Ozempic Lawsuit
Dozens of Ozempic lawsuits have been consolidated in federal court alleging gastroparesis, stomach paralysis, vomiting, gastrointestinal obstruction, ileus, gallbladder diseases, and more. The lawsuits allege Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic (semaglutide), made billions in sales by marketing Ozempic for weight loss but failed to warn consumers the drug carries dangerous side effects.
The side effects cited in lawsuits against Ozempic include severe gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, gastroparesis, and gastroenteritis. Individuals with lawsuits seek damages for past and future pain and suffering, health care costs, medical monitoring, and punitive damages against the company. Ozempic lawyers believe the litigation will grow to include hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of claimants throughout the U.S.
If you or a member of your family received semaglutide injections for weight loss and experienced side effects like gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), persistent vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea, you may qualify for an Ozempic lawsuit. At Wisner Baum, we have partnered with leading Ozempic lawyers taking the fight to Novo Nordisk on behalf of individuals harmed by semaglutide side effects.
If you are interested in learning more about your legal rights, call us today at (855) 948-5098 or fill out our free and confidential Ozempic case evaluation.
In this video, Wisner Baum senior partner Bijan Esfandiari discusses the allegations in Ozempic lawsuits. The side effects cited in complaints include stomach paralysis, bowel obstruction, severe vomiting leading to hospitalization, and more. Lawsuits seek compensation after Novo Nordisk failed to warn of these and other harmful Ozempic side effects.
Wisner Baum is currently investigating potential Ozempic lawsuits for victims nationwide. While your ability to pursue a claim will depend on your unique circumstances, there are some general eligibility requirements. These include:
- Proof of Use: You must be able to prove that you used Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus. Proof may include prescriptions, medical or pharmacy records, and other valid forms of documentation. Individuals who took compounded generic versions of semaglutide prescribed by weight loss clinics may not qualify.
- Age: You must have been 75 years of age or younger when you began taking the medication.
- Adverse Health Effects: You must be able to show proof that you suffered adverse side effects after Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus. This can be established through medical records, emergency room or hospitalization records, and other documentation.
- Diagnosis of Qualifying Condition: Not all health conditions qualify. The current Ozempic lawsuit focuses on individuals who experienced gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), gastroenteritis, persisting vomiting, ileus, and gastrointestinal obstruction within 60 days of using Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus. Individuals being treated for cancer and those who have undergone major gastric surgeries (including gastric sleeve, bypass, or banding surgery) in the past may not qualify.
Determining whether you qualify to file an Ozempic lawsuit can be challenging. If you would like assistance with evaluating your eligibility, our team at Wisner Baum can help.
If you suffered side effects after using Ozempic, you may be able to join the lawsuit against Novo Nordisk. To file an Ozempic lawsuit, you will need to take the following steps:
- Consult with an Attorney: The initial step in pursuing an Ozempic lawsuit is to consult with a qualified attorney. At Wisner Baum, our attorneys can assess the viability of your case after reviewing relevant information regarding your use of Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus, any adverse health effects experienced, and medical records.
- Determine Eligibility: Not everyone who has taken Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus will qualify for compensation through a lawsuit. The best way to find out if you are eligible is to contact our legal team for a free case evaluation. We will evaluate your case to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for pursuing legal action.
- Gather Evidence: Evidence is necessary to substantiate your claim. As such, you must collect all relevant medical records, prescriptions, pharmacy receipts, and any documentation related to your health condition. Testimony from healthcare professionals or individuals who can attest to your experience may also strengthen your case. If you need assistance with this, we are here to help you.
- Review Legal Requirements: Every legal case is subject to certain requirements and limitations. This includes the statute of limitations, which dictates the timeline within which a lawsuit must be filed. Because it is challenging to determine the statute of limitations that applies to a case, and because failing to file within the statutory timeline bars you from pursuing a claim, you should bring your potential Ozempic lawsuit to the attention of our lawyers as soon as possible.
- File the Lawsuit: Once you and your attorney have gathered sufficient evidence and ensured compliance with legal requirements, the next step is to file the lawsuit. Your attorney will draft and submit the necessary documents to initiate legal proceedings. This marks the official beginning of your pursuit of compensation.
