Lawyers for Medical Issues Caused by Ozempic
Have you developed gastroparesis after taking Ozempic? You could be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and other losses.
Some people using Ozempic are experiencing issues with their stomach, intestines, gallbladder, and vascular system. Because the drug can delay food exiting their stomach, patients using Ozempic have a higher risk of pulmonary aspiration and death in surgeries requiring general anesthesia. Although Ozempic seems to help many patients with diabetes, an increased number of health complications have been seen among the population taking the drug for weight loss alone.
If you or a loved one has experienced significant Ozempic side effects, such as intestinal blockages or gastroparesis, for which there were inadequate warnings, we may be able to help you file an Ozempic lawsuit. At Tamaki Law, we have a well-deserved reputation for fighting for individuals like you who have suffered injuries and losses at the hands of drug companies that failed to properly warn users. Call our Ozempic lawyers at (800) 801-9564 to discuss whether you’re eligible for compensation.
What Is Ozempic?
Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide. Ozempic is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and administered via a pen injector. Semaglutide injections increase a patient’s insulin release and have proved helpful for diabetes management and weight loss.
Ozempic is part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA). They use peptides that mimic satiety hormones, which target the areas of the brain that regulate appetite. 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.
To reduce any gastrointestinal side effects, the medication dose must be gradually increased each week to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. People are prescribed Ozempic with the expectation that they will take it long term. According to some research, the need to take the drug long term may increase the risk of side effects.
How Is Ozempic Used Off-Label?
Hollywood has seemingly normalized the off-label use of Ozempic as a weight loss drug, as media outlets speculate who has been taking it. Although doctors are permitted to prescribe the drug “off-label” – or for those without diabetes – they are expected to use their good judgment and discretion when treating their patients. When Ozempic initially hit the market in 2017, clinicians noticed that those taking Ozempic experienced appetite suppression as a side effect and that weight loss often ensued. Since then, it has gained popularity to the point of national shortages, reaching a 58% increase in sales in 2023.
Health Issues Ozempic Users Are Experiencing
Ozempic users have reported various symptoms, most notably gastrointestinal issues, but some recent reports of intestinal blockages caused the FDA to update Ozempic’s warning label in September 2023 to include this side effect.
The FDA is evaluating the need for regulatory action for Ozempic concerning intestinal blockages after receiving reports through its FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), which allows people to report issues with medical products and drugs directly to the agency.
In a recent letter to the editor, the authors of a study published online in 2023 echoed the concerns over intestinal blockages, cautioning clinicians to be aware of the adverse effects of Ozempic on the small intestine. In their opinion, the clinical trials have not lasted long enough to capture the effects of the drugs. Instead, they found that an increase in the occurrence of intestinal obstruction emerges 1.6 years after using a GLP-1 RA drug, but most trials do not last more than a year.
Symptoms of intestinal blockage include:
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps and swelling
- Difficulty passing gas or stool
Another health issue that has received news coverage is gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis. According to the Mayo Clinic, “gastroparesis is a condition that affects the normal spontaneous movement of the muscles (motility) in your stomach.” By preventing the stomach’s nerves and muscles from working properly, food sits too long in the stomach, resulting in delayed gastric emptying.
Although many people with gastroparesis do not experience any noticeable signs or symptoms, some common symptoms include:
- Vomiting or nausea
- Abdominal bloating and pain
- Feelings of fullness after just a few bites
- Acid reflux
- Lack of appetite
- Changes in blood sugar levels
- Weight loss
- Malnutrition
What can be confusing is that even though these side effects can signal gastroparesis, they are also the typical side effects of the drug. Ozempic’s label specifically identifies the following as common side effects of the drug’s use:
- Low blood sugar (in people with type 2 diabetes)
- Upset stomach, heartburn, burping, gas, bloating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach flu symptoms
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea and constipation
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
In addition to intestinal blockages and gastroparesis, other serious side effects for which you should seek medical attention include:
- Pounding heartbeat
- Signs of a thyroid tumor, including a lump in your neck or trouble swallowing
- Symptoms of pancreatitis, such as severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back
- Gallbladder issues, such as upper stomach pain, fever, jaundice
- Kidney problems, which may include swelling, urination issues, feeling tired
Ozempic Lawsuits
The Multi-District Litigation (MDL) Panel has recently directed that federal court lawsuits concerning Ozempic and similar GLP-1 drugs be consolidated under a federal judge in Philadelphia. Although Novo Nordisk and Eli Lily, the maker of Mounjaro, another GLP-1 drug, wanted to have cases moved to other jurisdictions, such as North Carolina or California, the MDL Panel declined because a significant amount of the pending lawsuits (at least 13 out of 55) are already filed in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania which is close to Novo Nordisk’s New Jersey headquarters.
Our lawyers expect to see thousands of Ozempic lawsuits in the next year. At the core of every Ozempic lawsuit is the allegation that the drug manufacturers failed to adequately warn users about the risk of gastroparesis or gallbladder issues. Although the drug labels list gastrointestinal side effects, the problem is that the labels significantly underplay the severity and risks of stomach issues.
MDL cases differ from class action lawsuits. In a class action lawsuit, the plaintiffs are treated as one entity. In MDL, each plaintiff’s case is handled separately. As such, plaintiffs may have different outcomes based on the factual circumstances of their case. This is crucial to your potential recovery because you could receive a personal resolution rather than being bound by a single verdict or settlement of the class of plaintiffs.
Can I File an Ozempic Lawsuit?
Our Tamaki Law will fully evaluate your case and determine whether you are eligible to proceed with a case against the manufacturer of Ozempic. In general, if you used the drug for weight loss, suffered serious health issues, such as gastroparesis or an intestinal obstruction, and sought medical treatment (whether you were hospitalized, treated at the ER, or were referred to a gastroenterologist), you could be eligible to file a claim.
How Much Is My Ozempic Claim Worth?
How much your claim is worth depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries and the extent of medical treatment you require now and in the future. For example, two Ozempic users may suffer from gallbladder issues. One may require a cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal surgery), and one may experience gallstones that don’t require surgical extraction. Obviously, the compensation these plaintiffs may receive will differ.
Although it is likely premature to know how courts will handle the Ozempic lawsuits, the categories of compensation for which you may be eligible are much like any injury case. You may be able to recover money for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Loss of quality of life
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
What Tamaki Law Can Do for You
Since 1994, the product liability attorneys with Tamaki Law have fought for clients harmed by the wrongdoings of drug manufacturing companies. We will advocate for your rights and aggressively seek the maximum compensation you deserve. With an attorney from Tamaki Law, you can rest assured that you have a strong legal advocate in your corner who will work hard to hold Novo Nordisk accountable.
You can expect dependable representation from the start. You do not have to navigate the Washington legal process alone. From evaluating your injuries to assessing the full scope of your financial losses to zealously advocating for your full and fair financial recovery, we are here to guide you each step of the way.
After we discuss your eligibility to proceed with legal action during a free consultation, we will:
- Gather evidence, including your medical records and bills, to build a robust cast
- File your Ozempic lawsuit within any statute of limitations deadline
- Attempt to negotiate a settlement
- Proceed to a trial if a settlement is unable to be reached
Contact Us Today
If you have experienced medical issues or complications after taking Ozempic, specifically gallbladder issues or an intestinal blockage, contact Tamaki Law today. You can speak to one of our experienced mass tort lawsuit lawyers in a free consultation to discuss your available legal options. We are passionate about helping the people of Washington stand up to drug companies that cause them harm. Call us right now at (800) 801-9564 to get started.