Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Attorneys
Were you harmed by using Ozempic? Our personal injury attorneys can help.
Ozempic is a medication prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes. It is also increasingly being used for weight loss. The drug gained widespread attention after going viral on social media when celebrities spoke out about taking it to lose weight.
While Ozempic has potential benefits, it also comes with various risks and side effects. Chief among these concerns is stomach paralysis. The condition, linked to Ozempic use, has given rise to multiple lawsuits that are consolidated in a Pennsylvania federal court.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. The drug mimics the effects of natural incretin hormones in the body, which help regulate blood sugar levels. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017, Ozempic has been prescribed to individuals with type 2 diabetes to improve glycemic control and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
Ozempic Side Effects
While Ozempic can be effective for managing diabetes, it comes with potential side effects that users should be aware of. These side effects may improve as the body adjusts to the medication over time. Common side effects listed on the drug’s warning label include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
Stomach Paralysis Risks for Ozempic Users
The side effects of Ozempic are not just limited to the above list. More serious complications have been reported with the medication’s use, including pancreatitis, kidney problems, thyroid tumors, and gastrointestinal issues.
Of particular concern is the occurrence of stomach paralysis, also known as gastroparesis, which has been associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic. Such medications partly function by slowing down the rate at which food travels through the stomach, causing a person to feel fuller longer.
Stomach paralysis can lead to delayed gastric emptying, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain. The chronic condition weakens the stomach wall’s muscles and nerves. It slows or stops the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine, causing blockages.
Ozempic Lawsuits
Multiple lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of Ozempic and related GLP-1 drugs, alleging they cause stomach paralysis and other serious side effects. The multidistrict litigation so far comprises at least 57 cases, 13 of which are in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The cases have been centralized in the Philadelphia federal court due to its proximity to Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk’s New Jersey offices. There are predictions that at least 10,000 lawsuits may be filed by people who were similarly harmed.
The claims have been brought on behalf of patients who were prescribed Ozempic and related medications in the same class to treat their type 2 diabetes or to help with weight loss. Pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, which manufactures Mounjaro, allegedly failed to warn consumers about the risks of dangerous side effects such as stomach paralysis.
Novo Nordisk has argued that Ozempic’s side effects are listed on its FDA-approved label. While the drug labels caution users about potential side effects, the lawsuits accuse the pharmaceutical companies of minimizing the severity of gastrointestinal complications.
One of the first lawsuits to allege a link between Ozempic use and stomach paralysis was filed in August 2023 on behalf of a Louisiana woman. The plaintiff, 44, claimed she suffered serious injuries after taking Ozempic and Mounjaro, another diabetes drug. The lawsuit accused Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly of failing to adequately warn patients about the possible risk of stomach paralysis associated with their medications.
The plaintiff said she used Ozempic for over a year, followed by Mounjaro, to manage her type 2 diabetes. She said both drugs caused severe pain and vomiting that required hospitalization. In December 2023, a judge ruled that the lawsuit against Novo Nordisk could move forward. Since then, the number of lawsuits has continued to grow as more patients come forward with stories of Ozempic-induced stomach paralysis.
Contact a Dedicated Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has suffered stomach paralysis or other serious side effects while taking Ozempic or a similar medication, it is essential to seek legal advice from a qualified Philadelphia personal injury lawyer. The skilled Ozempic stomach paralysis attorneys at MyPhillyLawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation on your behalf for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Contact MyPhillyLawyer to learn more about how you can join litigation against Ozempic. We are not afraid to stand up to powerful pharmaceutical companies. Our legal team has experience handling all types of personal injury claims for clients throughout Pennsylvania. We take on both single-plaintiff cases as well as class actions.
Because we operate on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to speak with a personal injury attorney. Call 215-227-2727 to schedule a free case evaluation. You can also reach us through our online form.