Ozempic Lawsuit FAQS
Have questions? We are here to help. Give us a call at 855-948-5098 today!
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WHAT IS OZEMPIC?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved semaglutide (generic for Ozempic) in 2017 as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. Ozempic works by mimicking a hormone that our bodies naturally produce called “glucagon-like peptide-1,” or GLP-1, which can cause the pancreas to release insulin and block the liver from releasing sugar. By regulating insulin, the drug also keeps food in the stomach for longer, making people feel fuller longer.
There are several types of semaglutide medications, including:
- Ozempic: Injection that comes in 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, or 2mg dose pens. Patients typically receive weekly Ozempic injections.
- Wegovy: Injection that comes in 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, or 2.4mg dose pens. Patients typically receive weekly Wegovy injections.
- Rybelsus: A tablet that comes in 3mg, 7mg, or 14mg doses. Patients take Rybelsus tablets daily.
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WHO MAKES OZEMPIC?
Lawsuits over semaglutide are being brought against Novo Nordisk, a Danish multinational pharmaceutical company that manufactures Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. Mounjaro (tripeptide), another medication commonly used off-label for weight loss that has been implicated in lawsuits, is manufactured by Eli Lilly & Co.
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HOW MUCH DOES OZEMPIC COST?
Without insurance coverage, Ozempic and Wegovy can cost from $1,000 to $1,700 per month.
The real cost, however, is the significant side effects that some people continue to feel after they stop taking Ozempic. Emily Wright, a schoolteacher in Toronto, took Ozempic for over a year and lost 80 pounds. But according to Wright, she now vomits so frequently that she was forced to take a leave of absence from her job. “I’ve almost been off Ozempic for a year, but I’m still not back to my normal,” she said.
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WHAT ARE OZEMPIC SIDE EFFECTS?
A growing body of medical research has connected Ozempic to side effects that can lead to severe and distressing injuries. Novo Nordisk lists the most common Ozempic side effects as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and constipation. Other reported side effects include pancreatitis, changes in vision, low blood sugar, kidney problems, serious allergic reactions, and gallbladder problems.
Ozempic lawsuits against Novo Nordisk allege the following side effects:
Gastroparesis: Commonly known as stomach paralysis, gastroparesis is a condition characterized by abnormal stomach muscle function, resulting in impaired contraction, and grinding of food. This dysfunction hinders the stomach's ability to efficiently empty its contents.
Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines. While viral gastroenteritis is also known as stomach flu, gastroenteritis may also be caused by ingesting certain medication, including Ozempic. Gastroenteritis symptoms include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, muscle aches, headaches, and fever. Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, the main complication of gastroenteritis, which can lead to death.
While the delayed gastric emptying caused by Ozempic may aid weight loss, long-term usage may lead to a chronic condition. Indeed, the plaintiff in an Ozempic lawsuit alleges her teeth fell out due to the excessive vomiting caused by the medication.
What Is Stomach Paralysis?
Stomach paralysis, also known as gastroparesis, is a condition where muscles of the stomach don't work properly, leading to delayed emptying of food into the small intestine. This can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and feeling full quickly when eating.
Can Ozempic Cause Permanent Gastroparesis?
There have been reports of Ozempic (semaglutide) being associated with gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but there is limited evidence suggesting a link to permanent gastroparesis.
While current research does not indicate that individuals are likely to experience continued gastroparesis after stopping the medication, research does show that cases of post-Ozempic gastroparesis can be severe enough to warrant gastric bypass surgery.
Does Ozempic Cause Liver Damage?
There is limited evidence that Ozempic causes liver damage. In fact, a 2024 study from Sweden found that Ozempic and other GLP1 agonists are associated with a reduced risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic liver disease. Liver damage is currently not a qualifying health condition for the Ozempic lawsuit.
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HOW MUCH CAN YOU GET FOR AN OZEMPIC LAWSUIT?
The compensation you could recover in an Ozempic lawsuit depends on your claims for damages, whether the case resolves in a settlement, and other variables. Generally, an Ozempic settlement may cover several types of damages, including (but not limited to):
- Medical Care (past and future): Covers a variety of medical expenses, including hospitals stays, medications, and more.
