozempic lawsuits rise, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation may face additional pressure from plaintiffs to consolidate their claims for pretrial proceedings.

January 8, 2024 - Ozempic Lawsuits Likely to be Centralized in Louisiana

At the end of 2023, a plaintiff filed a lawsuit in Louisiana alleging diabetes drugs, including Ozempic and Mounjaro, caused severe health issues such as extreme vomiting and related tooth loss. The Louisiana plaintiff also joined other injured patients in requesting the formation of a multi-district litigation (MDL) to consolidate all federal Ozempic and associated cases.

At first, both drug makers objected to submitting to jurisdiction in Louisiana, claiming they did not have sufficient contact with the state. However, Novo Nordisk (the maker of Ozempic) now supports the creation of an MDL and agrees that Louisiana or California would be appropriate for all federal cases.

Eli Lilly & Co. (the maker of Mounjaro) doesn't want to be included in consolidated litigation for Ozempic lawsuits since only 10 Mounjaro lawsuits have been filed so far. In contrast, the majority of claims have been filed against Novo Nordisk. If an MDL is created later this month, Eli Lilly suggests the location be Indiana or North Carolina federal court.

December 8, 2023 - European Medicines Agency Investigating Possible Link Between Ozempic and Suicidal Thoughts, Motion for an MDL is Filed

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is looking into whether patients who use diabetes and weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy have an increased risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts. While the team at LLN has studied the information about stomach paralysis, cyclic vomiting syndrome, and gallbladder side effects of these drugs, the potential correlation between Ozempic and suicide is a new development we will be watching closely.

Recently, a group of Ozempic plaintiffs filed a motion to consolidate all federal cases into a Multi-District Litigation (MDL) in the Western District of Louisiana. An MDL brings related cases into one central jurisdiction for discovery purposes, ensures consistent court rulings, and consolidates the sharing of information and evidence.

As more people use these drugs and more complications arise, we expect the number of new Ozempic injury cases to soar and the formation of an MDL in the coming months.

December 7, 2023 - Novo Nordisk Loses Motion to Dismiss

Louisiana Feder Judge James Cain, Jr., ruled against Novo Nordic's motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by Jaclyn Bjorklund. Ms. Bjorklund alleges that Novo Nordisk failed to warn about the risk of gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) that was sustained after using Ozempic. 

December 5, 2023 - Ozempic Lawyers Push to Consolidate Lawsuits

Multiple attorneys have filed a motion with the Joint Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) to consolidate all existing federal lawsuits against manufacturers of Ozempic, Mounjaro, Trulicity, and Wegovy over allegations that they collectively failed to warn consumers of significant side effects associated with the use of weight loss drugs.

These Ozempic and Mounjaro, stomach paralysis lawsuits, have been filed against Novo Nordisk (manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy) and Eli Lilly (manufacturer of Mounjaro), claiming their drugs can result in severe stomach problems such as gastroparesis, severe vomiting, significant delays in gastric emptying, and other adverse events.

So far, approximately 20 lawsuits have been filed in various U.S. Federal Courts.

Ozempic attorneys have requested these lawsuits to be consolidated in the United States District Court in the Western District of Louisiana before Judge James Cain in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The United States Food and Drug Administration has declined to comment on the proposed class action lawsuit and the overall growing number of Ozempic lawsuits.

In just the last week, we have seen a growing number of Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuits being filed.

December 1, 2023 – Ozempic Users Facing Surgery Complications

In recent findings, concerns have arisen regarding Ozempic users experiencing regurgitation during surgery under anesthesia. As a result, the American Society of Anesthesiologists issued a cautionary alert, recommending the avoidance of Ozempic and similar medications on the day of elective surgery and for at least seven days before the procedure.

What's the cause behind this phenomenon? It appears that delayed stomach emptying and reduced gastrointestinal tract mobility, known as gastroparesis or Ozempic side effects, may be contributing factors. In response, the FDA has updated the labels of Ozempic and related medications to include new warnings.

Notably, during the initial months of Ozempic use, individuals may experience delayed stomach emptying, heightening the risk of food retention in the stomach on the day of surgery, even after fasting. If you or a loved one has encountered stomach-related side effects, consult an Ozempic personal injury lawyer for guidance.

