Are you experiencing gallbladder problems or stomach paralysis after using Ozempic? Medical studies have shown several side effects related to this prescription medication. These side effects include gastrointestinal issues and serious gallbladder complications.
It is intimidating to go up against a big pharmaceutical company by yourself, but a smart and skilled lawyer can help you fight for what you deserve. At Consumer Alert Now, we can connect you with a local lawyer who can guide you through this process. We make every effort to provide each person who contacts us with the finest legal presentation we can. Contact us right away to get started on your journey to justice.
An Overview of Ozempic
Ozempic is the brand name for the active ingredient, semaglutide, which can be found in prescription medications intended to regulate sugar levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes. It falls within the category of a Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. These new drugs are utilized for the treatment of obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic, a medicine used to treat diabetes, is packaged in liquid form in single-use pens. It is injected once weekly just under the skin. Most often, it is utilized for weight loss off-label.
It can regulate blood sugar. It promotes the release of insulin from the pancreas, lowering the blood sugar levels. That's why it's not recommended for those with diabetic ketoacidosis or Type 1 diabetes. In addition, it is not recommended for patients who have ever been diagnosed with pancreatitis.
Additionally, the medicine slows down how quickly food is digested and informs your brain when you are full. It causes early satiety and decreased hunger, both of which can contribute to weight loss.
A pharmaceutical firm from Denmark called Novo Nordisk created Ozempic in 2012. Ozempic was then granted clearance by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2017 to treat adults with Type 2 diabetes following successful clinical trials.
How Ozempic is Used
The prescription medication Ozempic contains the active component semaglutide, which is also found in two other drugs. These include Rybelsus and Wegovy. The form of semaglutide that can be taken orally is called Rybelsus.
These GLP-1 receptor agonists analog medications are effective at controlling blood sugar, treating diabetes, and facilitating weight loss. The FDA only granted approval for Ozempic for treating Type II diabetes, and they advise combining medication with lifestyle changes including exercise and diet.
It isn't specifically permitted for weight loss. People who have used Ozempic and been successful in losing weight are posting about it on social networking sites, which contributes to the drug's prominence as a tool for losing weight. Its appeal has been boosted by the fact that many famous people have taken it to shed extra pounds.
However, shedding pounds while taking a prescription that isn't meant for that purpose might have many undesirable side effects, which we'll cover later on. The drug's increasing prevalence as a lifestyle treatment has resulted in a significant scarcity. Patients with diabetes who require Ozempic to survive can have elevated levels of sugar in their blood when they fail to take it since someone else wants it to make them appear better.
Only Wegovy has been clinically proven to aid in losing weight, but that doesn't mean it doesn't share some of Ozempic's less desirable qualities. Ozempic and Wegovy both require weekly injections beneath the skin, while Wegovy has a somewhat higher dosage.
The Side Effects and Health Risks of Ozempic
Even when utilized for losing weight, Ozempic can cause many unpleasant side effects. Ozempic features a black box warning, which is the FDA's most stringent safety warning. Black box warnings draw attention to dangerous or potentially fatal side effects of medications. The label for Ozempic states that the medication was stopped after 4 acute gallbladder incidents.
The potential adverse effects and health risks associated with using Ozempic are outlined and discussed below.
There is a significant chance of developing acute gallbladder problems (inflammation and gallstones) as a result of taking Ozempic. The Food and Drug Administration received alerts through its adverse reporting program regarding semaglutide-related side effects, most of which were very serious. Most of these side effects were associated with gallbladder problems.
The drug's label states that 1.5% of the individuals who had used the 0.5-milligram dose as well as 0.4 percent of patients administered the 0.1-milligram dose developed gallstones. Every one of the documented cases of cholelithiasis was regarded as a medical emergency.
There are two potential side effects to watch out for if you've used it to lose weight; the rebound effect and Ozempic face.
What Does Ozempic Face Mean?
Ozempic face refers to a made-up name for the wrinkly, haggard appearance that some Ozempic users have. The use of Ozempic for fast weight loss is not recommended. People who use Ozempic to rapidly reduce their body weight may also see a reduction in facial fat. It can leave a hollow and aged appearance.