- Lost Income and Wages (past and future): If your injuries rendered you incapable of carrying out your professional duties or required you to miss a significant amount of time off work.
- Pain and Suffering (past and future): Compensation for the physical and emotional anguish endured as a result of Ozempic side effects.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life (past and future): If your injuries impede your ability to participate in activities that previously brought you joy and fulfillment.
- Punitive Damages: Also known as exemplary damages, punitive damages are designed to punish negligent corporations for committing willful, malicious, and intentional acts, and to deter others from similar wrongdoing. While they are not always awarded, punitive damages can be substantial.
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IS THERE AN OZEMPIC CLASS ACTION?
No. Ozempic lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL), which is similar to a class action but notably different in important ways. An Ozempic class action would likely aim to secure medical monitoring for individuals who may face future risks after using these diet drugs or seek compensation from the drug manufacturers for insufficiently disclosing the serious risks associated with their medications.
However, it is important to note that individual personal injury lawsuits stemming from gastroparesis or gastroenteritis will involve distinct damages for each plaintiff and will not be consolidated into a class action lawsuit involving Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus users.
Given that over 1 in 10 Americans have reportedly used Ozempic for weight loss purposes at some point, it is anticipated that thousands of lawsuits against Ozempic will be filed in the coming years.
The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) consolidated Ozempic side effect lawsuits in Pennsylvania in 2024. An MDL (or a state court version of an MDL) streamlines discovery and pretrial proceedings and functions similarly to a class action but the individual cases are tried separately. However, it should be emphasized that if the drug manufacturer fails to reach a global Ozempic settlement agreement or any other resolution during an MDL, individual claims may subsequently be remanded to courts where they were filed, paving the way for separate trials in the future.
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IS MOUNJARO THE SAME AS OZEMPIC?
Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are both prescription medications commonly used in conjunction with diet and exercise to regulate blood sugar levels in adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Both medications are:
- In a class of drugs known as incretin mimetics.
- Administered through subcutaneous injections on a weekly basis.
- Costly if you are paying for them out-of-pocket.
- Widely used for weight loss even though neither is FDA-approved specifically for this purpose.
- Implicated in lawsuits alleging gastroparesis, gastroenteritis, and other side effects.
Manufactured by Eli Lilly, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) functions as a dual-acting agonist for GIP and GLP-1 receptors. GIP and GLP-1 are natural incretin hormones. Mounjaro aids in reducing fasting and postprandial glucose levels, curbs food intake, and can lead to weight reduction in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic (semaglutide), manufactured by Novo Nordisk, acts exclusively as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. By binding to GLP-1 receptors, it stimulates insulin release from the pancreas when necessary and slows down the rate at which food moves through the digestive system. This mechanism can contribute to a feeling of satiety, reduced food consumption, and subsequent weight loss.
According to Dr. Akshaya Srikanth Bhagavathula, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Arkansas who has studied tirzepatide, Mounjaro may cause more severe side effects when compared to Ozempic.
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IS RYBELSUS THE SAME AS OZEMPIC?
Rybelsus and Ozempic are not the same medication. Although both contain the active ingredient semaglutide, Rybelsus is an oral formulation of semaglutide used to treat type 2 diabetes, while Ozempic is an injectable formulation of semaglutide used for the same purpose. Both medications are manufactured by Novo Nordisk.
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IS WEGOVY THE SAME AS OZEMPIC?
Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) and Ozempic (semaglutide 1 mg) are similar medications manufactured by Novo Nordisk. They contain the same active ingredient. However, they are used for different purposes. Ozempic is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight who have at least one weight-related comorbidity.
October 3, 2024
Over 1,090 cases are pending in the GLP-1 Products Liability Litigation MDL. The litigation has more than doubled since the summer, and we believe more cases will continue to come in over the next few months.
AUGUST 5, 2024
Ozempic claims in the GLP-1 MDL increased sharply last month to 346. A status conference will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024.
JULY 26, 2024
Ozempic attorneys are investigating a recent study published in JAMA. The study found a link between semaglutide and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). NAION is a rare condition that may cause sudden and painless vision loss.