November 6, 2023 - Study Published in JAMA Links Weight Loss Drugs to Higher Risk of Facing Severe Gastrointestinal Problems, FDA Requires Ozempic Label Warning

The Journal of the American Medical Association published a new study that shows a greater risk of severe gastrointestinal issues and problems in patients using Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonist drugs. These problems include adverse events, including severe stomach pain, as this medication delays gastric emptying.

GLP-1 agonists were first approved to treat patients with diabetes but are now commonly prescribed off-label for weight loss. Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are GLP-1 agonists, and people using Ozempic and other similar drugs are now reporting severe stomach and intestinal issues believed to be related to the drugs.

Also, in September, the FDA required the makers of Ozempic to warn about the increased risk of intestinal blockage, including food or fluid sticking in the colon. We are following the studies that link these drugs to severe digestive problems. As a result, we expect many more Ozempic cases to be filed in the coming months.

October 4, 2023 - Ozempic Class Action Lawsuit Raises Legal Theory of Failure to Warn

Although the Multi-District Litigation (MDL) is still in its early stages, the pending cases raise the same legal theory, namely a failure to warn.

In general, the plaintiffs allege the makers of Ozempic knew, or should have known, that their product could cause severe gastroparesis and other digestive issues but failed to warn users about these potential dangers. Scientific evidence will be a key component of these lawsuits, and we will keep you up-to-date as these cases proceed.

September 18, 2023 - Multi-District Litigation is Goal for Ozempic Lawyers

Seven lawsuits alleging Ozempic stomach paralysis have been filed. As a result, a multi-district litigation (MDL) has been created to handle the hundreds or thousands of cases expected to join the litigation in the coming months and years. Under the MDL, all cases will share evidence discovery and pre-trial motion procedures, but each lawsuit will go to a separate trial if needed.

August 2, 2023 - First Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit Filed in Louisiana

In Louisiana, the plaintiff, Jaclyn Bjorklund, was the first individual to file an Ozempic lawsuit complaining of stomach paralysis. The complaint alleges she suffered severe gastrointestinal medical issues caused by taking Ozempic and Mounjaro. After suffering a medical emergency due to the side effects of Ozempic and Munjaro, including vomiting and stomach pains, she was rushed to hospital.

Gastroparesis is a functional disorder that causes the contractions of your stomach muscles to be weaker and slower than needed to digest your food and pass it into your intestines. This leads to food sitting too long in your stomach, which can cause serious health risks.

The plaintiff alleges Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn patients about the potential risk of stomach paralysis. We anticipate a flood of Ozempic lawsuits being filed across the nation very soon over the known risk of stomach paralysis associated with semaglutide drugs.

July 25, 2023 - Evidence Links Ozempic to GI Problems

New evidence shows that patients who use the popular drug Ozempic to lose weight can experience severe gastrointestinal conditions such as stomach paralysis and violent vomiting.

People who use Ozempic for an extended period at the high dosage suggested for weight loss face the most significant risk of these debilitating conditions and may face permanent, life-long impacts on their lives.

Count on Lawsuit Legal News for Comprehensive Ozempic Gastroparesis Lawsuit Insights

At Lawsuit Legal News, we stand at the forefront of Ozempic lawsuit litigation, diligently reporting on the unfolding developments.

Our adept legal team is already engaged in meticulous case analysis and in-depth research, diligently assembling the foundation for product liability lawsuits on behalf of individuals who, unsuspectingly, injected this potentially dangerous drug into their systems, only to encounter life-altering consequences.

Our goal is to seek compensation through compensatory damages and punitive damages on behalf of our clients injured by this prescription drug.

If doctors have prescribed Ozempic or similar medications like Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Rybelsus, and you have experienced persistent and severe vomiting, abdominal distress, bloating, acid reflux, or other gastrointestinal afflictions, we can help you.

Our dedicated team of product liability injury attorneys is ready to pursue legal recourse against the pharmaceutical manufacturer and recover your Ozempic-related financial losses.

The team of legal professionals at Lawsuit Legal News has over 120 years of combined legal experience. It has helped more than 40,000 clients injured because of negligence or dangerous products made by careless companies.

Every day, we are obtaining more reports of adverse reactions, including those severely injured, resulting in an emergency room visit following the use of these weight loss medications.

