Weight Loss/Diabetes Drug Side Effect Lawsuit
Recently, the pharmaceutical landscape was stirred by the emergence of Ozempic, Trulicity, and Mounjaro.
With Ozempic commercials becoming a fixture on television, the airwaves are filled with its catchy jingle and imagery portraying users enjoying an improved quality of life as a result of this prescription drug.
However, these diabetes medications have also garnered significant attention for their dangerous side effects.
The diabetes drugs Ozempic and Mounjaro, along with other medications, caught national attention for their off-label use by many people wanting to lose weight.
After suffering serious side effects, many users have filed an Ozempic lawsuit to recover the financial losses they are facing.
Don't wait any longer, call 866-535-9515 or submit your case for review today!
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 gastroparesis, also known as paralyzed stomach.
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 the GLP-1 class of drugs mimicking natural hormones controlling appetite. This product was prescribed by some 400 million people worldwide last year.
Previous studies show that drugs with GLP1 may cause gastrointestinal problems, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, or constipation. Even more severe symptoms, such as intestinal paralysis, have been described before.
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. This lawsuit identifies the manufacturer of Ozempic, Novo Nordisk, as the defendant in a claim where the plaintiff seeks financial compensation for the extensive medical hardships she endured.
After this initial lawsuit, we expect a wave of personal injury litigation 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 is currently speaking with anyone experiencing severe abdominal pain or who has developed gastroparesis after taking the diabetes drug Ozempic or any similar drugs.
Current Ozempic Lawsuit Updates - December 2023
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. The purpose of an MDL is to bring related cases into one central jurisdiction for discovery purposes and to ensure consistent court rulings and the consolidated 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 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, which are known Ozempic side effects, may be contributing factors. In response, the FDA has updated the labels of Ozempic and related medications to include new warnings.
Importantly, 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.
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 becoming stuck in the colon. We are following the studies that link these drugs to serious digestive problems. As a result, we expect many more Ozempic cases will be filed in the coming months.
October 4, 2023 - Lawsuits Raise Legal Theory of Failure to Warn
Although the Multi-District Litigation (MDL) is still in the early stages, the pending cases are raising 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 Created
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 Gastroparesis Lawsuit Filed in Louisiana
In Louisiana, the plaintiff, Jaclyn Bjorklund, filed the first Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuit today. The complaint alleges she suffered serious gastrointestinal medical issues caused by taking Ozempic and then Mounjaro, a similar drug for weight loss.
Gastropare syndrome occurs in the stomach, where food is not moving properly. She was rushed to hospital after taking Ozempic and Munjaro with vomiting and stomach pains. It was an emergency. The alleged geriatric surgeon argues that Novo Nordisk did little to prevent patients from suffering from gastroparesis.
July 2023 - Evidence Links Ozempic to GI Problems
New evidence shows that patients who use Ozempic to lose weight can experience severe gastrointestinal conditions such as stomach paralysis, and violent vomiting.
People who use Ozempic for a long period of time at the high dosage suggested for weight loss face the greatest 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 foundations for product liability lawsuits on behalf of individuals who, unsuspectingly, injected this potentially dangerous drug into their systems, only to encounter life-altering consequences.
If doctors have prescribed Ozempic or similar medications like Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Rybelsus, and you 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 more than 120 years of combined legal experience helping more than 40,000 clients who have been injured by someone else's negligence or companies that produce dangerous products.
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 helps sugar enter your cells.
Insulin helps keep your blood sugar steady after you eat by controlling how your body releases sugar from the food you eat.
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 name Semaglutide) in 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 stronger 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, but they didn't mention serious stomach problems like gastroparesis, even though the studies from years earlier revealed stomach paralysis can be a side effect.
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 works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) 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.
The potential risks and side effects of Ozempic, have revealed themselves over the years, yet the maker has not warned potential users about all of these risks.
At the outset, Ozempic's manufacturer cautioned about several initial side effects, including:
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Changes in vision
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure
- Possible allergic reactions
However, as our comprehension deepens, so does our awareness of the potential risks linked to Ozempic.