JULY 15, 2024
The number of Ozempic lawsuits in the MDL increased to 105 total cases. We expect this number to increase in the coming months as a new order allows Ozempic lawyers to file complaints directly in the Ozempic MDL No. 3094.
June 12, 2024
A new judge will oversee the GLP-1 MDL, which includes lawsuits against Ozempic, Mounjaro, and similar drugs for weight loss. U.S. District Judge Karen Marston was selected to manage the MDL after Judge Pratter passed away in May.
As of this month, 101 lawsuits are in the MDL. Ozempic attorneys continue to prepare cases. We anticipate a significant influx in claims over the next few months.
May 6, 2024
The Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) Products Liability Litigation has reached 87 total cases. People with Ozempic lawsuits consolidated in the MDL allege they suffered from gastroparesis, intestinal blockage/obstruction, and ileus.
April 3, 2024
Ozempic lawyers recently participated in the first status conference in the Ozempic multidistrict litigation (MDL). Ozempic attorneys and the legal team for the drug’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, met for the case management conference in Pennsylvania, where dozens of Ozempic lawsuits are consolidated.
Most of the lawsuits against Ozempic allege the drug causes gastroparesis, a medical condition that causes delayed stomach emptying. Gastroparesis can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms.
Are all Ozempic cases going to be in the MDL? Not necessarily. Ozempic lawyers are also filing cases in New Jersey state court, which is where Novo Nordisk has U.S. headquarters.
February 4, 2024
The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) issued an order this week consolidating dozens of Ozempic side effect lawsuits. Consolidated cases will now be a part of MDL 3094 In Re: Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAS) Products Liability Litigation in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania before the Hon. Judge Gene E. K. Pratter.
There was some question as to which drug makers would be involved in the litigation. Lawsuits have accused Novo Nordisk of failing to warn about dangerous side effects associated with Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, Lawsuits have also named Eli Lilly based on similar allegations involving Trulicity and Mounjaro. All of the drugs belong to a class known as GLP-1 receptor agonists.
In the order, the JPML included both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, the latter of which is facing the majority of claims as of this writing. Judge Pratter can separate the defendants should he deem it appropriate, but for now, both drug companies are parties in the MDL.
In the coming weeks, we will know which Ozempic attorneys will serve on the plaintiffs’ leadership. Check back for more updates.
January 25, 2024
Today, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) will hear arguments concerning plaintiffs' request to consolidate Ozempic lawsuits into a multidistrict litigation (MDL). Ozempic’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, has not objected to the application to consolidate cases, so we believe an MDL is likely.
Two questions will need to be answered:
- Should drug manufacturer Ely Lilly be included in the litigation? Ely Lilly makes Mounjaro, which is a similar drug to Ozempic. Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists. Some legal professionals contend that maintaining separate cases would be preferable.
- Assuming an MDL is established, where will cases be consolidated? While the application proposes the Western District of Louisiana, California, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania are also possibilities.
January 2, 2024
As we look forward to 2024, we anticipate a decision on whether the court will establish a federal MDL for lawsuits against Ozempic and similar drugs. Check back for the latest news on the Ozempic lawsuits.
Settlements in Ozempic lawsuits are determined by factors such as the extent of damages, strength of evidence, manufacturer's liability, and legal representation. People with Ozempic lawsuits have significant claims for damages due to the injuries they have suffered and the amount of medical care they have required and will require into the future.
While there have not been any Ozempic settlement agreements yet in the litigation, this may change as the MDL progresses. Typically, in mass tort cases, both sides will await the results of at least one bellwether trial before settlement negotiations begin, though this is not always true. Bellwether trials determine how other similarly situated cases in the litigation will fare in the future.
To summarize, it is premature to speculate on Ozempic settlement amounts. Once a case has gone to trial, that is when we will have a better idea of where this litigation is going.
A meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the link between GLP-1-1 RA treatment and gallbladder and biliary diseases. Randomized clinical trials were utilized to compare the use of GLP-1 RA drugs with placebo or non-GLP-1 RA drugs in adults. The primary outcome measured was the composite of gallbladder or biliary diseases, while secondary outcomes included biliary diseases, biliary cancer, cholecystectomy, cholecystitis, and cholelithiasis.