We have recovered over $400 million for our deserving clients to help them move forward after serious injuries. Reach out today for a no-obligation free consultation and empower yourself with knowledge about your legal options.

Dissecting an Ozempic Lawsuit: What You Need to Know

Ozempic is a diabetes medicine intended to manage blood sugar levels. Users inject the drug once a week. Ozempic helps your body release insulin, which allows sugar to enter your cells.

Insulin helps keep blood sugar steady after meals by controlling how the body releases sugar from the food. 

Ozempic also makes you feel full for longer by slowing the rate at which food leaves your stomach. It reduces the urge to eat by controlling a hormone that makes you feel hungry. But there's more to the story. 

Studies show that Ozempic can affect the nerves in your stomach, slowing down how your stomach digests food. Sometimes, this can lead to food staying in your stomach for too long, causing problems like a hard mass of food called a bezoar remaining in your stomach or even making you throw up food from days earlier.

When your stomach muscles slow down too much or stop working, it causes stomach paralysis or gastroparesis. The makers of Ozempic and other drugs don't mention this painful condition in their prescribing or dosing information despite the studies that show these injectable medications are known to slow stomach emptying. 

A Look at Ozempic's FDA Journey 

The FDA approved Ozempic (with the generic Semaglutide) 2017 for treating diabetes. It is administered as a shot once a week in doses of either 0.5 mg or 1 mg.

Later, when studies said Ozempic could help people with diabetes and heart problems avoid serious heart issues, the FDA expanded its approval to include cardiovascular indications.

In 2022, the FDA approved a more potent weekly dose because studies showed that Ozempic lowered blood sugar levels into the range recommended by the American Diabetes Association.

All the while, Ozempic ads continued talking about weight loss as a method to treat obesity. Still, they didn't mention serious stomach problems like gastroparesis, even though the studies from years earlier revealed stomach paralysis can be a side effect.

Changes to the Ozempic Warning Label

Originally, Ozempic's list of side effects and warnings that come with the medication were incomplete, and it's still not completely solved.

Novo Nordisk changed its warning label for Ozempic at the FDA's direction. Ozempic now has a warning label that mentions the risk of intestinal blockage. However, the label does not refer to gastroparesis.

What is the FDA warning on Ozempic?

The FDA is warning people that the diabetes medication Ozempic—commonly prescribed off-label for weight loss—may be linked to rare but severe side effects like stomach paralysis and intestinal blockage. After multiple reports of these issues following Ozempic use, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added a new warning to the drug's label.

Following more than a dozen reports of intestinal blockages among people using the diabetes drug Ozempic, the FDA announced that the potentially life-threatening condition will be listed on the drug’s label.

The medical term for intestinal blockage is “ileus,” and 18 cases of people taking Ozempic have been reported to the FDA. 

The FDA has received more than 8,500 reports of gastrointestinal issues among people taking medications like Ozempic and Wegovy when prescribed for weight loss. Ileus is mentioned in 33 cases, including two deaths, of people taking drugs containing semaglutide, which is the active ingredient in Ozempic, Wegovy, and another widely used weight loss drug called Mounjaro. 

Semaglutide mimics a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone that targets brain regions that regulate appetite and food intake. The labels for Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy already mention that delayed stomach emptying can occur. Significant weight loss is associated with taking Semaglutide, often about 15% of their body weight.

What Do We Know About Ozempic's Potential Side Effects, Including Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome at This Point?

Before starting any medication, users have the right to understand its possible side effects and complications.

Over the years, the potential risks and side effects of Ozempic have revealed themselves. Yet, the maker has not warned potential users about these risks and stomach paralysis symptoms.

At the outset, Ozempic's manufacturer cautioned about several initial side effects, including:

In the context of the Ozempic Stomach Paralysis lawsuit, the following medical terms are significant due to their potential link to using Ozempic. Understanding these terms can help individuals recognize symptoms that may warrant legal and medical consideration:

Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis)

Pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas, which plays a crucial role in digestion and regulating blood sugar in the human body. Symptoms of pancreatitis can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Ozempic could cause chronic or acute pancreatitis.

Changes in Vision

Vision changes encompass a range of symptoms, from blurred vision to more severe visual impairments. These changes can be a telltale sign of underlying health issues, including diabetic retinopathy, which is a concern for diabetic patients. Using Ozempic may exacerbate or lead to significant changes in vision.

