Ozempic is a drug commonly used to manage type 2 diabetes and obesity. The Novo Nordisk company manufactures this drug. It falls under the class of medicines known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Ozempic effectively reduces blood sugar levels, but there are concerns about its potential to cause pancreatitis or pancreatic inflammation. You can file a lawsuit against the manufacturer if you use Ozempic and you suffer severe pancreatitis. However, you should consult your attorney to find out if you can file the case.

Understanding Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is the inflammation or swelling of the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ that produces hormones like insulin and glucagon to manage blood sugar levels. This condition can be mild, temporary, or more severe, which requires hospitalization and serious medication.

How Common Is Pancreatitis With Ozempic?

Various factors can contribute to pancreatitis development, but scientists are unsure if Ozempic cases are due to chance. Factors like genetic predispositions and prior medical history can influence the possibility of developing pancreatitis while taking Ozempic. Medications like Ozempic can also increase the chances of gallstones. Prompt weight loss and potential effects on the gallbladder can contribute to gallstones.

Scientists also claim that individuals taking older versions of daily injected GLP-1 medications for type 2 diabetes can suffer acute pancreatitis. This risk can increase if you take GLP-1 for weight loss.

Though it is not common, there have been cases of individuals suffering pancreatitis after taking Ozempic. Ozempic and similar treatments can be potential triggers of pancreatitis for individuals with a history of this condition.

Whether You Can Take Ozempic If You Have Pancreatitis

Using Ozempic or similar medications can make pancreatic inflammation worse if you have a record of recurring acute or chronic pancreatitis. You should consult your doctor if you are at risk for pancreatitis. A doctor can advise you on other ways to manage weight loss and diabetes, like observing your diet, changing your lifestyle, and using different medications.

Adhere to your doctor’s instructions and recommended lifestyle changes if he/she prescribes Ozempic. Work with your doctor closely to adjust slowly to the dose because increasing it fast can raise the risk of side effects, including pancreatitis.

Eligibility Requirements For An Ozempic Case

You must meet a certain threshold to file a lawsuit against an Ozempic manufacturer. Proving that you consumed Ozempic and suffered severe pancreatitis is vital. Eligibility requirements include:

Diagnosis Of Qualifying Condition

Only specific health conditions can qualify for compensation. Cases are often focused on people suffering from severe pancreatitis. You might not qualify to file a lawsuit if you have prior major gastric surgeries or are on cancer treatment. The symptoms or diagnosis must have occurred within 60 days of using Ozempic.

Adverse Health Effects

You must provide sufficient evidence that the adverse health effects are caused by Ozempic use, including hospitalization or visiting an emergency room. Some of the qualifying resulting conditions include gallbladder removal, pancreatic disorders, vision loss, blood clots, ileus, and gastroparesis.

Your Age

You must have been younger or 75 years old when you began using the drug, and currently not on chemotherapy.

Proof Of Use

You must provide evidence showing the use of Rybelsus, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Trulicity, Saxenda, Wegovy, Ozempic, including prescriptions and medical records.

It can be challenging to know if you are eligible for an Ozempic lawsuit without a skilled drug liability attorney. You should seek the services of an attorney and retain all healthcare records related to Ozempic use and adverse health effects.

Factors That Can Affect Your Eligibility

Not all patients who suffer an adverse health condition or other bodily harm after using Ozempic are eligible to seek compensation. Consult your attorney to determine if you have a valid claim for damages. Some of the factors that can affect your eligibility include:

  • You used a generic drug prescribed by a weight loss clinic, which can be a compounded version of Ozempic
  • Your symptoms or diagnosis occurred more than one month after you stopped using Ozempic
  • You are on cancer treatment
  • You had a prior banding surgery, bypass, or gastric sleeve
  • You were over 75 years old at the time you started using Ozempic

Side Effects And Health Risks Of Ozempic

According to the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA), many patients have reported side effects after taking Ozempic. Some of the common side effects include:

  • Vision loss
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Pancreastitis
  • Hair loss
  • Nausea
  • Kidney or liver failure
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Gastroparesis
  • Gallstones
  • Gallbladder inflammation
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Biliary disease
  • Pulmonary aspiration
  • Ileus
  • Chronic vomiting
  • Bowel obstructions
  • Stomach paralysis
  • Acute kidney injury

Scientists also claim that there is a possible link between taking Ozempic and an increased risk of suffering pancreatic cancer. Sadly, you might continue experiencing these side effects even after stopping the use of Ozempic. You risk developing gallbladder issues because of long-term use or high doses of Ozempic, particularly if you use it for weight loss.

Why You Require An Attorney In Your Ozempic Lawsuit

With the help of a skilled product liability attorney, you can successfully petition against an Ozempic manufacturer. Your attorney can help you in the following ways:

Securing Compensation

An attorney will work hard to secure a substantial settlement for you. Your attorney will accurately document your damages, including pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses.

Negotiating Settlements

Most drug-related cases are solved through settlements. A competent Ozempic attorney can negotiate on your behalf, ensuring you secure the compensation you deserve for your case.

Offering Expertise

Navigating drug-related cases requires specialized legal knowledge. Your attorney understands the legal system and can manage your case well within the consolidated proceedings. An attorney can also leverage shared resources and collaboration with other plaintiffs’ attorneys.

Personalized Legal Assessment

Your product liability attorney will thoroughly assess your medical records and health issues related to Ozempic.

