Ozempic Lawsuit 2024 | Getting Compensation for Your Injuries
Weight loss has always been a hot subject. And, with the surge in popularity of drugs that induce weight loss, it’s more controversial than ever. Among these drugs is Novo Nordisk AS’ Ozempic, which the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved only for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Ozempic works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone, glucagon-like peptide 1, to suppress appetite. The drug’s side effect of rapid weight reduction soon grabbed the spotlight and turned it into a hot commodity. However, Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonist drugs, especially when used for weight loss, have several adverse effects. Ozempic lawsuit have been filed against Novo Nordisk over claims that the diabetes drug can cause gastroparesis and other gastrointestinal complications. According to the lawsuits, Novo Nordisk made billions in sales by marketing Ozempic for weight loss but failed to warn consumers that the drug carries dangerous side effects. Here, Ethen Ostroff Law explores the legal avenues available to victims of Ozempic-related gastrointestinal issues, including those pursuing compensation through the ongoing Ozempic lawsuit, and how we can assist you in seeking justice.
Ozempic as a Type 2 Diabetes Drug
Ozempic, the brand name for semaglutide, is a medication prescribed to help adults with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. The medication comes as a liquid in pre-filled disposable pens and is administered once a week by injection beneath the skin. Ozempic belongs to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist class of drugs that work by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar, by stimulating insulin production and decreasing glucose release.
Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharmaceutical company, developed Ozempic in 2012. It is the only company in the United States with FDA-approved semaglutide products, marketed under the brand names Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Rybelsus®. The FDA approved Ozempic for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults in 2017.
Ozempic and Wegovy are administered as subcutaneous injections to patients. Their main difference is that Ozempic is intended for type 2 diabetes at weekly doses of 0.5 to 1 mg, whereas Wegovy has been FDA-approved as a weight loss drug at a weekly dosage of 2.4 mg. Rybelsus, like Ozempic, is intended to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus, but the patient takes it daily in the form of an oral tablet (3mg, 7mg, or 14mg doses).
Ozempic as a Weight Loss Drug
Ozempic has not yet been approved by the FDA for weight loss, but its sister drug, Wegovy, has. Ozempic slows the rate at which food travels through the digestive tract, making the person feel fuller for a longer period and thus reducing the amount of food they consume. Weight loss is a common side effect when Ozempic is used to treat diabetes. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, is effective for weight loss.
Medications for Type 2 Diabetes That Can Help Lose Weight
GLP-1 agonists are a class of type 2 diabetes medications that improve blood sugar control and help lose weight. They are usually administered as shots. Examples include:
- Dulaglutide.
- Exenatide.
- Exenatide extended release.
- Liraglutide.
- Lixisenatide.
- Semaglutide.
- Terzepatide.
GLP-1 Agonists Available in the United States
Here are GLP-1 agonists currently available on the U.S. market:
- Amylin Pharmaceuticals’ Bydureon.
- Amylin Pharmaceuticals’ Byetta.
- Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, now known as Zepbound
- Eli Lilly’s Trulicity.
- Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic.
- Novo Nordisk’s Rybelsus.
- Novo Nordisk’s Saxenda.
- Novo Nordisk’s Victoza.
- Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy.
- Sanofi-Aventis’ Adlyxin.
Differences Between GLP-1 Agonist Drugs
GLP-1 agonists are medications commonly used for managing diabetes and weight loss. Let us take a closer look at the distinct features of various options:
- Adlyxin (lixisenatide): Previously available in the US, this daily injection enhances blood sugar control in Type 2 diabetes.
- Bydureon BCise (exenatide): Injected weekly, it’s effective for lowering blood sugar, yet lacks certain heart-related and weight loss benefits.
- Byetta (exenatide): Despite requiring twice-daily injections, it aids in post-meal blood sugar spikes and weight loss, without significant heart benefits.
- Mounjaro/Zepbound (tirzepatide): Part of a new class, it mimics gut hormones for Type 2 diabetes treatment, with potential weight loss benefits under investigation.
- Ozempic (semaglutide): Weekly injection for Type 2 diabetes, reduces heart risks and shows promise for kidney health, though not approved for weight loss.
- Rybelsus: Oral semaglutide, taken daily for Type 2 diabetes, offers no heart-related advantages.