Kidney Problems, Including Kidney Failure

Kidney problems can range from mild dysfunction to acute kidney failure, where the kidneys lose their ability to filter the blood. This can lead to dangerous levels of waste accumulating in the body. If Ozempic is found to cause or worsen kidney problems, this could be a massive issue for people taking the drug.

Excessive Vomiting

Excessive vomiting is not only uncomfortable and painful, but it can also lead to dehydration, an electrolyte imbalance, and other serious health issues. Because Ozempic affects the digestion track and may cause severe vomiting, it can lead to other health issues that users may not know is being caused by the medication.

Gastrointestinal Burning

Gastrointestinal burning refers to a burning sensation in the digestive tract, which can be symptomatic of various gastrointestinal issues, including acid reflux or gastritis. It is more than just heartburn—though it can present that way—but gastrointestinal burning is a clear communication from the body that something is wrong.

Possible Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to medications can range from mild skin rashes to severe, life-threatening conditions like anaphylaxis. However, Ozempic has been causing allergic reactions that were not adequately disclosed as a potential risk to patients. In some cases, the reactions have led to significant health complications.

In the Ozempic Stomach Paralysis lawsuit, these medical terms and conditions are critical as they relate to the potential side effects experienced by drug users. The lawsuit may explore whether the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings about these risks, leading to legal liability for the harm caused to patients.

However, as our comprehension deepens, so does our awareness of the potential risks of Ozempic.

We now know that Ozempic can lead to:

• Formation of gallstones
• Occurrence of Gastroparesis (the troubling stomach paralysis that is now coming to light)
• Sudden inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis)
• Possibility of thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer
• Diabetic retinopathy, a condition impacting the eyes
• Episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

The First Ozempic Lawsuits Addressed Gallbladder Problems

In 2022, mounting medical studies forged a link between Ozempic and gallbladder complications, compelling Novo Nordisk to add a cautionary note about potential gallbladder issues to the drug's information insert.

Nevertheless, scores of Ozempic users have suffered severe gallbladder troubles, translating to significant financial losses. This predicament gave birth to a slew of Ozempic gallbladder lawsuits filed across the nation.

The Start of Ozempic Gastrointestinal Concerns

In 2020, studies revealed the potential worsening of diabetic gastroparesis symptoms in patients who took Ozempic with a prior history of the condition. Though the precise cause of gastroparesis remains unknown, one-third of the reported cases were traced to uncontrolled diabetes, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Further investigations cast a spotlight on gastrointestinal severe side effects of the medication itself, indicating that its impact on stomach muscles might lead to blockages in the digestive tract that can result in severe stomach problems.

Those gripped by gastroparesis report feeling full after eating a small amount of food, along with acid reflux, persistent nausea, vomiting, stomach and lower GI pain, and diminished appetite.  Not surprisingly, these issues lead to involuntary weight loss.

An article from CNN News found more studies that revealed how GLP-1 agonists, like Ozempic, could intensify diabetic gastroparesis. Unfortunately, pharmaceutical disclosures did not mention these revelations, and Novo Nordisk chose not to notify physicians about this lurking threat of severe gastrointestinal events or revise its prescription guidelines.

Breaking News: Recent Ozempic Articles Reveal the Extent of Stomach Paralysis Cases

July 2023 witnessed a cascade of patient safety stories, chronicling the horror stories of Ozempic and Wegovy users grappling with gastroparesis. In CNN's comprehensive exposé, several individuals who were prescribed GLP-1 agonist medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy, found themselves suffering from gastroparesis. 

During this same time, the FDA claimed it could not definitively establish a direct causal relationship between the drugs and stomach paralysis. Hence, it refrained from mandating Novo Nordisk to undertake any immediate actions.

In response to CNN's inquiries, Novo Nordisk said, "Gastrointestinal (GI) events are well-known side effects of the GLP-1 class. For Semaglutide, most GI side effects are mild to moderate in severity and short duration. GLP-1's are known to cause a delay in gastric emptying, as noted in the label of each of our GLP-1 RA medications. Symptoms of delayed gastric emptying, nausea, and vomiting are listed as side effects." 

While the product's prescribing information acknowledges nausea and vomiting and delayed gastric emptying, these references revolve around the absorption of other medications while taking Ozempic, not the serious side effect complications at hand and the potential of severe gastrointestinal events.

