Millions of people have been helped by the diabetes medication Ozempic to control their blood sugar levels, but an increasing number are reporting alarming adverse effects. As lawsuits mount against the makers of Ozempic, we have the latest on a class action that could have huge ramifications.
Patients looking for relief from Ozempic’s harsh side effects have found strength in numbers. A class action lawsuit against the drug’s manufacturer is gaining momentum, with thousands now alleging injuries and seeking justice. We break down where the case stands and what could be next.
What Is Ozempic?
Injectable medication Ozempic, which includes the active component semaglutide, was approved by the FDA in 2017 to treat adult type 2 diabetes. Ozempic lowers blood sugar levels by encouraging the pancreas to generate more insulin. Despite not being licensed as a medication for weight loss, some physicians prescribe it off-label for weight control.
How Does Ozempic Work?
Ozempic mimics a natural hormone in the body. As levels of this hormone rise following the administration of Ozempic, it signals to the brain that the individual feels full. Ozempic also slows digestion by prolonging the time it takes for food to pass through the digestive system. This replicates some of the effects seen with bariatric surgery procedures. Unintentional weight loss is a common side effect for those using Ozempic to treat diabetes. It is meant to be administered on a long-term basis.
Can Ozempic Help With Weight Loss?
Studies have demonstrated that semaglutide, the active component of Ozempic, is useful in managing weight. However, lifestyle changes like healthy eating and exercise are still important to achieve sustainable weight loss results. Although semaglutide is marketed under the trade name Wegovy for that indication at a higher dosage, Ozempic itself is not FDA-approved for weight loss.
Over time, the body may adapt to the effects of Ozempic or Wegovy, making weight loss plateau. Studies also indicate weight is likely to return if the medication is discontinued.
Why Are People Filing Ozempic Lawsuits?
There is some controversy surrounding the prescription and use of Ozempic. While intended for patients with diabetes, some healthcare providers have prescribed it for weight loss to individuals who do not meet medical criteria. Wellness clinics and compounding pharmacies, in particular, have been accused of improperly dispensing Ozempic or similar drugs.
In response, the victims have filed lawsuits such as the Ozempic lawsuit against certain clinics. They allege that these clinics illegally compounded versions of the drug and improperly promoted it for weight loss. The lawsuits cite issues like false advertising, unfair competition, and trademark infringement.
According to TruLaw, Ozempic has gained significant attention for its reported ability to facilitate rapid weight loss. However, it also carries the risk of side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and potentially more serious issues such as pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and kidney problems.
Of particular concern is gastroparesis, or delayed emptying of the stomach, which some users have developed. By slowing digestion, Ozempic can potentially lead to stomach paralysis. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it may result in nutritional deficiencies.
Those taking Ozempic need to be aware of potential adverse reactions and see their provider immediately if side effects arise.
With increasing off-label and improper use, as well as potential significant health risks, some are pursuing legal action against Ozempic manufacturers. Plaintiffs allege the true hazards of the drug were not adequately warned. This growing controversy and related lawsuits continue to unfold.
What Has Happened with the Ozempic Lawsuit Lately?
The litigation regarding the Ozempic lawsuit is currently in the early stages.
In November 2023, Canadians filed a proposed class action lawsuit in the British Columbia Supreme Court. They alleged that Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn prospective patients about complications like gastroparesis linked to Ozempic. Similar court cases in other jurisdictions are replicated in this Canadian lawsuit.
Judge James Cain Jr. dismissed the express warranty claims but declined Novo Nordisk’s request to have the Jaclyn Bjorklund case dismissed in December 2023. All other allegations, such as the one about the failure to warn, were permitted to go forward. Around the same time, plaintiffs’ attorneys filed a request to merge the Ozempic cases in Louisiana District Court.
The FDA declared in January 2024 that it would review reports of thoughts of suicide, hair loss, and aspiration problems when under sedation or anesthesia. These reports concerned users of Ozempic and related medications. This decision came after the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System database received multiple reports of these potential side effects.
By February 2024, at least 55 lawsuits had been combined into a federal MDL in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. These lawsuits claimed that Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonist class diabetes drugs caused severe gastrointestinal injuries. Plaintiffs’ attorneys estimated that the number of cases in the MDL could grow to as many as 10,000.
In March 2024, attorneys for the defendants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly filed their notices of appearance in the case. Additional plaintiffs continue to transfer their cases into the multidistrict litigation (MDL) that was formed. The litigation regarding the Ozempic lawsuit is currently in the early stages.
Eligibility to File an Ozempic Lawsuit
To be eligible to file an Ozempic lawsuit currently, plaintiffs must generally show that they used the drug and developed severe gastrointestinal problems. All of the Ozempic lawsuits to date have been filed by individuals. They experienced issues such as chronic vomiting or diarrhea for one month or longer due to taking Ozempic.
Lawyers will primarily take clients who can demonstrate this level of gastrointestinal harm, as such cases represent the clearest connection between Ozempic use and injury. This stringent eligibility means that only a relatively small percentage of Ozempic users who experienced some side effects will qualify to bring a lawsuit at this stage.
For individuals whose sole harm from Ozempic was experiencing suicidal thoughts or ideation, it may be possible to consult with a lawyer about eligibility. However, unless more data emerges clearly linking semaglutide to increased suicide risk, most attorneys are unlikely to take such plaintiffs onto a case currently.
Lawsuits directly relating to suicidal thoughts may become viable options for legal recourse. This could happen once regulatory agencies like the European Medicines Agency have fully analyzed all available data on a potential connection between Ozempic and suicide.
FAQs
1. What is the potential payout for Ozempic lawsuits?
A: For individuals who have suffered severe losses and complications related to gallbladder injuries caused by the medication Ozempic, legal settlements could range from approximately $400,000 to $700,000. Consulting with an experienced product liability attorney can help ensure you receive the maximum compensation you may be entitled to.
2. What is the new warning about Ozempic?
A: Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added a new warning to the label of the drug Ozempic. The updated label now cautions about the potential risk of intestinal obstruction or blockage associated with the use of this medication. This new warning has also been added to the label of Wegovy, a weight loss drug manufactured by the same company as Ozempic.
3. Is stomach paralysis caused by Ozempic reversible?
A: There is limited evidence suggesting that gastroparesis induced by Ozempic persists after discontinuing the drug. Some cases can be severe enough to require surgical intervention, such as gastric bypass surgery, to repair the damage and restore normal bodily function.
As the Ozempic litigation progresses, it remains to be seen how strong the evidence will be against the drug manufacturers. Thousands of plaintiffs arguing they were not properly warned of serious health risks could pose a major liability.
However, Novo Nordisk and other companies are sure to vigorously defend their products. Only time will tell what evidence is presented, how judges rule on key motions, and whether a settlement is reached.
One thing is clear – as more patients experience troubling side effects, these lawsuits represent their effort to take action and seek accountability from those who developed and profited from Ozempic. The full truth about this popular diabetes drug’s safety profile may yet come to light through the legal process.