- Saxenda: Approved for weight loss, it’s an oral version of liraglutide, effective when combined with diet and exercise.
- Trulicity (dulaglutide): Weekly injection for Type 2 diabetes, reduces heart risks and may benefit kidneys, with weight loss as a potential side effect.
- Victoza (liraglutide): Daily injection lowers heart risks and aids kidney health in Type 2 diabetes, with potential weight loss effects.
- Wegovy: Weekly injection for weight loss, not for diabetes, offering benefits when paired with diet and exercise.
FDA-Approved Weight Loss Medications
The FDA has approved medications for short- and long-term use in overweight and obese patients. These weight-loss drugs require a doctor’s prescription and medical supervision.
For short-term use (up to 12 weeks):
- Benzphetamine.
- Diethylpropion.
- Phendimetrazine.
- Phentermine.
For the long-term treatment of weight loss:
- Liraglutide (Saxenda).
- Naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave).
- Orlistat (Xenical, Alli).
- Phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia).
- Semaglutide (Wegovy).
- Setmelanotide (Imcivree).
Who Gets Weight Loss Medications Like Ozempic?
Medications like Ozempic are for overweight adults who have not lost weight through diet or lifestyle changes and have at least one weight-related condition, like:
- High blood pressure.
- High cholesterol.
- Obesity caused by genetic disorders.
- Type 2 diabetes.
How Weight-Loss Medications Work
Drugs for weight reduction work by:
- Enhancing fat burning to increase calorie expenditure.
- Inhibiting nutrient absorption, such as fats, resulting in reduced calorie consumption.
- Suppressing appetite and inducing a feeling of fullness, leading to decreased calorie intake.
Side Effects of Ozempic and Other GLP-1 Agonist Drugs
While Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonist drugs have proven effective for many individuals, some have reported severe side effects, prompting legal actions.
Common and mild side effects include:
- Abdominal pain.
- Constipation.
- Diarrhea.
- Dizziness.
- Indigestion.
- Minor heart-rate increase.
- Nausea.
- Reaction at the injection site.
- Vomiting.
More serious side effects include:
- Allergic reactions.
- Diabetic retinopathy.
- Gallbladder disease.
- Gastroenteritis.
- Gastroparesis or stomach paralysis.
- Hypoglycemia.
- Increased heart rate.
- Increased risk of developing thyroid cancer.
- Kidney problems.
- Pancreatitis.
What Is Gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis, also called stomach paralysis, is a condition where the stomach doesn’t empty properly. Normally, the stomach muscles push food through the digestive tract. But in people with gastroparesis, this movement slows or stops. This means food sits in the stomach longer than it should instead of moving to the small intestine for digestion.
Causes of Stomach Paralysis
Damage to the nerves that activate your stomach muscles and damaged stomach muscles are the main causes of gastroparesis. When either of them happens, the muscle contractions that churn food in your stomach and then squeeze it out through the bottom are impaired. This causes indigestion and delays gastric emptying—food stays longer in your stomach.
Other known causes of gastroparesis include:
- Abdominal or esophageal surgery.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Certain medications.
- Diabetes.
- Eating disorders.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Infection.
- Nervous system diseases.
Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Paralysis
Stomach paralysis negatively impacts a patient’s blood sugar levels and nutrition. Because of this, it impedes his or her healthy digestion. Although many people with this condition are asymptomatic, any of these symptoms can show:
- Abdominal bloating.
- Abdominal pain.
- Acid reflux.
- Changes in blood sugar levels.
- Feeling full after eating very little.
- Loss of appetite.
- Malnutrition.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Weight loss.
Treatment Options for Gastroparesis
When addressing gastroparesis, healthcare providers typically consider a range of treatment avenues. Options for treatment are:
- Dietary changes.
- Experimental therapies.
- Lifestyle changes.
- Medications.
- Surgery.
Complications from Gastroparesis
These complications can arise from gastroparesis:
- Bezoars, which can cause blockage, bleeding, and ulcers.
- Decreased quality of life.
- Dehydration from repeated vomiting.
- Difficulty controlling blood sugar (blood glucose) levels.
- Low-calorie intake.
- Malnutrition stemming from poor nutrient absorption.
