Drugs & Medical Devices

Ozempic

Ozempic, a drug manufactured by Denmark-based Novo Nordisk, has gained significant attention in recent years for its effectiveness in controlling blood sugar levels in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the medication has been prescribed off-label for weight loss due to its ability to suppress appetite. However, serious concerns have emerged recently regarding the potential side effects of Ozempic, with one of the most alarming being stomach paralysis, also known as gastroparesis. Novo Nordisk now faces drug injury lawsuits alleging that the manufacturer failed to adequately warn patients about the risk of severe complications associated with Ozempic. If you or a loved one took Ozempic and suffered from serious side effects like stomach paralysis, gallbladder disease, or gallstones, contact us today to discuss the possibility of pursuing a drug injury lawsuit against Novo Nordisk.

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Ozempic Lawsuit

Ozempic and its Connection to Gastroparesis

Ozempic, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class of diabetes drugs. These drugs work by mimicking the effects of the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and suppresses appetite. However, the mechanism of action of Ozempic can also slow down the emptying of the stomach, potentially leading to the development of gastroparesis.

What is Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis, characterized by delayed gastric emptying, is a rare but severe condition that affects the normal movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine. It can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, pain, feeling full shortly after starting a meal, and feeling full long after finishing a meal. While diabetes is the most common underlying cause of gastroparesis, studies have suggested a potential link between GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs like Ozempic and the occurrence of this condition.

What are the symptoms of gastroparesis?

Common symptoms include:

  • Indigestion.
  • Bloated stomach.
  • Feeling full very quickly and/or for a long time.
  • Upper abdominal pain.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Regurgitating (spitting up) whole pieces of undigested food.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Acid reflux and heartburn.
  • Blood sugar fluctuations.
  • Constipation.

“Gastroparesis means paralysis of the stomach. It’s a functional disorder affecting your stomach nerves and muscles. It makes your stomach muscle contractions weaker and slower than they need to be to digest your food and pass it on to your intestines. This leads to food sitting too long in your stomach.”

Lawsuits for Stomach Paralysis and Other Drug Injuries

With the emergence of evidence linking Ozempic to serious side effects like stomach paralysis, patients who have experienced these adverse reactions may pursue legal action against Novo Nordisk. In one recent drug injury case filed by a Louisiana woman in August 2023, the plaintiff alleges that she developed “severe gastrointestinal events,” including vomiting and stomach pain, after being prescribed Ozempic and another similar GLP-1 receptor agonist medication called Mounjaro. Her lawsuit accuses Novo Nordisk and Mounjaro manufacturer Eli Lilly of knowing about the connection between GLP-1 receptor agonists and severe gastrointestinal issues and failing to adequately warn patients about this risk. 

In addition to recent claims linking the drug to stomach paralysis, Ozempic was previously tied to other serious side effects in users, including acute gallbladder disease and gallstones. It was after scientists published a research letter in JAMA Internal Medicine in August 2022, that product liability lawyers began accepting claims for Ozempic gallbladder lawsuits. The research letter highlights the link between acute cholecystitis (gallbladder disease) and the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic.

What are the complications of gastroparesis?

Complications of gastroparesis can include:

Weight loss, malnutrition and dehydration

Chronic nausea and vomiting, or simply the loss of appetite, can lead to weight loss and malnutrition. If you vomit frequently, it can also lead to dehydration and electrolyte deficiencies.

Acid reflux complications

Gastroparesis causes abdominal distension, which makes it easier for stomach acid to escape out of the top of your stomach into your esophagus.

Blood sugar complications

Gastroparesis interrupts the regular, controlled flow of food through your digestive system.

Bezoar and gastric outlet obstruction

A bezoar is a compacted, hardened mass of food stuck in your stomach.

Why Pursue Legal Action for Ozempic Side Effects?

Drug injury lawsuits against Novo Nordisk and other drug manufacturers highlight the importance of holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for the potential harm caused by their unsafe products. If you have experienced stomach paralysis, gallbladder disease, or other drug injuries allegedly associated with Ozempic treatment, pursuing a lawsuit may be a viable option to seek compensation for your damages. To initiate an Ozempic lawsuit, it is crucial to consult with an experienced drug injury lawyer who specializes in defective drug cases and possesses the necessary expertise to navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding pharmaceutical litigation. A skilled drug injury attorney can assist you by evaluating your case, gathering evidence, and determining the best legal strategy to pursue your claim.

Find Out If You May be Eligible to File a Claim

Ozempic has become widely popular for its effectiveness in managing blood sugar levels in individuals with Type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss. However, the emergence of severe side effects, particularly stomach paralysis or gastroparesis, has led users to take legal action against the drug’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk. Pursuing lawsuits for stomach paralysis and other drug injuries caused by Ozempic allows affected patients to seek compensation for their injuries and hold the drug maker accountable for the harm their products may have caused. If you believe you have experienced adverse side effects from Ozempic treatment, contact us as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure that you understand your legal options. We can help you determine whether you may be eligible to file a legal claim against the drug manufacturer.

Cleveland Clinic – Gastroparesis

Mayo Clinic – Gastroparesis

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