Wegovy Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit

What You Need To Know About Wegovy

Wegovy is a prescription medication that contains semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.

Providers recommend this medication for chronic weight management in adults who are obese or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

With proper intake and regular use, Wegovy helps patients achieve an ideal body weight for their height and age and mitigate weight gain-related illnesses.

Like most weight loss medication, Wegovy should be paired with a lifestyle shift, such as a calorie deficit and an increased daily physical activity.

How Does Wegovy Work?

Wegovy mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which targets brain areas involved in appetite regulation and food intake.

Wegovy triggers the brain to:

• Suppress Appetite: It reduces hunger, leading to lower food intake.
• Slow Down Gastric Emptying: Wegovy slows down the rate at which the stomach empties its contents, making individuals feel full longer.
• Regulated Blood Sugar: It helps control blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin secretion and inhibiting glucagon release.

These mechanisms of action are what make Wegovy an effective weight loss medication.

It may also lead to serious side effects when used improperly.

Serious Side Effects of Wegovy

While Wegovy is effective in weight management, it can cause several side effects, ranging from mild to severe.

Common and easily treatable side effects of Wegovy include:

• Nausea: A prevalent initial side effect, often subsiding as the body adjusts to the medication.
• Diarrhea: Another frequent side effect that may occur during the initial stages of treatment.
• Vomiting: Some individuals may experience vomiting, particularly when starting the medication.
• Constipation: Wegovy can also cause constipation in several new users.
• Abdominal Pain: Patients who are not used to the weight loss drug may experience chronic abdominal pain.

Severe or chronic side effects when using Wegovy includes:

• Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Wegovy may cause pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that may lead to severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Gallbladder Problems: Studies show a link between GLP-1 agonists and gallbladder-related issues such as cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) or cholelithiasis (gallstones).
• Hypoglycemia: When combined with other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas, Wegovy may increase the risk of low blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may develop an allergic reaction to Wegovy, causing symptoms such as swelling, difficulty breathing, and rash.
• Stomach Paralysis (Gastroparesis): One of the most severe side effects of Wegovy is stomach paralysis or gastroparesis. This condition occurs when the stomach muscles stop functioning correctly, leading to delayed gastric emptying and severe digestive issues.

If you experience severe side effects while taking Wegovy, seek medical attention immediately.

Quitting the medication abruptly can also have adverse effects, so consult your doctor before making any rash changes to your treatment plan.

The Similarities and Differences of Ozempic and Wegovy

Wegovy and Ozempic are both weight loss medications that contain semaglutide to treat obesity or weight gain-related illness.

While they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences in terms of their purposes, dosages, and indications.

How Are They Similar

The most apparent similarity between Wegovy and Ozempic is their active ingredient.

Both weight loss drugs contain semaglutide, miming the GLP-1 hormone that regulates appetite and insulin secretion.

Since they contain the same active drug component, they also share similar mechanisms of action, such as appetite suppression, decreased gastric emptying, and enhanced insulin secretion.

Both drugs also share the same side effects and routes of administration.

The Differences Between Ozempic and Wegovy

While both drugs share a number of similarities, they are different in several ways, such as in indications and purposes.

Wegovy is primarily prescribed for chronic weight management in obese or overweight adults with at least one weight-related condition (e.g., type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol).

Ozempic is prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar control.

Wegovy also has a higher dosage of semaglutide than Ozempic. It’s initiated at 0.25 mg per week and gradually increased to a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg per week.

Ozempic starts at 0.25 mg per week for the first four weeks, then increases to 0.5 mg per week for maintenance.

While Wegovy and Ozempic share the same active ingredient and similar mechanisms of action, they are designed for different primary purposes.

Wegovy is tailored for chronic weight management, often at higher doses, while Ozempic is aimed at improving blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes patients, often at lower doses.

Both medications require careful consideration of their side effects and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

How Is Wegovy Connected to the Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit?

It’s no secret that people misuse weight loss medications in pursuit of a “quick fix” for their weight issues.

When taken without proper medical supervision and lifestyle changes, these drugs can lead to severe side effects.

There have been lawsuits filed against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, the manufacturers of Ozempic, for alleged cases of stomach paralysis or gastroparesis caused by the medication.

Wegovy and Ozempic Lawsuits allege that the manufacturer failed to adequately warn patients about the grave side effects of taking GLP-1 weight loss drugs.

Numerous research studies show that this gastrointestinal effect isn’t exclusive to Ozempic but also extends to other weight loss medications containing GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Wegovy.

This revelation has caused concern among healthcare providers and patients alike, emphasizing the importance of proper use and monitoring when taking weight loss medications like Wegovy.

What You Need To Know About the Ozempic Litigation

The rising number of Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuits has brought the drug’s safety into question.

In February 2024, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) issued an order to consolidate all the Ozempic lawsuits of a similar nature into one multidistrict litigation.

The JPML transferred all the qualified cases to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for pre-trial proceedings.

This consolidation aims to expedite the litigation process and avoid conflicting rulings on similar issues.

The JPML initially appointed Judge Gene E. K. Pratter as the presiding judge for the multidistrict litigation.

