Weight Loss Drug Lawsuit: Stomach Paralysis Victims
If you have taken or been prescribed a weight loss drug such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Trulicity, Mounjaro, or Saxenda and experienced adverse health symptoms, you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering. These new weight loss treatments, which were designed for Type 2 diabetics and have been popularized by their use for celebrity body transformations, have been linked to numerous adverse side effects, including gastroparesis, or “stomach paralysis,” in the most serious cases.
Beyond a healthy diet and regular exercise, many trendy weight loss fads seem too good to be true—and recent victims of Ozempic and other popular weight loss drugs are learning that the hard way.
A recent CNN report revealed that at least two Ozempic patients aren’t just experiencing minor stomach symptoms due to the weight loss drug—their stomachs are completely paralyzed.
After a year of taking Ozempic injections, both patients reportedly became extremely ill, including symptoms of severe vomiting and an inability to eat. They were eventually diagnosed with severe gastroparesis, or “paralyzed stomachs.”
Since these initial reports, others have come forward with complaints of major nausea, and several physicians have predicted that hospitals will continue to see similar cases.
Ozempic’s parent company, Novo Nordisk, has rejected accusations about the drug being unsafe, but more victims continue to come forward.
Personal injury attorneys Paul Pennock and Jonathan Sedgh of Morgan & Morgan have announced the filing of the country’s first lawsuit against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and Co., the manufacturers of Ozempic and Mounjaro, saying the basis of the suit is "a failure to warn."
"It is our opinion that these drugs are causing these problems," Pennock said during a press conference, noting the first case filed involves a 44-year-old woman from Louisiana who has taken both Ozempic first and then Mounjaro, at the discretion of her doctor.
"Her problems have been so severe that she's been to the emergency room multiple times, including last weekend. She's actually even thrown up so violently that she's lost teeth," he said of the plaintiff.
Morgan & Morgan is currently investigating 400 other inquiries from clients across 45 states. If you or someone you love has experienced adverse side effects during or after taking Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus,Trulicity, Mounjaro, or Saxenda, you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering.
Don’t hesitate to take action—taking the first step toward justice can help hold companies like Novo Nordisk accountable for their negligence and for putting a dangerous drug out on the market. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Ozempic?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription medicine primarily employed in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It falls under the category of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. The mechanism of Ozempic involves stimulating insulin production and reducing glucose production in the liver, effectively contributing to the reduction of blood sugar levels.
What Is Wegovy?
While Wegovy and Ozempic share the same active compound, semaglutide, Wegovy distinguishes itself by offering a significantly higher dose of this compound. In 2021, Wegovy achieved FDA approval as a weight loss medication, marking the first new weight loss medication to gain such approval in several years.
What Is Saxenda?
Saxenda is a medication that contains liraglutide, an active compound classified as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Initially, the FDA approved liraglutide under the brand name Victoza in 2010 as an adjunct therapy for managing type 2 diabetes in combination with diet and exercise.
However, after conducting clinical trials, a new formulation of liraglutide, sold as Saxenda, received approval in 2017 specifically as a weight loss medication. Saxenda is intended for individuals with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 and higher who also have a metabolic health condition. It's important to note that Saxenda is not used to treat type 2 diabetes and is solely prescribed for weight loss purposes.
What Is Rybelsus?
Rybelsus serves as an oral medication, primarily prescribed as a first-line treatment for adults aged 18 and above who have type 2 diabetes. Its main function is to enhance blood sugar regulation. The mechanism of Rybelsus involves mimicking the actions of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone responsible for stimulating insulin secretion and reducing glucagon secretion from the liver. For individuals already stabilized on Rybelsus tablets, it is possible to transition to Ozempic subcutaneous injections as an alternative treatment option.
What Is Trulicity?
Trulicity (generic name: dulaglutide) is a medication used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA).
Trulicity works by mimicking the action of a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate blood sugar levels. By activating GLP-1 receptors, Trulicity can increase insulin secretion, decrease glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar levels), slow down stomach emptying, and promote a feeling of fullness after meals.
What Are the Allegations Against Ozempic and Novo Nordisk?
Several lawsuits have been filed against Novo Nordisk, the manufacturers of Ozempic, alleging that the drug has caused serious side effects and complications. Some of the common allegations include:
- Gastroparesis
- Paralyzed stomach
- Stomach not working
- Persistent vomiting (>4 weeks)
- Death
Is There a Cure for Gastroparesis?
According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no known cure for gastroparesis other than treatment and management. The disease can cause major complications in the body like dehydration, malnutrition, and a decreased quality of life.
How Does Ozempic Affect the Body?
According to parent company Novo Nordisk, gastrointestinal (GI) events are “well-known side effects of the GLP-1 class.
“For semaglutide, the majority of GI side effects are mild to moderate in severity and of short duration,” Novo Nordisk said. “GLP-1’s are known to cause a delay in gastric emptying, as noted in the label of each of our GLP-1 RA medications. Symptoms of delayed gastric emptying, nausea and vomiting are listed as side effects.”
While Ozempic’s weight loss effects on the body have been hailed as a miracle, the drug unfortunately has an impact on the body’s hormones. It mimics a hormone called GLP-1, which regulates insulin and keeps food in your stomach longer. Digestion is aided by a contraction of the stomach muscles, which helps empty the food out. But when food stays in your stomach for too long, or the muscles slow down too much, it can cause intense nausea.
What Should I Do if Harmed by Ozempic or Other Weight Loss Drugs?
If you suspect that you're facing adverse side effects from a weight loss treatment, seeking immediate medical attention for your symptoms should be your top priority. Following that, safeguard your rights by taking appropriate action. Here are some recommended steps you can take:
- Seek legal advice: Consult with a seasoned attorney specialized in handling cases related to Ozempic or similar weight loss drugs. They will assess your situation and guide you through the legal process.
- Gather supporting evidence: Assemble all pertinent medical records, prescriptions, and any other documents that can bolster your claim.
- Maintain a record: Keep a detailed record of any symptoms, side effects, or complications you've encountered due to the weight loss drug.
- Act promptly: Be aware of any potential statute of limitations that may limit the time frame for filing a lawsuit. It's essential to contact an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing any deadlines.
When you're faced with severe harm caused by someone else's negligence, take decisive action. At Morgan & Morgan, we've been advocating for the rights of personal injury victims nationwide for more than 35 years and have successfully recovered over $15 billion in damages. As the largest personal injury law firm in the country, we leverage our size and resources to fight even the most formidable opponents and help victims pursue the maximum compensation they deserve for the unnecessary suffering they've endured.
If you have taken Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Saxenda, Trulicity, Mounjaro, or other weight loss drug and are experiencing adverse side effects or have questions about the drug’s safety, reach out to Morgan & Morgan for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to learn more. You might be eligible to pursue compensation that can be used to cover medical bills and more.