We now know that Ozempic can lead to:
- Formation of gallstones
- 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)
- Gastroparesis, the troubling stomach paralysis that is now coming to light
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 serious gastrointestinal 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, so it refrained from mandating Novo Nordisk to undertake any immediate actions.
In response to CNN's inquiries, Novo Nordisk issued this statement: "Gastrointestinal (GI) events are well-known side effects of the GLP-1 class. For Semaglutide, the majority of GI side effects are mild to moderate in severity and of 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 actually prescribed as a weight loss drug and administered at 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 to extoll 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
In what is likely the first of many Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuits, the initial case was filed by a 44-year-old woman from Louisiana.
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 serious gastrointestinal upheaval within the drugs' prescribing information.
Also, the complaint alleges 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 not just the drug makers but also distributors and retailers.
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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. If Ozempic, Wegovy, or other GLP-1 medications injured you, you have rights. Contact our dedicated legal staff at 866-535-9515 or complete our contact form for your free consultation today.
Don't wait any longer, call 866-535-9515 or submit your case for review today!
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About the Ozempic Lawsuit
Who can bring an Ozempic stomach paralysis claim?
If doctors prescribed Ozempic and you suffered gastrointestinal troubles leading to hospitalization, or doctors diagnosed you with gastroparesis, you might qualify for an Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuit. Reach out to a seasoned personal injury law firm in your area, like Lawsuit Legal News, to learn about your specific legal rights.
What kinds of damages and losses can I seek in an Ozempic lawsuit?
Should you qualify for an Ozempic gastroparesis claim, you may seek economic losses, which may include expenses like medical bills and lost income, along with non-economic losses, including the value of your pain and suffering.
Confer with a qualified Ozempic lawsuit attorney to understand the scope of recoverable losses in your unique circumstances, as jurisdictions have different rules.
Can Ozempic lead to digestive troubles?
Unfortunately, yes. Research has revealed the potential for Ozempic and similar medications to induce digestive difficulties, including constipation, diarrhea, stomach cramps, discomfort, and nausea.
These issues arise from the medication's tendency to slow the stomach's usual functioning, prolonging the presence of food in the gastrointestinal tract. Emerging studies have also associated more severe ailments, including gastroparesis, with Ozempic use.
What is the recommended duration of Ozempic use?
When it comes to Ozempic or any prescription medication, consult your physician before making any decisions.
If you are considering Ozempic for type 2 diabetes management, your doctor can describe the benefits and potential risks involved. Those interested in Ozempic as a weight loss aid should recognize that the benefits of weight loss end upon discontinuation of the medication. Regaining the lost weight after stopping the medication is a real possibility, and you may need to stop taking Ozempic due to severe side effects.
Again, talk to a well-informed healthcare professional about the pros and cons of Ozempic use before making any decisions.
Can I just stop taking Ozempic?
If a physician prescribed Ozempic and you're grappling with any of the symptoms cited above, talk with your healthcare provider before changing your regimen. Explain the full spectrum of symptoms and issues you're experiencing to help equip your doctor with the information they need to offer tailored medical counsel.
Is Ozempic unsafe for non-diabetic individuals?
Ozempic exclusively holds FDA approval for treating type 2 diabetes. If you take Ozempic for weight loss, not diabetes control, you could find yourself facing low blood sugar complications, such as rapid heartbeat, confusion, and sweating.
Also, as we’ve discussed above, Ozempic has a strong influence on stomach muscles and will reduce how quickly you process food. This can lead to serious intestinal challenges and complications. Prior to starting Ozempic, have a frank conversation with your physician about potential digestive matters.
How Long Do I Have to Bring an Ozempic Lawsuit?
Like most other product liability and personal injury cases, you have a limited window of opportunity to bring a lawsuit against the makers of prescription drugs like Ozempic. The clock starts ticking when you experience an injury, but some exceptions apply. Also, different states impose different statutes of limitation, so it's crucial to meet with a lawyer who understands the laws of the jurisdiction that control your legal rights.
When should I start working with an Ozempic lawsuit lawyer?
If you took Ozempic and experienced any of the severe symptoms, conditions, or digestive concerns outlined here, promptly contact your doctor, then call a dedicated dangerous drug and mass tort attorney. Reach out to Lawsuit Legal News for help today.