Widespread of Stomach Paralysis
The epidemiology of stomach paralysis remains mostly unknown. Studies in the United States and the United Kingdom on the condition have only scratched the surface. Of them showed that the prevalence of stomach paralysis in the United States is 267.7 per 100,000 adults, and up to 1.8% of the population is affected. Stomach paralysis affects women slightly more than men.
Risks of Getting Gastroparesis
Your risk is higher if:
- You have diabetes.
- You’ve had surgery on your esophagus, small intestine, or stomach that might have harmed your vagus nerve.
- You’ve undergone cancer treatments on your chest or stomach, like radiation therapy.
The Ozempic Lawsuit
Jaclyn Bjorklund filed an Ozempic Mounjaro lawsuit on August 2, 2023, citing gastroparesis as the reason. She alleged that she had been using Ozempic for over a year before starting Mounjaro in July 2023. Bjorklund sued Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and Co., the makers of both drugs, claiming they failed to warn about the risks of gastroparesis and gastroenteritis. She stated that because of Ozempic and Mounjaro, she suffered severe gastrointestinal events, sustained severe and permanent personal injuries, experienced pain and emotional distress, and incurred medical expenses. While the Ozempic lawsuit provides a legal avenue for those harmed by the medication, not all adverse effects may qualify for legal action.
Suspected Side Effects of Ozempic Leading to Lawsuits
The primary injury cited in recent Ozempic lawsuits is gastroparesis, also known as stomach paralysis. This condition triggers intense vomiting lasting for weeks or longer. Other injuries mentioned in the lawsuits include nausea, constipation, stomach pain, and vomiting. Lawsuits against the makers of Ozempic and Mounjaro—Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly—allege failure to adequately warn the public about the risk of severe gastrointestinal events. Plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
Eligibility for Filing an Ozempic Lawsuit
To be eligible to file an Ozempic lawsuit, individuals typically need to:
- Have used Ozempic and experienced severe side effects like gastroparesis or gallbladder disease.
- Have been prescribed Ozempic by a doctor.
- Have suffered harm or injury due to taking Ozempic.
Claims in Ozempic Lawsuits
In Ozempic lawsuits, there are various types of claims that victims may pursue to seek compensation for the injuries and damages caused by the medication. Here are the specific claims that can be involved:
- Breach of warranty claims: These claims assert that Ozempic did not meet the warranties or promises made by the manufacturer or seller.
- Failure to warn claims: These claims focus specifically on the company’s failure to provide adequate warnings about the known risks associated with the drug.
- Negligence claims: Negligence claims allege that Novo Nordisk or other parties involved in the distribution and marketing of Ozempic acted negligently.
- Personal injury claims: These claims seek compensation for the physical and emotional injuries suffered from using the drug.
- Product liability claims: These claims argue that Ozempic was defectively designed, manufactured, or marketed.
- Wrongful death claims: These claims seek compensation when a loved one has died due to complications from Ozempic.
Role of Novo Nordisk in Manufacturing Ozempic
Novo Nordisk, a leading global healthcare company, is the manufacturer behind the brand name Ozempic. This medication was FDA-approved specifically for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. The responsibility that comes with producing drugs like Ozempic is substantial. Companies such as Novo Nordisk must ensure patient safety by providing accurate data about the advantages and potential dangers of their products.
Class Action Lawsuits Against Ozempic
There are class action lawsuits against Ozempic, along with other drugs like Rybelsus, Wegovy, Trulicity, and Mounjaro. These lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation, MDL 3094, IN RE: GLUCAGON-LIKE PEPTIDE-1 RECEPTOR AGONISTS (GLP-1 RAS) of February 2024. The legal actions involve claims related to severe gastrointestinal side effects such as gastroparesis, ileus, and intestinal blockage attributed to these medications.
Timeline of the Ozempic Lawsuits
- February 2024: Witnessed the consolidation of at least 55 lawsuits, alleging severe gastrointestinal injuries caused by Ozempic and other GLP-1 RAS class drugs, into a multidistrict litigation (MDL 3094). The plaintiff’s attorneys anticipated this number could burgeon to as many as 10,000.
- January 2024: The FDA commenced evaluating reports of hair loss, suicidal thoughts, and aspiration under sedation and anesthesia among individuals taking Ozempic and similar drugs.
