Ozempic has become one of the most popular drugs used not only to manage insulin for diabetes but also for weight loss. While Ozempic has seen wild success, it also has seen a fair amount of controversy as some users have reported issues such as gastroparesis otherwise known as stomach paralysis.
Those who have suffered stomach paralysis related to Ozempic use have faced significant damages and may consider filing Ozempic lawsuits against the makers of the drug since this symptom was not initially disclosed on the product's labeling. As current Ozempic users consider whether or not to file suit, Dolman Law is actively offering free consultations to inform users of their rights and legal options.
Although the best way to determine your eligibility to file an Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuit is to speak with an experienced product liability lawyer, we have outlined the basic criteria that qualify users to seek accountability and compensation.
Eligibility for Ozempic Gastroparesis Claims
In order to qualify for an Ozempic gastroparesis lawsuit, users must have received a prescription for the medication and subsequently developed an undisclosed gastrointestinal complication. The most alarming adverse health events users have reported include stomach paralysis (gastroparesis), intestinal blockages (ileus), and cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS).
In addition, prospective plaintiffs must file suit within the applicable statutes of limitation. A failure to do so may render otherwise eligible parties unable to seek the compensation they deserve. In defective drug lawsuits, the statutes of limitation commonly activate on the date an individual receives a diagnosis for or manifests the symptoms of a severe condition.
The Importance of Medical Records in Ozempic Lawsuits
In civil litigation, plaintiffs must establish that their injury was “more likely than not” to have been caused by the defendant’s negligence or recklessness. To do so, plaintiffs in Ozempic lawsuits should preserve all documentation related to their use of the medication, including:
- Initial and subsequent prescriptions
- Indications
- Primary appointments
- Specialist visits (e.g. gastroenterologists)
- Medical procedures
- Related billings
Aside from establishing the relationship between your Ozempic use and any severe gastrointestinal complications, these documents will assist your Ozempic lawyer in calculating the compensation to which you may be entitled.
Who Is Liable in Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuits?
Novo Nordisk either knew or ought to have known that Ozempic and other GLP-1 RA medications had the potential to cause serious gastrointestinal complications. In addition, Novo Nordisk had a legal obligation to inform users of these risks.
Unfortunately, the pharmaceutical giant failed to fulfill this responsibility and misled users about Ozempic’s safety and efficacy. As a result of its negligence and “failure to warn”, Novo Nordisk directly contributed to or caused the severe injuries users sustained and may be held liable for their damages.
How Does Ozempic Cause Stomach Paralysis?
Ozempic is a popular member of a drug class known as glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), which were initially developed to assist Type II diabetics with glycemic control. The medications prompt the pancreas to produce excess insulin whenever blood sugar levels spike by mimicking the effects of the naturally occurring GLP-1 in the lower intestine.
However, GLP-1 RAs also have a considerable impact on the functioning of the gastrointestinal system, increasing satiety and slowing the rate at which the stomach empties. In more severe cases, delayed gastric emptying can result in a serious condition known as gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), whose symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Abdominal pain
- Acid reflux
- Regurgitation
Peer-Reviewed Research Links Ozempic Use to Gastroparesis
At this point in time, additional research is needed to determine both the precise mechanism by which Ozempic causes stomach paralysis and the condition’s prevalence amongst users. However, a handful of extant studies have laid the groundwork for future investigations and are poised to assume an important role in upcoming litigation.
For example, one 2017 case study outlined the medical history of two GLP-1 RA users who presented with symptoms of gastroparesis. After determining that they both displayed seriously delayed gastric emptying, physicians recommended that they discontinue use of the medications. Thereafter, their symptoms resolved, leading the study’s authors to distinguish between “irreversible” diabetic stomach paralysis and “medication-induced” gastroparesis.
In October 2023, researchers at the University of British Columbia published a research letter containing the results of a statistical analysis of adverse medical events in GLP-1 RA users. Relying upon data from the PharMetrics database, the authors concluded that semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy) could result in an “increased risk of pancreatitis, gastroparesis, and bowel obstruction but not biliary disease”.
Federal Court Preserves Ozempic Gastroparesis Lawsuit
In early August 2023, a Louisiana resident and Ozempic user filed suit against Novo Nordisk and the manufacturer of Mounjaro, Eli Lilly and Company, for failing to warn her of the risks associated with their GLP-1 RA medications. The plaintiff had taken Ozempic for over a year, during which time she suffered serious gastrointestinal complications. In July 2023, she switched to Mounjaro, which further aggravated her condition.
Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and Company ultimately filed motions to dismiss the case, which is advancing in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. Judge James D. Cain Jr. largely rejected Novo Nordisk’s arguments in a recent ruling, which preserved plaintiff’s “failure to warn charge” but dismissed without prejudice her “breach of express warranty” claim.
Common Damages in Ozempic Lawsuits
Managing gastroparesis can require visits to specialists and primary care providers, hiatuses from work, and considerable daily adjustments. Fortunately, these losses may be compensable in a court of law in the form of economic and non-economic damages which address:
- Medical costs – past, present, and future
- Lost wages and income
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Decreased quality of life
- Emotional distress
Various online services claim to provide immediate compensation estimates for Ozempic lawsuits. However, they fail to perform holistic assessments or accurately calculate non-economic damages. We strongly recommend qualifying Ozempic users to speak with a product liability lawyer in order to determine the case value of Ozempic claims.
Why Choose Dolman Law for Your Ozempic Gastroparesis Claim
At Dolman Law Group, PA, we maintain a steadfast commitment to defending consumer rights against the irresponsible business practices of large corporations. As Novo Nordisk prepares for active and future Ozempic lawsuits, we are on standby to offer prospective plaintiffs advice and counsel.
Our talented legal team possesses extensive experience in defective drug litigation involving the manufacturers of Tylenol, Uloric, and Tepezza. As a result, we know how to craft compelling claims and defend them tirelessly against recalcitrant pharmaceutical companies.
With over 120 combined years of personal injury law experience and the track record to prove it, Dolman Law fuses the individualized treatment and attentiveness of a small firm with the resources and influence of a nationwide practice.
Contact Dolman Law Group for Help with Your Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit
Although the prospect of filing an Ozempic lawsuit during your recovery from a severe medical complication may appear daunting, we strive to alleviate our clients of burdensome responsibilities so that they can tend to their health and well being. In a free consultation, our qualified Ozempic stomach paralysis lawyers can explain your rights, determine the eligibility of your claim, and calculate the compensation to which you may be entitled.
Moreover, the product liability lawyers of Dolman Law Group work on a contingency-fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless they get you compensation. If you received an Ozempic prescription and subsequently developed severe gastrointestinal complications, contact us today at (727) 451-6900.