Ozempic Lawsuit

If you have watched the news or browsed the internet lately, you have likely seen stories of the success of Ozempic and Ozempic-like drugs in treating type-2 diabetes, but more so as the miracle drug which helps those suffering from obesity to lose significant amounts of weight, in a short period of time. As with any drug, there is a downside and a risk. These drugs, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, are no different, and have caused many individuals serious harm and complications from regular use.

Rightful Legal, a Massachusetts based personal injury firm, is dedicated to assisting those who have suffered health complications due to taking Ozempic, Wegovy or Rybelus GLP-1 RA drugs.

Contact our Ozempic Lawyers today for a free consultation to see if you or a loved one are eligible to file a claim against the drug manufacturers and get the compensation you deserve.

WHAT IS OZEMPIC AND GLP-1 RECEPTOR AGONISTS?

Ozempic, the brand name for an injectable semaglutide was approved for use by the FDA in 2017 initially for the treatment of type-2 diabetes.  Two years later, Rybelsus, an oral form of semaglutide, was introduced into the market. The weight loss benefits of these drugs quickly became apparent, and in 2021, Wegovy, was approved by the FDA as a drug for “chronic weight management” in patients. All three of these drugs are manufactured by the Danish company, Novo Nordisk, which has a market cap of over $500 billion.

Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy are all semaglutides, a type of medication known as GLP-1 receptor agonists,  which work by mimicking the action of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone, which targets areas of the brain which control appetite and food intake. Long-term continued use of these drugs can be effective in the management of type-2 diabetes and sustained weight loss. Patients who discontinue the use of these drugs will often gain weight back. This is because the mechanisms that helps control appetite and regulate weight may no longer be active. It is important to note, that long-term use does not come without risks. For simplicity, we will refer to these three drugs as “Ozempic” for the remainder of this page.

HEALTH ISSUES RELATED TO OZEMPIC?

Despite Ozempic’s wide popularity and perceived success in contributing to significant weight loss, taking Ozempic has been linked to several major adverse major health issues. Some of the most common negative Ozempic side effects can include:

•          Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, Chronic vomiting

•          Ileus (temporary bowel movement halt)

•          Cancer

•          Malnutrition related disorders

•          Deep vein thrombosis

•          Esophageal injury

•          Intestinal blockages

•          Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)/Blindness

•          Gastroparesis (stomach paralysis)

•          Gastric obstruction

•          Gallbladder disease and gallstones

GASTROPARESIS (STOMACH PARALYSIS)

One of the most common claims tied to Ozempic is stomach paralysis, also called gastroparesis. This is a dangerous medical condition that slows down or even paralyzes stomach and intestinal muscles, preventing the normal movement of food through the body. Gastroparesis can be a debilitating condition, the symptoms of which include:

•          Severe nausea and vomiting

•          Abdominal pain and bloating

•          Loss of appetite and weight loss

•          Malnutrition and dehydration

•          Difficulty eating and absorbing nutrients

The effects of gastroparesis can be so severe that that surgical intervention is necessary to address the issue. Severe gastroparesis cases may require feeding through a jejunostomy tube, which is a tube placed through the skin of the abdomen into the midsection of the small intestine.

THE OZEMPIC LAWSUIT

Drug manufacturers are required to disclose known side effects and health risks associated with their products, working in conjunction with the FDA. Side effects of Ozempic included nausea, vomiting and even thyroid tumors. In September 2023, the FDA ordered that intestinal blockage be added to the list of side effects for Ozempic. After this time, the first lawsuits were filed over the safety of Ozempic suggesting a link between the drugs and severe gastrointestinal problems, like gastroparesis and gastric obstruction. The FDA has not added an official warning for these side effects. The Ozempic Lawsuit claims that the drug manufacturers were aware or should have been aware of these side effects and did not inform the public or the medical community, and  therefore failed to provide adequate warnings of the health risks associated with these drugs.

There is no class action lawsuit for Ozempic. In February 2024, the Ozempic lawsuits were consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) as MDL 3094, In Re: Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAS) Products Liability Litigation, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

OZEMPIC LAWSUIT ELIGIBILITY

Contact an Ozempic Attorney at Rightful Legal if you or a loved one:

•          Used Ozempic, Wegovy or Rybelsus – Brand Name only (no generics);

•          Were diagnosed with Gastroparesis or Stomach Paralysis or Gastric Obstruction while taking the drug or within 30 days of stopping;

•          Stopped taking the drug at the time of injury diagnosis;

•          You required an emergency room visit and/or were admitted to the hospital; and

•          You are within the statute of limitations for your particular state, meaning the time frame required  bring a product liability lawsuit in your state has not lapsed or is soon approaching. 

Contact an Ozempic Attorney at Rightful Legal today to help determine if you can bring your claim.

WHAT DAMAGES ARE AVAILABLE IN AN OZEMPIC LAWSUIT?

Those who file Ozempic lawsuits may be able to recover damages for total losses incurred, without limitation:

•          Medical expenses

•          Lost wages

•          Loss of quality of life

•          Loss of consortium

•          Emotional and physical pain and suffering

•          Wrongful death

•          Other economic and non-economic damages

DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY FOR AN OZEMPIC LAWSUIT?

If you have suffered health issues due to taking Ozempic you could be entitled to substantial compensation for what you’ve suffered. Instead of hoping that Novo Nordisk will do the right thing or trying to pursue your claim alone, it is vital for you to get legal help of your own. It is also important to evaluate whether medical malpractice was involved. An experienced Products Liability Lawyer or Defective Drug Lawyer can evaluate your case, gather evidence, calculate your losses, file the appropriate paperwork, negotiate a fair settlement and help you take your case to trial if needed. It is important to bring forth a claim as soon as possible.

If you or a loved one has been using Ozempic and has experienced adverse side effects, contact our Ozempic Attorneys at Rightful Legal immediately here or by calling 617-821-5856  for a free consultation by a member of our team. We have over 15 years of experience in Mass Torts. We are here to Fight for your Rights to ensure you the Justice and the Compensation you deserve.