Gaining weight is the only method to reverse the "Ozempic face" effect and get back some of the lost facial fat. However, the skin's laxity that results from losing weight means that it still will not appear the same.
Ozempic Linked to Gallbladder Issues
Research has uncovered a troubling relationship between gallbladder disorders and Ozempic. According to FDA statistics, those taking Ozempic for the treatment of type 2 diabetes were more likely to develop gallbladder disorders like acute gallbladder illness and gallstones.
The most common type of gallbladder illness is characterized by pebble-like solid deposits that accumulate inside the gallbladder.
In contrast, acute gallbladder illness is a dangerous disorder that is defined by a fast onset of gallbladder inflammation, which is frequently brought on by a gallstone-caused obstruction of the outlet tube. Hospital treatment is required to prevent future problems, and extraction of the patient's gallbladder is often necessary as part of this treatment.
The researchers found that using Ozempic at larger doses, for longer periods, or to lose weight increased the chance of developing gallbladder issues.
The results are consistent with those of two other meta-analyses that looked at the relationship between Ozempic-like medications and gallbladder issues.
What is Cholecystitis?
Gallbladder inflammation, also known as cholecystitis, is typically brought on by gallstones that get stuck in the bile duct. A person may experience severe stomach discomfort, vomiting, nausea, and a high fever. There are chronic and acute variations.
Treatment options include prescription drugs, intravenous fluids, cholecystectomy, and gallstone removal surgeries. Factors that increase risks include being overweight, eating a lot of fatty foods, and having diabetes.
GLP-1 agonists such as Ozempic, which lead to concentrated bile as a result of reduced eating frequency and weight reduction, could increase the likelihood of cholecystitis because of gallstone development.
Ozempic Linked to Gastrointestinal Problems
According to medical research published in 2020, GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic could aggravate the symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis in people who already have the condition. Further research revealed proof that the medication itself was the culprit, stopping or slowing the stomach muscles, and causing obstructions in the GI system.
Patients with gastroparesis describe experiencing acid reflux, vomiting, nausea, discomfort in their stomachs and lower Gastrointestinal area, as well as bloating and pain after consuming only a tiny quantity of food. They also report losing their appetite. All of these signs and symptoms cause weight reduction, but not in a healthy way.
Even though these studies demonstrated how GLP-1 receptor agonists can exacerbate gastroparesis in diabetics and expressly advised against using them for patients who have experienced similar warning signs, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals never alerted physicians to this possible issue and did not alter its dosage or prescribing guidelines.
The Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Paralysis and Gastroparesis
Patients with gastroparesis may experience complications with their blood sugar and nutritional intake. Additionally, this condition can make it difficult to digest food properly. For those suffering with gastroparesis, some symptoms may include:
- Nausea.
- Abdominal bloating.
- Vomiting.
- Feeling satisfied despite having consumed very little.
- Abdominal pain.
- Acid reflux.
- Changes to blood sugar levels.
- Malnutrition.
- Reduced appetite.
- Weight loss.
How Is Stomach Paralysis/Gastroparesis Treated?
It is not possible to treat gastroparesis. Treatments for this condition seem to provide only short-term benefits.
Complications Resulting From Stomach Paralysis or Gastroparesis
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases provides the following list of potential gastroparesis complications:
- Dehydration caused by frequent vomiting.
- Having trouble regulating blood sugar levels.
- Malnutrition brought on by inadequate nutritional absorption.
- Consumption of less calories.
Bezoars (a solid food mass inside the stomach that prevents digestion) can lead to:
- Ulcers.
- Blockage.
- Decreased life quality.
- Bleeding.
Gastroparesis could be fatal when a bezoar blocks food from entering the small intestines.
Ozempic Lawsuits
If you or a loved one has been injured after using Ozempic, you may be eligible to seek compensation through a lawsuit for personal injury. It's crucial to note, nevertheless, that not all unpleasant Ozempic side effects warrant legal action.
