Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit [2024 Update]

Ozempic Linked to Stomach Paralysis (Severe Gastroparesis)

Gastroparesis, more commonly known as stomach paralysis, is a condition that affects the normal movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine.

This condition happens when the nerves and muscles in the stomach are damaged or weakened, leading to a slowed or complete lack of gastric emptying.

Studies have shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic can significantly increase the risk of developing gastroparesis, with some patients experiencing persistent symptoms even after discontinuing the drug.

The mechanism involves the drug’s effect on gastric emptying, which, while helpful for weight management, can lead to severe digestive complications.

If left untreated, stomach paralysis can lead to malnutrition and dehydration.

Scientific studies linking Ozempic to the development of stomach paralysis include:

• January 2024: The BMJ published a study that examined the efficacy and safety of GLP-1RAs on glycemic control, body weight, and lipid profile in adults with type 2 diabetes.
  • The results show that GLP-1RAs can cause gastrointestinal adverse events, especially when used at high doses.
• October 2023: The JAMA Network published a research study on the gastrointestinal adverse events of GLP-1RAs for weight loss.
  • The study found that GLP-1RAs can lead to an increased risk of gastroparesis and other serious gastrointestinal issues, such as pancreatitis and bowel obstruction.
• May 2023: The Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B Journal published a letter on the potential adverse effects of GLP-1RAs, particularly on the small intestine.
  • It mentioned a study of 25,617 participants who experienced a 3.5-fold rise in the intestinal obstruction rate after a GLP-1RA treatment.

These studies suggest that Ozempic and other GLP-1RAs may contribute to the development of gastroparesis.

Symptoms of Gastroparesis (Stomach Paralysis)

The symptoms of gastroparesis can significantly impair one’s quality of life, ranging from mild discomfort to debilitating pain.

Individuals with this condition often experience the following symptoms:

• Nausea: Feeling sick to your stomach and wanting to vomit
• Vomiting: Throwing up undigested food or clear liquids
• Abdominal Pain: A dull, gnawing ache in the abdomen, especially after eating. The pain may be constant or come and go.
• Bloating: Feeling full and bloated even when you have not eaten much.
• Early satiety: Feeling full soon after starting a meal, preventing you from eating enough to maintain an average weight.
• Acid Reflux: A condition that causes stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus.
• Heartburn: Having a burning sensation or discomfort behind the breastbone.
• Indigestion: Difficulty digesting food, leading to bloating and discomfort.
• Constipation: Difficulty passing stools or infrequent bowel movements.
• Diarrhea: Frequent, loose, watery stools.
• Regurgitating Undigested Food: The food you eat comes back up into your mouth, often tasting sour or bitter.
• Loss of Appetite: Not wanting to eat as much or as frequently as before.
• Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss due to early satiety or an inability to keep food down.
• Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Difficulty maintaining stable blood sugar levels due to delayed stomach emptying after a meal.

These symptoms may intensify following meals, leading to further complications such as malnutrition and dehydration.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

A physical examination, medical history review, and diagnostic tests, such as a gastric emptying study or endoscopy, may be done to confirm the presence of gastroparesis.

Diagnosing Stomach Paralysis

A gastric emptying study is often the most common test to diagnose gastroparesis.

During this procedure, a patient eats food that contains a small amount of radiologic material and undergoes imaging to track how long it takes for the stomach to empty its contents into the small intestine.

Other diagnostic tests may include upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, electromyography (EMG), and breath testing.

These tests help identify other underlying conditions that may cause symptoms similar to gastroparesis or rule out other digestive disorders.

Overview of Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuits

As more and more people continue to use Ozempic as a treatment option for obesity, the number of Ozempic Lawsuits is also on the rise.

Ozempic Lawsuits claim that the company failed to warn patients and healthcare providers of the potential risks associated with Ozempic, particularly its link to gastroparesis.

Some plaintiffs allege that they developed gastroparesis after using Ozempic and experienced severe gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and bloating.

They also argue that Novo Nordisk did not adequately warn them about these potential adverse effects or provide proper instructions for the safe use of the drug.

The Ozempic warning label was updated in October 2023 under the direction of the FDA to reflect the links between semaglutide and the risk for stomach paralysis.

Individuals who have suffered from complications related to Ozempic are seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one developed stomach paralysis after taking Ozempic or other similar drugs, you may be eligible to file an Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit.

Contact our Ozempic Lawyers for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page for an instant case evaluation.

Ozempic Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)

The growing number of claims against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly (manufacturer of Mounjaro) has led to the consolidation of these cases into multidistrict litigation (MDL).

In February 2024, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) consolidated the Ozempic lawsuits before a single judge under MDL No. 3094 in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Aside from Ozempic, the MDL names other diabetes drugs from the same class.

These drugs include Wegovy and Rybelsus, also manufactured by Novo Nordisk, and Mounjaro and Trulicity, both from Eli Lilly and Company.

The MDL will help streamline the legal process for plaintiffs who have filed lawsuits against drug manufacturers.

District Judge Gene E.K. Pratter of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania initially presided over the MDL.

