Weight Loss Lawsuit | Stomach Paralysis
Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, and Saxenda are drugs first prescribed to treat diabetes and then marketed as weight loss drugs. Hollywood and TikTok celebrities have turned them into sensations. Suddenly, these drugs are everywhere, dominating the weight loss market. However, these miracle weight loss drugs are far from perfect. Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, and Eli Lilly, the maker of Mounjaro, are now being sued by a Louisiana woman for failing to warn patients of an extreme side effect: stomach paralysis. If you suffered from stomach paralysis or other gastrointestinal injuries after taking these drugs and are seeking answers about your legal options, you are in the right place. Here, Ethen Ostroff Law breaks down the connection between these weight loss/diabetes drugs and stomach paralysis, delves into the legal aspects, and explains how we can assist you in seeking compensation and justice through a weight loss lawsuit.
What are Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, and Saxenda for?
Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, and Saxenda are Type 2 diabetes medications that all belong to the same class called the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. GLP-1 is a hormone that our small intestine produces. A GLP-1 agonist mimics this hormone.
Our sugar levels begin to rise after we eat. These drugs stimulate our bodies to produce more insulin. The extra insulin produced helps lower our blood sugar levels. In short, GLP-1 agonists work by stimulating insulin release, blocking sugar production in our liver, and making us feel full. The satiety effect of GLP1-agonists reduces food intake, appetite, and hunger. These combined effects frequently result in weight loss.
Doctors prescribe GLP-1 agonists for Type 2 diabetes and obesity. But GLP-1 agonists cannot treat Type 2 diabetes or obesity alone. Other treatment options are needed for both conditions, such as lifestyle and dietary changes.
What GLP-1 agonists are available in the United States?
The following are GLP-1 agonists currently available on the U.S. market:
- Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic
- Novo Nordisk’s Rybelsus
- Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy
- Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro
- Novo Nordisk’s Saxenda
- Eli Lilly’s Trulicity
- Amylin Pharmaceuticals’ Byetta
- Amylin Pharmaceuticals’ Bydureon
- Novo Nordisk’s Victoza
- Sanofi-Aventis’ Adlyxin
What are the 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:
- Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-a-week injection for adults with Type 2 diabetes. It can be administered at any time of day, on the same day each week, with or without food. Ozempic comes in a multi-dose pre-filled pen. Healthcare providers may recommend Ozempic to patients with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease because it lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke. There is also some evidence suggesting potential kidney benefits. Ozempic is not approved for weight loss. But patients taking Ozempic may notice weight loss as a side effect.
- Rybelsus is an oral version of semaglutide taken once daily to treat Type 2 diabetes. It is currently the only non-injected medication in the GLP-1 agonist class. Rybelsus is not approved for the same heart-related benefits.
- Wegovy is a once-a-week semaglutide injection approved only for weight loss in certain adults and adolescents ages 12 and older. It is not used to treat diabetes. Wegovy can be injected at any time of the day. For the best results, Wegovy should be combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
- Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-a-day Type 2 diabetes injection for adults and children aged 10 and above. It comes as a single-use, pre-filled pen. It can be injected on the same day each week at any time of day, with or without food. Like Ozempic, Trulicity can lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in adults who have heart disease. It may also have some kidney-related benefits. Though Trulicity is not approved for weight loss, some people who use it lose weight as a side effect.
- Victoza (liraglutide) is a once-daily injection for Type 2 diabetes approved for use in people ages 10 and older. It is injected more frequently at any time of day, without regard to food. Victoza can lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with heart disease and help prevent kidney problems from worsening. Victoza is not approved for weight loss, but some people who take it lose weight.
- Saxenda is a weight loss-approved version of liraglutide. It works best when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
- Byetta (exenatide) was the first FDA-approved GLP-1 agonist used to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults. Patients need to inject it more often compared to other options — twice daily within an hour before morning and evening meals. Healthcare providers may recommend Byetta to patients experiencing blood sugar spikes after meals and wanting to lose weight as a side effect. However, Byetta does not offer the same heart-related benefits as other options.