Following her death, the panel assigned Judge Karen S. Marston as the judge in charge of the litigation.

As of July 2024, Judge Marston has no further orders about the bellwether trial.

Lawyers are currently investigating the possibility of filing a new lawsuit, a potential MDL in the future, for vision-related side effects resulting from taking Ozempic.

Filing a Weight Loss Drug Lawsuit for Wegovy Side Effects

Patients suffering from stomach paralysis from using weight loss drugs like Wegovy or Ozempic may be eligible to seek compensation by joining a multidistrict litigation (MDL).

The process involves several steps, including identifying legal representation, filing claims, and participating in legal proceedings.

Identify Symptoms and Medical Documentation

Patients should be aware of symptoms of gastroparesis, such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and severe abdominal pain.

If any severe symptoms persist, consult a doctor immediately.

Obtain a formal diagnosis from a healthcare provider.

The provider might discover that the weight loss drug is causing the gastroparesis.

Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, prescriptions, and healthcare visits related to the condition.

Seek Legal Representation

Once you have a proper diagnosis, you can seek an attorney to help build your case.

Look for attorneys or law firms specializing in pharmaceutical litigation or product liability cases like TorHoerman Law.

Schedule consultations to discuss the case.

Many law firms offer free initial consultations, so take advantage of these perks and ask as many questions as possible.

Once a suitable attorney is found, retain their services to represent you in the legal process.

Evaluate the Case

After hiring an Ozempic attorney, they will evaluate the case by reviewing medical records, drug usage timelines, and gastroparesis development.

Your attorney will help you establish the link between the medication (Wegovy or Ozempic) and the onset of stomach paralysis to strengthen your case and join the ongoing MDL.

Joining the Ozempic MDL

Multidistrict Litigation consolidates cases with factual and legal similarities to streamline pre-trial proceedings, discovery, and settlement negotiations.

The attorney will determine your eligibility to join the ongoing MDL.

If everything checks out, the attorney will file a motion to transfer the case to the MDL.

The JPML will decide on the transfer.

Pre-Trial Process

In the Ozempic MDL, the judge has appointed a case management team (or plaintiffs leadership group) to oversee pre-trial proceedings.

This team will coordinate and schedule evidence disclosure, expert witness testimonies, and conferences.

Lawyers representing both parties may enter into settlement negotiations or request mediation to resolve the case outside of court.

Settlement or Appeal

If negotiations are successful, claimants they may receive compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Most cases are resolved during pretrial negotiations.

How a Product Liability Lawyer Can Help Patients

A product liability lawyer can provide assistance to patients who believe they have suffered harm due to weight loss medications.

Ways that lawyers can help include:

• Legal Guidance: Many experienced lawyers and reputable law firms offer a free initial consultation to discuss the patient’s situation and determine the viability of a case.
• Exploration of Legal Rights: Experienced lawyers help plaintiffs understand their rights and explore their legal options. They also clarify the steps in filing a lawsuit or joining an MDL.
• Gathering Evidence: A product liability lawyer will investigate the patient’s case and gather evidence and medical records to build a strong case against the drug manufacturer.
• Representation in Court: Lawyers representing plaintiffs provide legal representation in court proceedings, including litigation, settlement negotiations, and appeals.
• Maximizing Compensation: An experienced lawyer can help you fight for maximum compensation for your injuries and losses resulting from taking weight loss drugs like Wegovy or Ozempic.

Ozempic lawsuit lawyers are crucial in helping patients suffering from gastroparesis and other stomach paralysis symptoms seek compensation for what they’ve been through.

Potential Compensation in a Favorable MDL Outcome

The conclusion of the Ozempic MDL is still far from over.

It’s uncertain how much compensation patients in the ongoing MDL will receive.

Many lawyers are confident that the outcome of the MDL may result in a settlement or verdict awarding compensation to plaintiffs.

Some of the potential compensatory damages patients may receive include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and other medical treatments related to the stomach paralysis condition.
• Lost Wages: Patients who have missed work days due to their health issues may be eligible for compensation for lost wages and future earnings.
• Pain and Suffering: Patients who have experienced physical pain, emotional distress, or loss of enjoyment of life due to their condition may seek compensation for these non-economic damages.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where drug manufacturers are found guilty of gross negligence or intentional malpractice, plaintiffs may receive punitive damages as punishment and a deterrent against similar actions in the future.
• Wrongful Death Damages: In cases where a patient has passed away due to complications from stomach paralysis, their surviving family members may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

A fair compensation amount will depend on each case’s individual circumstances and severity.

Your lawyer can provide a better estimate of potential compensation after evaluating your case.

TorHoerman Law: Contact Our Attorneys for a Free Consultation

The Ozempic MDL shows a promising outcome for patients seeking compensation for their health issues.

If you or a loved one has developed gastroparesis after taking Ozempic or Wegovy, our experienced lawyers at TorHoerman Law can help.

We offer a free consultation to review your case and determine the best legal course of action for you.

Our experienced team will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

You can also use the chatbot on this page for a quick and free case evaluation.