You must fulfill the following conditions to be eligible to bring an Ozempic lawsuit:
- After some time, it was determined that you were suffering from gallbladder problems.
- You took Ozempic before April 2022.
- You sought medical attention for the issues.
Because Ozempic has not been reviewed by the FDA for weight loss, any injuries sustained while using it could have a lower likelihood of being compensated. However, some conditions can give rise to a valid claim in court. Among these are:
- The maker of Ozempic failed to issue proper warnings about the dangers of its use.
- The manufacturer made claims, either directly or indirectly, about Ozempic's safety and effectiveness, and then failed to deliver.
- Ozempic's poor manufacture or labeling directly contributed to your injuries.
It is crucial to speak with an experienced mass tort lawyer who can analyze the specifics of the matter to determine the feasibility of your claim.
Why People Are Bringing Ozempic Lawsuits
The most recent Ozempic claims were filed by people who took the medicine and later developed gastroparesis, a serious disorder in which food moves too slowly to the small intestines from the stomach. Sometimes, food may completely stop passing through the intestines.
Similar GLP-1 agonists mentioned in similar lawsuits against Ozempic include:
- Mounjaro.
- Saxenda.
- Rybelsus.
- Wegovy.
Ozempic lawsuits claim that Novo Nordisk neglected to add gastroparesis warnings to their prescription labeling after the FDA granted Ozempic approval in 2017.
The manufacturer issued a warning regarding the possibility of additional Ozempic side effects; however, they did not alert the general public about the possibility of serious gastroparesis. Since there is no known treatment for gastroparesis, the plaintiffs are suing for diminished satisfaction with life, both past and projected medical expenses, as well as other losses.
Who Can Be Held Responsible For Injuries Brought On By Ozempic Use?
If you feel that you have been injured or harmed as a result of taking Ozempic, you have the option to launch legal action against the drug's maker, Novo Nordisk.
Depending on your circumstances, you might be able to sue your doctor for malpractice. Despite Ozempic's lack of weight-loss approval, Novo Nordisk was aware that the majority of doctors had prescribed it for that purpose. There are other avenues you might take to file a lawsuit. They include:
- If Ozempic's manufacturing or labeling flaws caused your injuries.
- If the producer made either implied or explicit assurances about the security or efficiency of Ozempic, and the product fell short.
- If the company that made it did not issue sufficient precautions regarding the dangers of taking Ozempic.
Damages From Ozempic Lawsuits
By bringing an Ozempic case, you may be eligible for financial damages. Damage awards in semaglutide-related stomach paralysis cases are highly variable, depending on the seriousness and nature of the plaintiff's injuries. In general, a settlement in such a lawsuit may include compensation for a wide range of damages. These include (but are not limited to) the following:
Medical Costs
Medical fees include expenses for medicine, recovery, hospital stays, and surgery related to the drug's injuries.
Lost Earnings and Income
You may be entitled to financial compensation if the injuries forced you to miss work or barred you from returning to your previous position.
Suffering and Pain
Those who have suffered serious adverse effects may be able to receive financial recompense for their suffering.
Decreased Quality of Life
If your Ozempic injuries have prevented you from taking part in the kinds of activities you used to love doing, you could be entitled to damages for "decreased quality of life." These may include going on a hike or having a romantic relationship.
Wrongful Death
If your loved one passed away as a result of Ozempic, you may be entitled to financial support for funeral costs, missed wages, hospital costs, and other losses resulting from their death.
Your lawyers will try to win you the highest possible financial settlement to make up for the losses you sustained as a result of stomach paralysis or gastroparesis after using the diabetic weight-loss medications Rybelsus, Wegovy, or Ozempic. Because every case is different, your attorney will evaluate the specifics of the matter to assist in determining the entirety of any potential damages you may be entitled to receive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ozempic Lawsuits
Below are some commonly asked questions on Ozempic lawsuits:
Who Is Eligible to File an Ozempic Claim?
An Ozempic lawsuit can be filed by anyone who took the Ozempic and later developed side effects that required medical attention.