- Bydureon BCise (exenatide) is a longer-acting version of Byetta that is injected once a week. It is approved to lower blood sugar levels in people ages 10 and older with Type 2 diabetes. Bydureon BCise does not have the same heart-related and weight loss benefits seen with other GLP-1 agonists.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is part of a brand-new class called GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) agonists. It works by mimicking two gut hormones: GLP-1 and GIP. For now, Mounjaro is only approved to treat Type 2 diabetes. But it is currently being studied for weight loss benefits. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Mounjaro a Fast Track designation.
- Adlyxin (lixisenatide) is a once-daily incretin mimetic injection for Type 2 diabetes. It is an add-on medication to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. As of 2023, the drug is no longer available in the United States.
What are the side effects of these weigh loss/diabetes drugs?
GLP-1 agonist drugs not only improve blood sugar control but can also lead to weight loss. Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, and Saxenda are the most popular GLP-1s used to lose weight. However, only Wegovy and Saxenda are approved by the FDA for weight loss. These GLP-1 agonists have well-known side effects, whether used as medication for diabetes or weight loss. Here, we list the mild and serious side effects of these popular weight loss/diabetes drugs.
Wegovy
Some of the mild side effects that Wegovy may have been:
- Bloating and belly pain
- Burping
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Gas
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Stomach flu
- Vomiting
Although they are uncommon, Wegovy can have serious adverse effects, including:
- Allergic reaction
- Increased heart rate
- Gallbladder problems
- Low blood sugar
- Pancreatitis
- Risk of thyroid cancer
Ozempic
Some common mild side effects of Ozempic are:
- Burping
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Loss of appetite
- Low blood sugar if you have type 2 diabetes
- Nausea
- Stomach flu-like symptoms
- Tiredness
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
Some serious side effects that Ozempic might cause are:
- Fluttering in your chest
- Light-headed feeling
- Pounding heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in your neck, lump in your neck, or trouble swallowing
- Unusual mood changes
- Vision changes
Saxenda
Common side effects of Saxenda are:
- Abdominal pain or upset stomach
- Anxiety
- Belching
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Gas
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Insomnia
- Lack of energy
- Low blood sugar
- Nausea
- Redness at the injection site
- Vomiting
- Weakness
Serious side effects of Saxenda include:
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Eye pain
- Fast or uneven heartbeats
- Fluttering in your chest
- High fever
- Pounding heartbeat
- Seeing halos
- Severe nervous system reaction with stiff muscles
- Shortness of breath
- Slurred speech
- Sudden dizziness
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Tunnel vision
Mounjaro
Common mild side effects of Mounjaro include:
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal swelling
- Acid reflux
- Belching
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Indigestion
- Loss of appetite
- Mild allergic reaction (skin rash, itchiness, flashing)
- Mild injection site reaction (pain)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Serious side effects include:
- Gallbladder problems
- Pancreatitis
- Risk of thyroid cancer
- Severe allergic reaction
- Severe digestive problems, which may lead to acute kidney injury
Rybelsus
Common side effects include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating and gas
- Burping
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
Serious side effects from Rybelsus are not common, but they can happen. Serious side effects that have been reported with Rybelsus include:
- Allergic reaction
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Kidney problems, such as kidney failure
- Pancreas problems
- Risk of thyroid cancer
Stomach Paralysis: An Unfortunate Side Effect
Despite their potential benefits, Ozempic and Mounjaro have been associated with certain gastrointestinal complications, including stomach paralysis, also known as gastroparesis. A Louisiana woman filed an lawsuit against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, respective manufacturers of Ozempic and Mounjaro, for failing to warn patients about the risk of stomach paralysis.
Jaclyn Bjorklund claims she has suffered severe illness and injuries—including vomiting, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal burning, and numerous hospital visits—from using Ozempic and Mounjaro for a year and a half. Bjorklund alleges both drugmakers were aware of the link between the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and the risk of developing severe gastrointestinal issues, and that the warnings provided to patients were inaccurate.
Bjorklund claims the medications have caused her to develop gastroparesis, although she has not yet been officially diagnosed with the illness. Gastroparesis is a disorder that slows or stops the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine. Bjorklund is seeking financial compensation from both companies.