The Procedure Of Filing An Ozempic Case

The law allows you to file a civil lawsuit against the manufacturer or other responsible party if you have suffered injuries after consuming Ozempic. The following are the steps you should take to file your case:

Seek The Services Of A Skilled Attorney

Hire a product liability attorney if you intend to file an Ozempic case against the manufacturer. The attorney will help you establish if you have a valid case for damages. He/she will evaluate your case and take you through all legal options.

Your attorney can also secure an expert witness for your case. The testimony of a medical expert can greatly strengthen your lawsuit against the manufacturer. An expert opinion carries weight in court, particularly when discussing the side effects of Ozempic. If the expert agrees to testify, he/she will evaluate all necessary documents, including medical records and documentation related to Ozempic usage. The expert witness will then prepare a testimony under the guidance of your attorney. This will ensure that the facts that support your case are presented effectively without confusing jury members. 

Determine If You Qualify

Not all people who use Ozempic qualify for compensation. You can only qualify for compensation if you have taken Ozempic, Rybelsus, Saxenda, trulicity, zepbound, mounjaro, wegovy, and have suffered severe pancreatitis.

Identify The Manufacturer

The manufacturer is often the target of Ozempic lawsuits. Your attorney can help you identify the manufacturer of Ozempic you consumed.

Gather Relevant Evidence

Certain documents can strengthen your case when gathering evidence for your Ozempic case. Hospital records, doctor’s prescription history, and notes are among the most important. These records will provide a comprehensive view of your health status in the hospital. This includes diagnostic tests, medication, surgical procedures, and progress notes. The records also offer concrete evidence of any side effects you suffered because of Ozempic.

Doctor’s notes also have detailed information regarding your visits while on Ozempic medication. Any side effects identified by the doctor can be concrete evidence against the drug manufacturer.

Review Legal Requirements

You must comply with certain legal requirements when filing your Ozempic case. A statute of limitations is a major requirement. Your lawsuit could be dismissed if you fail to file within the statute of limitations. The legal timeline for filing an Ozempic case can be as short as one year. A statute of limitations often begins when you first notice the side effects. Your attorney can help you establish the legal timelines in your case. There is no standard timeline for filing a claim.

Damages You Can Recover In An Ozempic Lawsuit: Pancreatitis

You can recover the following damages if you suffer severe pancreatitis after taking Ozempic:

 

Lost Wages

You have a right to pursue compensation for lost income if you suffered injuries after using Ozempic and were forced to take unpaid time off work. Provide evidence from your treating doctor if your injuries affect your ability to work. Apart from the medical proof, you must provide information from your job indicating the period you were away from work. For example, you can undergo an operation that leaves you bedridden for two weeks. This requires you to provide evidence of the hospital stay or the outpatient surgery. You must also prove you were not on the job for those two weeks.

You can use any of the following as evidence of how much you lost and how much you would have earned had you been working:

  • Bank statements
  • Income tax returns
  • Paystub
  • W-2

It can be challenging to calculate the amount you lost out on if you work in a job where your income is based on tips or commission. However, a letter from your employer explaining the following can be vital in proving the income you lost:

  • Average tips you make per week
  • Pay structure of the company
  • Job duties

Lost Earning Capacity

Lost earning capacity refers to future lost income. You have a right to pursue lost earning capacity damages if you suffer permanent injuries that leave you unable to work after taking Ozempic. You require professional medical evidence showing the activities you can no longer do when pursuing lost earning capacity. Additionally, you must provide evidence that there is no alternative job option for you with similar income to the job you had before suffering injuries from Ozempic drugs.

Several factors are considered when proving the amount of money you would have earned in the future. The factors include:

  • Lost benefits like $401, health, or life insurance
  • Any predicted promotions or raises
  • Type of job you do
  • Your age

Loss Of Consortium or Companionship

You can pursue loss of consortium or companionship damages if you have lost your partner after using Ozempic. The law also allows you to pursue these damages if your partner suffered severe injuries that changed the nature of your relationship.

Loss Of Enjoyment or Loss Of Use

Loss of enjoyment compensation is associated with the experiences or activities taken from you because of your injuries. For example, severe injuries will prevent you from golfing, horseback riding, and engaging in other recreational activities that give you pleasure. You will be awarded these damages depending on the specific injuries and the activities you cannot engage in.

Loss of use compensation is meant for the loss of use of a limb or any part of the body. You will be awarded these damages based on the body part in which you suffered injuries. It will also depend on whether the limb has a partial or total loss of its functionality.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are often awarded in personal injury cases. They are meant to punish the offender but not compensate for the victim. The damages are awarded in situations where the liable party was extremely negligent.

Find A Product Liability Attorney Near Me

Any person who suffers adverse health conditions after using Ozempic could be eligible to file a lawsuit. The eligibility criteria include proof of usage of Ozempic and evidence of adverse side effects after using the drug. You can file a lawsuit as an individual or join a class action lawsuit whereby you file a claim alongside other victims who have suffered harm after using Ozempic.

At Consumer Alert Now, we have knowledgeable attorneys who can help you file a lawsuit to seek compensation. Our attorneys can help recover damages for medical costs, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment in life, and punitive damages if applicable. We have helped many people file lawsuits in the United States after suffering adverse side effects of Ozempic. Contact us at 800-511-0747 to speak to one of our attorneys.