Have you experienced gastroparesis after using Ozempic? Or maybe you had to have your gallbladder removed due to taking the drug? If so, we want to talk to you. At Spiros Law, P.C., we are assisting patients with Ozempic lawsuits.
Some patients using Ozempic have experienced issues with their stomach, intestines, and gallbladder. Because of delayed gastric emptying (which accomplishes the goal of making you feel fuller longer), patients using Ozempic have a higher risk of pulmonary aspiration and death in surgical procedures requiring general anesthesia. While Ozempic seems critical to many patients managing their diabetes, a growing number of health complications have manifested among the population taking Ozempic for weight loss alone.
If you have experienced significant Ozempic side effects, such as intestinal blockages or gastroparesis, for which there were inadequate warnings, the experienced defective drug lawyers at Spiros Law, P.C. may be able to help you file an Ozempic lawsuit. We are dedicated to assisting people like you who have been injured by a drug.
What Is Ozempic?
Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, a pen injector medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Semaglutide injections increase insulin release and have thus proved useful for diabetes management and weight loss.
Ozempic, like Wegovy and Mounjaro, is part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA). These drugs use peptides that mimic satiety hormones, which target the areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ozempic to lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with Type 2 diabetes.
Like most drugs on the market today, there are some side effects of the drug. Specifically, Ozempic’s label identifies the following as common side effects:
- Loss of appetite
- Low blood sugar (in people with type 2 diabetes)
- Upset stomach and heartburn
- Burping, gas, and bloating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach flu symptoms
- Diarrhea and constipation
- Headaches
- Dizziness and fatigue
The Ozempic dose is gradually increased each week to reduce the gastrointestinal side effects. Patients may increase the medication dose as they can tolerate the symptoms. Studies show that patients who discontinue using Ozempic gain back any weight they lose. Thus, prescribing physicians expect that their patients will take it long-term despite some research showing that taking the drug for a long period may increase the risk of harmful side effects.
Significant Health Issues Ozempic Users Have Experienced
Ozempic users have reported more serious symptoms beyond the typical gastrointestinal issues. The FDA updated Ozempic’s warning label in September 2023 after reports surfaced of users experiencing intestinal blockages. The FDA is further evaluating the need for regulatory action for Ozempic related to intestinal blockages after receiving multiple reports through the Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). This system allows users to report medical product and drug issues directly to the FDA.
In a recent document published online, researchers voiced concerns over intestinal blockages, cautioning clinicians to be aware of the adverse effects of Ozempic on the small intestine. Their research showed that the clinical trials have not lasted long enough to capture the effects of Ozempic on the small intestine. Instead, they found that the occurrence of intestinal obstruction emerges 1.6 years after using a GLP-1 RA drug, such as Ozempic, but most trials do not last more than a year.
Serious medical conditions can arise with an intestinal blockage, and they require prompt medical care. Symptoms of intestinal blockage include:
- Constipation
- Abdominal cramping or swelling
- Vomiting
- Difficulty passing gas or stool
Gastroparesis is another health issue related to Ozempic use that has received news coverage. According to the Mayo Clinic, “gastroparesis is a condition that affects the normal spontaneous movement of the muscles (motility) in your stomach.” Stomach paralysis allows food to sit in the stomach too long, which can result in delayed gastric emptying.
Although many people with gastroparesis do not experience any noticeable symptoms, some common symptoms include:
- Vomiting or nausea
- Lack of appetite
- Feelings of fullness
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Acid reflux
- Changes in blood sugar levels
- Weight loss
- Malnutrition
Ozempic users should seek medical attention if they experience these other serious side effects:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Symptoms of thyroid cancer, such as a lump in your neck or trouble swallowing
- Symptoms of pancreatitis, including severe pain in your upper stomach radiating to your back
- Issues with your gallbladder, such as upper stomach pain, fever, or jaundice
- Kidney problems, which may include swelling, urination issues, or fatigue
Why Is Ozempic Used Off-Label?
Doctors are permitted to prescribe a drug “off-label” – or for those without diabetes. However, they are well-advised to use their judgment and discretion when treating their patients with Ozempic or any drug.
After Ozempic hit the market in 2017, clinicians noticed that those taking Ozempic experienced appetite suppression as a side effect. What seemed to be effortless weight loss then followed. Since then, Ozempic, along with other GLP-1 RA drugs, has increased in popularity, causing nationwide shortages, a problem for those diabetes patients who need the medication to manage their disease.
Ozempic Lawsuits
The Multi-District Litigation (MDL) Panel has directed that lawsuits based on Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs be consolidated and heard by a federal court judge in Philadelphia. Although Novo Nordisk, the Ozempic manufacturer, and Eli Lily, the maker of Mounjaro, wanted to have cases moved to other jurisdictions, the MDL Panel declined because a significant amount of the pending lawsuits are already filed in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, which is close to Novo Nordisk’s New Jersey headquarters.
Why is it significant that the cases have been consolidated? MDL cases differ from class action lawsuits because the plaintiffs are treated as a single entity in a class action lawsuit. In MDL, each plaintiff’s case is handled separately, meaning plaintiffs may have different outcomes based on the factual circumstances of their case. This is critical to your potential recovery because you could receive a personal resolution tailored to the facts of your case instead of being bound by a single verdict or settlement for an entire class of plaintiffs.
At Spiros Law, P.C., our lawyers expect to see thousands of Ozempic lawsuits filed in the coming year with patients alleging that the drug manufacturers failed to adequately warn users about the risk of gastroparesis or gallbladder issues. Although the Ozempic label lists gastrointestinal side effects, the drug company has significantly underplayed the potential severity and risks of stomach and gallbladder issues for its users.
Can I File an Ozempic Lawsuit?
At Spiros Law, P.C., we will thoroughly evaluate your case to determine whether you are eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of Ozempic. Although every case is different, if you used Ozempic for weight loss alone, suffered serious health issues following the use of the drug, such as gastroparesis or intestinal obstruction, and received medical treatment (regardless of its scope or complexity), you are likely eligible to file a claim.
What Is My Ozempic Claim Worth?
How much your Ozempic claim is worth depends on many factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the medical treatment you received, and the extent of treatment you will require in the future.
Although it is too early to know how courts will handle the Ozempic lawsuits, the categories of compensation for which you may be eligible are similar to those in a personal injury lawsuit. Your attorney may pursue money for your:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Lost future earning capacity
- Loss of quality of life
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
What Can Spiros Law, P.C. Do for You?
Since 2005, Spiros Law, P.C. has provided quality legal representation for our clients in state and federal courts in Illinois and around the United States. We will protect your legal right to compensation as we aggressively advocate on your behalf. When you hire an attorney from Spiros Law, P.C., you will have strong legal representation from the start who will work hard to hold Novo Nordisk accountable for your injuries.
You do not have to navigate the legal process alone. From fully evaluating your injuries to assessing the entirety of your financial losses to fighting for your complete financial recovery, we will guide you each step of the way. We want to learn more about your case in a free consultation. If we determine you are eligible to proceed with legal action related to your Ozempic injuries, we will:
- Obtain the available evidence, including your medical records and bills, to build a strong case
- File your Ozempic lawsuit within any applicable statute of limitations
- Attempt to negotiate a settlement on your behalf
- Proceed to a trial if a settlement cannot be reached
Contact Us Today
If you have experienced medical issues or complications taking Ozempic, specifically gallbladder issues or an intestinal blockage, contact Spiros Law, P.C. today. You can speak to one of our experienced drug and medical device lawyers in a free consultation. We are dedicated to helping people injured by drug companies who put profits ahead of people. Call us today at (217) 328-2828 to get started.
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