- December 2023: Judge James Cain, Jr. refused Novo Nordisk’s bid to dismiss a case related to Ozempic, thereby permitting claims such as failure to warn to progress.
- November 2023: Canadians initiated a proposed Ozempic class action lawsuit, alleging Novo Nordisk’s negligence in adequately cautioning about potential complications linked to Ozempic.
- September 2023: The FDA’s decision to append intestinal blockage/obstruction and ileus to Ozempic’s warning label.
- August 2, 2023: Witnessed the inception of the initial Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuit.
Process for Filing an Ozempic Lawsuit
The legal process can be complex. Here are the general steps to follow to file an Ozempic lawsuit or lawsuit against other GLP-1 agonist drugs:
- Consult an attorney: Speak with a personal injury lawyer specializing in pharmaceutical litigation to evaluate your case.
- Gather information: Collect relevant documents such as medical records and evidence of injuries.
- Medical evaluation: Undergo an independent medical evaluation to assess your injuries.
- Filing your lawsuit: Your attorney will file a complaint against the responsible pharmaceutical company.
- Discovery phase: Exchange information and evidence with the other party.
- Negotiations and settlement: Your attorney will negotiate for a settlement.
- Trial: If no settlement is reached, your case goes to trial.
- Judgment and appeals: Await the court’s decision, which may be appealed.
Statute of Limitations for Ozempic and Other GLP-1 Agonist Drug Lawsuits
Lawsuits related to GLP-1 agonist drugs have time limits for filing, varying by state and based on when you learn about your injury. Missing the deadline may mean losing your chance for compensation. It’s essential to consult a lawyer soon after discovering your injury to understand the time limit and start legal proceedings on time.
Required Documents for Ozempic or GLP-1 Agonist Drug Lawsuit
To pursue an Ozempic or other GLP-1 agonist drug lawsuit, you’ll need to provide specific documents and information to your lawyer. These typically include:
- Evidence of damages incurred, such as financial losses and pain and suffering.
- Medical documentation of any adverse effects experienced.
- Proof of medication use, like prescriptions or medical records.
- Relevant medical history and symptoms.
Damages Available in an Ozempic Lawsuit
If you can bring an Ozempic gastroparesis claim or other injuries, you may request losses like:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost income
- Medical bills
- Mental
- Pain and suffering
- Possible punitive damages
Potential Compensation in Ozempic Lawsuits
How much you’ll receive from an Ozempic lawsuit depends on your losses and whether Novo Nordisk is held responsible for your injuries by the court. Since Ozempic cases are still in progress, it’s too early to determine compensation amounts. As the lawsuits progress, lawyers will provide more details on potential compensation.
Elements of a Successful Ozempic Lawsuit
If you’ve suffered complications from Ozempic, consider these key elements for a successful lawsuit:
- Legal expertise: Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney ensures expert guidance, improving your chances of success.
- Medical documentation: Gather detailed medical records showing your diagnosis and treatment effects.
- Mislabeling and off-label use: Demonstrate inadequate labeling regarding off-label use for weight loss.
- Negligence: Prove the drugmaker’s failure to inform consumers about associated risks. Experienced attorneys can help gather evidence.
Engage the Services of Ethen Ostroff Law
At Ethen Ostroff Law, we specialize in pharmaceutical lawsuits, particularly those involving Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonist drugs. Here’s why you should choose us:
- Compassionate support: We understand the toll of pharmaceutical injuries and provide empathetic assistance throughout.
- Expert witnesses: Our medical experts strengthen your case by explaining the link between medication misuse and complications like stomach paralysis.
- Legal expertise: Our attorneys excel in personal injury cases, particularly pharmaceutical litigation.
- Negotiation and litigation: We skillfully negotiate settlements and are prepared for courtroom representation if needed.
- Proven track record: Our firm has a history of successfully securing compensation for clients in similar cases.
- Thorough investigation: With ample resources, we conduct detailed investigations to gather compelling evidence.
If you’ve experienced complications from Ozempic or other GLP-1 agonist drugs, you’re not alone. What are you waiting for? Contact Ethen Ostroff Law now at 610-510-8883 ( by calling this number, you consent to receive SMS updates from Ethen Ostroff Law) or Submit Form to get free consultation.