The meta-analysis revealed that the use of GLP-1 RAs was associated with an increased risk of gallbladder or biliary diseases, especially when used at higher doses, for longer durations, and for weight loss.
Researchers conducted a meta-analysis to examine the association between GLP1-RA and cholelithiasis. The results indicated a significant increased risk of cholelithiasis with the use of GLP-1 RAs when compared to placebo or active comparator.
This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety of GLP1-RA drugs in relation to pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and cholelithiasis. The researchers concluded that GLP1-RA was safe for pancreatitis, but there was an increased risk of cholelithiasis associated with the use of these drugs.
This comparative study aimed to determine if there was an increased risk of bile duct and gallbladder disease in patients with type 2 diabetes who were treated with DPP-4 inhibitors and GLP-1 analogues. Out of more than 70,000 patients, 853 were hospitalized for bile duct and gallbladder disease. The study found that the use of GLP-1 analogues was associated with an elevated risk of these illnesses, as well as an increased risk of cholecystectomy. The researchers advised physicians to be cautious about prescribing these drugs due to the identified risks.
While semaglutide was not initially approved for weight loss specifically, that did not stop Novo Nordisk from promoting Ozempic for weight loss, according to lawsuits. In 2018, Novo Nordisk launched a TV ad campaign stating that “adults lost on average up to 12 pounds” when taking Ozempic. The company spent approximately $884,000,000 over the next five years on television ads in the U.S. to promote semaglutide drugs with most of the spending allocated specifically to advertising Ozempic.
As a result of Novo Nordisk’s marketing, Ozempic prescriptions reached an all-time high of 373,000 in one week in February of 2023, more than half of which were new prescriptions. In June of 2023, new prescriptions for Ozempic surged by 140 percent from the previous year, according to media reports.
Ozempic even found its way into celebrity culture, with Jimmy Kimmel quipping about Ozempic and weight loss while hosting the 2023 Academy Awards. The TikTok hashtag #Ozempic had 273 million views on November 22, 2022. Months later, it reached well over one billion views.
But Ozempic is linked to serious side effects that have devastated lives. Joanie Knight, a Louisiana woman in her 30s, told CNN: “I wish I never touched it. I wish I’d never heard of it in my life…This medicine made my life hell. So much hell. It has cost me money. It cost me a lot of stress; it cost me days and nights and trips with my family. It’s cost me a lot, and it’s not worth it. The price is too high.”
Brenda Allen, a woman in her 40s, was prescribed Wegovy for weight loss. “And even now, being off the medication for almost a year, I’m still having a lot of problems,” she said.
Gallbladder disease presents as a potential side effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Ozempic (semaglutide). Studies show that these medications may lead to an elevated risk of developing gallbladder disease or bile duct disease, including conditions like cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) and cholelithiasis (formation of gallstones).
The precise mechanism through which Ozempic contributes to gallbladder disease remains uncharted territory. However, one theory suggests that these medications not only slow down gastric emptying but also impede the emptying process of the gallbladder.
A lack of regular and complete emptying may lead to bile concentration within the gallbladder, increasing the likelihood of gallstone formation. Unfortunately, the presence of gallstones can obstruct bile ducts, ultimately causing inflammation or infection in the gallbladder, necessitating surgery for removal.
Symptoms of gallbladder disease typically manifest as severe pain in the upper right or central region of the abdomen. The pain can be constant or intermittent, accompanied by pronounced stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
You may qualify for an Ozempic lawsuit if you:
- Used Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus (any brand semaglutide medication)
- Were diagnosed with gastrointestinal issues like gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), gastroenteritis, severe vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea
Attorneys allege the warning labels on Ozempic and other semaglutide medications were insufficient, putting consumers at risk of serious harm. Filing an Ozempic lawsuit allows you to seek justice and compensation for your injuries. It also sends a message to Novo Nordisk that putting profit above people comes at a price.
Be advised: States have statutes of limitations that restrict how long you have to file an Ozempic case. Please contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your legal rights are protected.
You can find out if you are eligible to file an Ozempic lawsuit and hold Novo Nordisk accountable by calling (855) 948-5098 today.
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