Has the FDA Approved Ozempic?
Ozempic was initially cleared by the FDA in 2017 for use in the treatment of diabetes. The recommended weekly dosage for this medication was 1 or 0.5 milligrams, to be given through injection. Since that time, the Food and Drug Administration has approved Ozempic for use in a wide range of conditions and doses.
For instance, in 2019, the FDA authorized Ozempic's claims that it could lower the likelihood of a serious cardiovascular incident for patients who have previously had cardiovascular problems in addition to diabetes.
The Food and Drug Administration then authorized an increased dosage of Ozempic (2 milligrams per dosage) in 2022 after clinical trials showed up to 73% of type 2 diabetic users could reach blood glucose levels that were less than the recommended 7% by using the medication.
Throughout this period, advertisements for Ozempic maintained their focus on the drug's purported ability to help certain people reduce their weight. Although there were certain potential side effects stated in the drug's warnings, gastroparesis and other serious gastrointestinal disorders were not mentioned.
What Damages Am I Entitled To?
If you're eligible to file an Ozempic gastroparesis lawsuit, you could seek both financial (out-of-pocket) damages like medical expenses and lost earnings as well as non-financial losses like suffering and pain. Ask an experienced Ozempic litigation lawyer about the damages you can collect depending on your particular situation since every state is different.
Can Ozempic Lead to Stomach Problems?
Yes, research indicates that using Ozempic or similar medications with a comparable mechanism of action might cause digestive issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, painful and uncomfortable stomach cramps, and nausea. They slow down the stomach's natural function and keep food inside the gastrointestinal tract for a longer period. Numerous studies tie Ozempic to more severe issues, such as gastroparesis.
How Long is Ozempic Safe to Take?
Always check with your physician before deciding to use any prescription drug, including Ozempic, especially if you've got any concerns or questions regarding its use. Studies that are currently being conducted in the medical field are unable to anticipate the long-term consequences of using Ozempic. If you are thinking about using Ozempic to manage type 2 diabetes, then your physician will be able to explain both the advantages and the dangers associated with the drug.
If you're considering utilizing Ozempic to reduce your weight, remember that any slimming effects will disappear after you cease taking the medication. If you discontinue the medicine, you run the risk of immediately regaining the weight you lost, and there is also a possibility that you will be required to stop using Ozempic because of the potentially severe adverse effects it can cause. Once again, it's important to discuss the benefits and risks of using Ozempic with a qualified medical expert.
Do I Need to Stop Taking Ozempic?
If you have been prescribed Ozempic and are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, please consult your physician before discontinuing use. Tell your doctor about your issues and symptoms so that you can receive the most accurate and helpful medical advice.
Does Ozempic Pose a Risk to Those Without Diabetes?
Keep in mind that Ozempic is only intended for use in managing type 2 diabetes. You may develop low blood sugar consequences such as a rapid heartbeat, disorientation, and sweating when you use Ozempic to lose weight but do not have diabetes.
Ozempic could cause major intestinal issues because it particularly slows down the stomach muscles and the way food is processed in your digestive tract. Before using Ozempic, anyone with stomach problems should consult their doctor.
Will There Be an Ozempic Mass Tort?
There is a chance that Ozempic's manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, will be subject to a class action lawsuit because of the drug's associations with gallbladder and gastrointestinal illnesses. Mass torts are used to combine many comparable claims against Novo Nordisk to increase efficiency.
For a class action lawsuit to be considered a mass tort, there must be an overwhelming number of plaintiffs who have been injured by that product. If the number of Ozempic lawsuits keeps rising, a federal court may eventually establish a mass tort.
Contacting a seasoned product liability attorney is the first step in getting the legal assistance you require to bring a claim for damages related to an issue you believe was brought on by Ozempic.
Find Help for an Ozempic Lawsuit Near Me
If you used Ozempic and experienced adverse side effects or your loved one passed away after using it, you could be eligible to join a mass tort to seek financial compensation. Consumer Alert Now can put you in touch with a lawyer in your region who can guide you. Call us today at 800-511-0747 to get started.