Has Wegovy Done Any Clinical Testing? 

Since Wegovy is prescribed as a weight loss drug and administered twice the dosage of Ozempic, clinical trials of this medication have unveiled intriguing insights. A study of Wegovy users revealed that nearly 44 percent of Wegovy recipients reported nausea, with almost 25 percent experiencing vomiting—both telltale symptoms of gastroparesis and other severe stomach issues.  There is also anecdotal evidence this medication causes an issue called delayed gastric emptying.

Similar trials featuring Ozempic users taking the lower prescribed dosage showed approximately 20 percent of Ozempic users reported nausea, and 10 percent cited vomiting as common side effects.

Ozempic Maker Continues to Promote Weight Loss Benefits While Ignoring Growing Reports of Medical Complications

Although Ozempic is only FDA-approved for diabetes management, Novo Nordisk continues extorting Ozempic's weight loss virtues in advertising campaigns. This marketing thrust has used celebrities to vouch for Ozempic's weight-shedding prowess on social media.

Physicians may legally prescribe Ozempic "off-label" for weight loss, and they have veered away from its primary diabetic focus in response to pressure from their patients.

In early 2023, Ozempic appeared on the FDA's Drug Shortage List because of the escalating demand for the drug among those striving to shed pounds.

Because the drug is in short supply, the maker can increase its price because anxious users will pay more. This translates into substantial gains for Novo Nordisk, even as users grapple with grave medical complexities, transformative life conditions, and formidable financial setbacks.

Untangling the Legal Basis of the Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit

The initial case was filed by a 44-year-old woman from Louisiana, in what is likely the first of many Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuits.

Named defendants include Novo Nordisk (the creator of Ozempic) and Eli Lilly and Company (the maker of Mounjaro). The plaintiff's complaint described how she took Ozempic for a year, ending in July 2023. Subsequently, she started taking Mounjaro for similar medical purposes.

At the core of her lawsuit, she asserts that both medications created severe gastrointestinal problems, including relentless vomiting and acute stomach distress. She alleges her condition was so violent she lost teeth as a result. Her numerous gastrointestinal episodes also required her to seek multiple hospitalizations.

The complaint is based on the legal argument that the drug manufacturers failed to provide any disclosure regarding the potential for gastrointestinal severe upheaval within the drugs' prescribing information.

The complaint also alleges that the makers failed to warn about the potential for gastroparesis. The lawsuit pivots upon legal grounds of inadequate warning, failure to warn, and breach of warranty.

While this first lawsuit only names the pharmaceutical manufacturers as defendants, a cascade of future Ozempic claims may implicate the drug makers, distributors, and retailers.

Am I Eligible to File an Ozempic Claim?

1. You must have been injured or lost a family member because of a GLP-1 RA drug like Ozempic or a similar medication.
2. You must have been taking one of the following medications or a very similar drug.
   • Adlyxin
   • Bydureon Bcise
   • Byetta
   • Mounjaro
   • Ozempic
   • Rybelsus
   • Saxenda
   • Trulicity
   • Victoza
   • Wegovy
   • Zepbound
3. You must have been prescribed these medications by a doctor to treat diabetes or for weight loss.
4. You took the medication for at least 6 months, which is considered long-term use.
5. You suffered severe side effects like gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), ileus (intestinal obstruction), and cyclic vomiting syndrome.
6. You have medical records documenting that you were prescribed the drug and your side effects. Substantial medical evidence is crucial for a strong claim.
7. Finally, you must have suffered some financial loss related to taking Ozempic and its side effects, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

If you fit the above criteria, or if you don't quite fit a few but aren't sure, the legal team at LLN would like to speak to you about the possibility of filing a lawsuit against Ozempic or one of its sister drugs for personal injury or wrongful death.

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Are You Ready to Bring an Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit?

We expect a deluge of Ozempic gastrointestinal lawsuits spurred by the popularity of this medication for weight loss despite the potential medical implications.

The personal injury lawyers at Lawsuit Legal News stand prepared to safeguard consumers from profit-driven conglomerates. You have rights if Ozempic, Wegovy, or other GLP-1 medications injure you. Contact our dedicated legal staff at 866-535-9515 or complete our contact form for your free consultation today.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About the Ozempic Lawsuit