Unfortunately, Judge Pratter died at the age of 75 on May 17, 2023, due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The JPML has appointed U.S. District Judge Karen Marston of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to replace Judge Pratter.

What is Ozempic Used For?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a type of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used to help control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

It works by mimicking the body’s natural hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate insulin production and glucose metabolism.

Ozempic also delays gastric emptying (slowing of stomach emptying), leading to feelings of fullness and reduced appetite.

Due to the fact that Ozempic promotes delayed gastric emptying, it has been used off-label as a weight loss drug.

Novo Nordisk, the makers of Ozempic, have also produced Wegovy.

Wegovy is a weight loss drug specifically approved for chronic weight management in non-diabetic patients, although it contains the same active ingredient, semaglutide, as Ozempic.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Explained

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), such as Ozempic and Wegovy, are a class of medications primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes by enhancing insulin secretion and suppressing glucagon secretion.

These drugs mimic the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which is released by the gut after eating and helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite.

By activating GLP-1 receptors, these diabetes medications not only improve glucose metabolism but also promote feelings of fullness, making them effective for weight loss.

GLP-1 agonists have been shown to reduce cardiovascular risks associated with diabetes, such as hypoglycemia, by lowering blood pressure and improving lipid levels.

However, despite their benefits, these medications have been linked to severe gastrointestinal issues, including gastroparesis and intestinal blockages​.

Brands of GLP-1 drugs include:

• Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
• Exenatide (Byetta)
• Exenatide Extended-Release (Bydureon)
• Liraglutide (Victoza)
• Lixisenatide (Adlyxin)
• Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)
• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)

These brands share similar mechanisms of action and are used for managing blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, with some also approved for weight management

Ozempic and Weight Loss

Over time, the demand for Ozempic increased because of its weight loss effects, even though the FDA did not approve the drug to treat obesity.

This off-label use resulted in more people using the medication, especially individuals with obesity or those who simply wanted to lose weight, even though they did not have type 2 diabetes.

Because of the high market demand, the FDA added semaglutide, including Ozempic, to its Drug Shortages List in May 2023.

Do You Qualify for the Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit?

Despite its popularity and widespread use, Ozempic has been linked to stomach paralysis and other severe gastrointestinal issues.

Lawyers are currently reviewing inquiries from patients taking Ozempic who have developed severe gastroparesis (stomach paralysis).

If you or a loved one has suffered from gastroparesis or other gastrointestinal side effects while taking Ozempic, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages through an Ozempic Lawsuit.

Contact our Ozempic Lawyers for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for an instant case evaluation.

Lawyers for the Ozempic Litigation will help victims throughout the process, completing crucial steps like gathering evidence, assessing damages, and preliminary documentation.

Gathering Evidence for an Ozempic Lawsuit

Evidence is the cornerstone of any successful personal injury claim.

This is no different when it comes to the Ozempic Lawsuit.

Gathering evidence is a step of the legal process you can begin on your own, but an experienced lawyer can help you gather and retain crucial evidence to build your case.

Possible evidence in the Ozempic Lawsuit may include:

• Medical records
• Prescription medication records
• Gastric emptying study results
• Doctor’s notes
• Personal testimony
• Witness testimony
• Any other evidence to establish the link between your condition and taking Ozempic

Damages in Ozempic Lawsuit Claims

Damages are the total amount of losses, economic and non-economic, incurred as a result of taking Ozempic and developing stomach paralysis or other health issues.

Your lawyer will be able to help you assess and calculate the full scope of damages in your case so that a full scope of compensation can be advocated for.

Possible damages in Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuits may include:

• Past, Present, and Future Medical Expenses
• Lost Wages and Lost Earning Ability
• Pain and Suffering
• Emotional Damages
• Lost Quality of Life
• Permanent Disability

These damages can help cover the expenses incurred and provide financial support for those who have suffered from Ozempic’s adverse effects.

They also serve as a way to hold drug manufacturers accountable for their negligent actions and failure to prioritize patient safety.

Why is it Important to Hire an Ozempic Lawyer?

It is crucial to seek legal advice from an experienced lawyer specializing in pharmaceutical litigation if you have suffered from complications related to Ozempic.

A knowledgeable attorney can review your case, gather evidence, and advocate on your behalf to recover the compensation you deserve.

Lawyers with experience in dangerous drug lawsuits understand the legal processes involved in filing a lawsuit as part of a national litigation, and can properly represent your best interests throughout the case.

An experienced lawyer and their staff will allow you to focus on your health and well-being while they fight for justice on your behalf.

TorHoerman Law: Ozempic Lawyers

Stomach paralysis from Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonists is a known risk.

Patients taking Ozempic have reported severe symptoms, and there is now a national framework established to handle lawsuits filed against the manufacturer.

If you are taking Ozempic or other similar drugs and develop severe pain and severe stomach problems, it is essential to seek treatment from a health care professional immediately.

Once you have sought medical care, contacting a lawyer is highly recommended.

Our law firm is currently accepting new clients for the Ozempic Lawsuit.

Contact us today for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Ozempic Lawsuit instantly.