Weight Loss/Diabetes Drug Lawsuit
If you developed stomach paralysis or other severe gastrointestinal issues after taking Ozempic, Mounjaro, or other GLP-1 agonist drugs, you may be eligible to file a weight loss lawsuit. To win your case, you must establish liability, which means the drug manufacturer, healthcare provider, or other party failed to warn about potential risks or acted negligently in some way.
When pursuing a legal claim for stomach paralysis or other gastrointestinal issues caused by Ozempic, Mounjaro, or other GLP-1 agonist drugs, you may be entitled to the following types of compensation:
- Medical expenses: Reimbursement for past and future medical bills related to the condition caused by Ozempic, Mounjaro, or other GLP-1 agonist drugs, such as hospitalization, medications, doctor visits, and therapies.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress caused by the illness and its impact on your daily life
- Lost wages: Compensation for lost wages and reduced earning capacity if you have been unable to work due to stomach paralysis
- Wrongful death: Surviving family members may seek compensation through a wrongful death claim in the tragic event of a loved one’s death due to complications from Ozempic, Mounjaro, or other GLP-1 agonist drugs.
What are the possible claims in a weight loss drug lawsuit?
In weight loss lawsuits concerning stomach paralysis or other serious side effects allegedly caused by Ozempic, Mounjaro, or other weight loss or diabetes drugs, weight loss claims typically revolve around several key points. If you are pursuing legal action, consult with an attorney who specializes in pharmaceutical litigation, like those at Ethen Ostroff Law, to understand the unique aspects of your situation. The following are some common weight loss drug claims that might be raised against the pharmaceutical companies:
- Failure to warn: The drugmakers failed to adequately warn about the potential risks and side effects, like stomach paralysis, associated with their drugs.
- Negligence: The pharmaceutical companies negligently designed, manufactured, marketed, and distributed the drugs. They failed to ensure the drugs were safe for their intended use.
- Defective product: The drugs were inherently flawed or dangerous, making them unsafe when used as directed.
- Breach of warranty: The drugmakers breached express or implied warranties by marketing the drugs as safe and effective for weight loss and diabetes management without disclosing the potential risk of stomach paralysis and other serious side effects.
- Strict liability: The drugs are inherently dangerous, and the pharmaceutical companies should be held liable regardless of whether they were negligent or knew about the specific risks. This claim focuses on the inherent danger of the product itself.
- False misrepresentation: The pharmaceutical companies intentionally misrepresented or concealed information about the risks associated with the weight loss/diabetes drugs, leading patients to believe the drugs were safer than they are.
- Lack of adequate rest: The pharmaceutical companies did not conduct adequate testing to identify potential risks before bringing these drugs to market, and this lack of testing contributed to the development of stomach paralysis.
- Failure to withdraw: If it can be proven that these drugmakers were aware of the risk of stomach paralysis but failed to remove weight loss/diabetes drugs from the market promptly, plaintiffs might claim that the companies were negligent in protecting patients’ safety.
How Ethen Ostroff Law Can Help in Your Weight Loss Lawsuit
Proving liability often requires thorough investigation and legal expertise. But navigating the complexities of pharmaceutical litigation can be overwhelming, particularly when dealing with medical-related problems. The weight loss/diabetes drug attorneys at Ethen Ostroff Law have a proven track record of handling cases involving dangerous drugs and medical devices. We can guide you through the legal process.
At Ethen Ostroff Law, we are committed to getting the best possible outcome for our clients. We do this by:
- Conducting in-depth case evaluations to assess the strength of your claim.
- Working with medical experts to understand the link between your symptoms and the medication.
- Providing solid evidence to support your case.
- Negotiating with pharmaceutical companies and their legal teams.
- Taking your case to court if a fair weight loss drug settlement cannot be reached.
Do not worry about the expense of bringing a weight loss drug lawsuit. Ethen Ostroff Law and its partner firms work on a contingency fee basis. In other words, you do not pay us unless we get you compensation. Do not fret about the upfront legal fees. Just focus on your recovery and case.
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.
