Start ClaimWhat Is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a self-injected medication originally developed to treat Type 2 diabetes. Despite its approval for diabetes management, many doctors have prescribed Ozempic off-label to help patients lose weight because one of its well-known side effects is weight loss.
This drug is part of a larger family of medications known as GLP-1 agonists, which includes sister drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro. These medications work by imitating a hormone that the body naturally produces called GLP-1. This hormone slows down food passage through the stomach, making a person feel fuller for a longer period, which can contribute to weight loss.
Both Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, while Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro uses a different active ingredient called tirzepatide. However, all these drugs share a similar mechanism of action by affecting the GLP-1 hormone.
Research and prescription analytics highlight the growing popularity of these drugs. Between 2021 and 2023, doctors wrote at least nine million prescriptions for Ozempic, its obesity-treating counterpart, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. Mounjaro gained approval for weight loss under the name Zepbound in November 2023. The demand for weight-loss injectables like Ozempic is surging, with financial experts predicting that by 2030, up to 15 million Americans might be using these drugs.
However, it’s important to note that while Ozempic and similar GLP-1 agonists offer benefits like blood sugar management and weight loss, they might also increase the risk of severe stomach problems. People taking these drugs have reported significant gastrointestinal side effects, and some are even pursuing litigation against the manufacturers.
What Are the Problematic Side Effects Reported by Users of Ozempic?
Ozempic users have reported a range of problematic side effects that have raised concerns among many patients and healthcare professionals. According to the prescribing information for Ozempic, the most common adverse reactions include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation, which affect more than five percent of patients. However, beyond these common issues, recent research and user reports have highlighted more severe and potentially life-threatening conditions associated with Ozempic and similar GLP-1 agonist drugs.
Research published in October 2023 indicates that certain people taking GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy might face an increased risk of serious stomach problems. This class of drugs has been linked to a significantly higher risk of pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, and gastroparesis compared to other weight-loss medications. Pancreatitis involves inflammation of the pancreas, while bowel obstruction prevents food from passing through the intestines. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated Ozempic’s label in September 2023 to note that ileus, a blockage of the bowel, has been reported as a potential adverse reaction.
Gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis, is a condition where the stomach empties at a slower rate than normal, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and early feelings of fullness. Gastroparesis is actually part of how GLP-1 agonists facilitate weight loss – by reducing the transit of food through the gut and making patients feel fuller for longer. However, it becomes a serious issue when stomach muscles stop functioning properly, preventing the stomach from emptying at all. In severe cases, gastroparesis can lead to inadequate nutrition and the need for feeding tubes, although such extreme outcomes are rare.
Overview of Ozempic Lawsuits
People across the United States are taking legal action against Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, and Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, due to the severe side effects they attribute to these drugs. Users of these medications—which were initially developed for diabetes management and popularized off-label for weight loss—have reportedly experienced severe gastrointestinal issues, leading to numerous lawsuits.
In August 2023, Jaclyn Bjorklund from Louisiana filed a lawsuit claiming that her use of Ozempic and Mounjaro led to severe gastrointestinal problems. While vomiting and abdominal pain are known as possible side effects, Bjorklund’s lawsuit argues that the companies failed to adequately warn about the risk of more severe conditions like gastroparesis and gastroenteritis. The lawsuit seeks compensation for what Bjorklund suffered, including severe vomiting, stomach pain, hospitalizations, and even tooth decay due to excessive vomiting.
Bjorklund’s case is far from isolated. Other plaintiffs across the United States have made similar allegations. In Maryland, one woman claimed Ozempic side effects necessitated the removal of her gallbladder. In West Virginia, another lawsuit alleges Ozempic caused a life-threatening bowel injury, requiring emergency surgery and resulting in permanent pain and dietary restrictions.
The lawsuits allege Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly did not fully disclose the severe gastrointestinal risks associated with their drugs. Claimants argue that the companies’ marketing strategies do not provide adequate warnings about these risks. This lack of transparency has allegedly led to long-term suffering among numerous patients, who say they have experienced debilitating effects even after discontinuing the medications.
In November 2023, nine federal cases were pending against these companies, spread across several states. By the following month, nearly 20 Ozempic lawsuits had been filed. Novo Nordisk attempted in November to dismiss these lawsuits, claiming the side effects were well-documented and that physicians are not required to be warned about them. The following month, a federal judge allowed Bjorklund’s lawsuit to proceed in a pivotal development. The judge ruled that Bjorklund had provided sufficient evidence to proceed with claims regarding inadequate warnings about the risk of gastroparesis.
Also in December 2023, attorneys representing Bjorklund and eight other plaintiffs asked the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) to consolidate these cases. The motion specifically requested that the consolidated multidistrict litigation (MDL) be overseen by the U.S. District Judge James Cain in the Western District of Louisiana. The purpose of consolidating related lawsuits into a single MDL is to streamline the legal process and avoid conflicting rulings.
In February 2024, the JPML decided to consolidate at least 55 lawsuits against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly in a Pennsylvania federal court rather than Louisiana’s Western District. Novo Nordisk reportedly supported the MDL ruling but has expressed its intention to vigorously defend against these claims. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly objected to being grouped with Novo Nordisk in the multidistrict litigation.
How Do I Know If I Have a Case Against the Manufacturers of Ozempic?
If you’re experiencing severe side effects from using Ozempic or a similar drug, you might wonder if you have grounds for a lawsuit. The best way to determine whether you have a case is to consult a knowledgeable lawyer who handles drug-related lawsuits. A skilled attorney can help you understand your legal rights and determine if you have a lawsuit against the drug’s makers.
You can get started by gathering all your medical records related to Ozempic, including prescriptions, dates of use, and details of any side effects you’ve experienced – particularly severe stomach issues, pancreatitis, or gastroparesis. Your lawyer will review these documents to assess the link between your health problems and Ozempic.
How an Ozempic Lawyer Can Help You
If you’re considering filing an Ozempic lawsuit due to the negative side effects you’ve experienced, your choice of legal representation is critical to your case. A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the legal process, offering support and advice while pursuing your claims on your behalf. Here are some key ways an experienced lawyer could help you with your Ozempic lawsuit:
Evaluating the specifics of your case to determine its strength.
Advising you on the legal options available for your situation.
Collecting medical records and analyzing them with the help of healthcare professionals.
Drafting and sending demand letters to the responsible parties.
Negotiating with the drug company’s lawyers to reach a settlement.
Filing a lawsuit on your behalf against the drug manufacturers.
Determining whether you can include your case in the existing Ozempic MDL.
Advocating for your interests during the MDL settlement negotiations.
Keeping you informed on developments within the MDL that could impact your case.
Leveraging the collective evidence gathered in the MDL to strengthen your individual case.
Representing you in court if your case goes to trial.
What’s more, your attorney will do all this without any upfront costs to you. Mass tort lawyers take cases on a contingency basis, which means their fee is contingent on winning your case. They only get paid if you do, which means there is no financial risk to pursuing your rights and demanding justice.
Find Out if You Have an Ozempic Case Now
Are you dealing with debilitating side effects from Ozempic and wondering what to do next? The team at Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers is ready to listen to your story and help you understand your legal options. Take our quiz to instantly find out if you qualify to file a lawsuit with an experienced mass tort attorney. We look forward to meeting you and learning more about your situation.