Summary
- Ozempic, a drug used to treat Type II diabetes and aid in weight loss, has led to numerous Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuits due to its association with severe gastrointestinal issues.
- Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, faces allegations of failing to divulge the risks associated with the drug, resulting in injuries to users.
- Ozempic-related product liability lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL), with significant legal developments indicating progress for plaintiffs.
- Ozempic works by imitating a hormone to regulate insulin and control blood sugar levels. Its mechanism can lead to digestive complications like stomach paralysis, gallstones, and intestinal blockages.
With the rate of Type II diabetes on the rise in the U.S., the pharmaceutical industry has seized the opportunity to develop new medications for patients with this incurable condition. One such drug, Ozempic, has recently dominated the market due in large part to its ability to help users lose weight. Meanwhile, dozens of plaintiffs have filed Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuits.
For some, Ozempic’s effects have proven overwhelming for their digestive systems, leading to stomach paralysis and other issues like gallstones. The Danish pharmaceutical company that manufactures Ozempic, Novo Nordisk, didn’t disclose the unintended consequences of the drug prior to its release or in the years after when users reported various gastrointestinal injuries.
The product liability attorneys of Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia are dedicated to rectifying the negligence of Ozempic manufacturers by negotiating fair settlements for our clients. You deserve the attentive, knowledgeable, and tenacious support WHG can offer. Schedule a free consultation with our team by calling (800) 320-4357 or completing an online contact form.
Choose Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia For Outstanding Legal Service
We know that making a difference in our clients’ lives starts with recognizing their individual needs. At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, our team of accomplished product liability attorneys is intentional about treating our clients in the same manner that we would want to experience.
For us, that means thoroughly assessing your damages, committing the time and effort necessary to maximize your compensation, and speaking with you regularly to ensure that you understand what to expect as your personal injury claim progresses. We believe that our clients deserve our best, from start to finish.
Federal judges have recently consolidated the Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuits. We recommend hiring a product liability lawyer who specializes in defective drug claims and has demonstrated their ability to advocate for their clients. You can count on our team at WHG to make your product liability lawsuit a priority.
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At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, our team is proud to say that we have over 50 years of combined legal experience. This has translated into an impressive record of settlements for our injured clients, giving them the financial resources they need to rebuild their lives.
Our team of mass tort lawyers has also been commended for our high client satisfaction rates based on our performance and diligence. We are gratified by the endorsements we have received from former clients, and we believe that they provide a valuable perspective on how we operate at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia.
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Updates on the Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Multidistrict Litigation
Ozempic users who have suffered from stomach paralysis are in the midst of seeking compensation in a multidistrict litigation (MDL). Semaglutide medications that use similar methods to manage Type II diabetes are also involved in these defective drug claims, as the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation determined that an MDL was justified.
February 2nd, 2024 – Pennsylvania Federal Judge to Oversee New Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Multidistrict Litigation
Ozempic plaintiffs who had suffered from stomach paralysis have secured a significant legal victory this month. The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has ruled that their claims can move forward as an MDL in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania under the supervision of U.S. District Judge Gene E.K. Pratter.
Ozempic is a type of drug known as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Patient and providers have linked other medications in this group, including Wegovy, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, Trulicity, and Zepbound, to issues like stomach paralysis. The JPML has seen fit to address product liability claims against these drugs under the same MDL.
How Ozempic Helps Type II Diabetics Offset Their Insulin Deficit
As a person ingests food, they absorb sugar. The sugar’s primary role is to fuel cells. Excess sugar is supposed to be relegated to the liver until the body needs it. Insulin is the hormone that monitors and manages sugar levels. Over time, insulin can become less effective if the body is repeatedly overwhelmed with a high sugar intake.
Type II diabetics don’t have the insulin supply needed to direct sugar from the bloodstream into the appropriate location. Or, their bodies may have a dampened response to insulin’s instructions. As a result, too much sugar remains in their blood. This can harm the cardiovascular system, eyes, and kidneys. Type II diabetics with excessively high blood sugar are also at a greater risk of heart attack and stroke.
Semaglutide medications have offered a solution. Like other glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, the semaglutide in Ozempic pretends to be GLP-1, which in turn increases insulin output. With a larger supply of insulin, a Type II diabetic’s body can better control the amount of sugar in the bloodstream and compensate for insulin resistance.
Why Has Ozempic Been Causing Stomach Paralysis?
Ozempic, along with other semaglutide drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro, deliberately prevents the digestive system from breaking down food at its standard rate. The GLP-1 receptor agonist also tells the brain that the stomach is full. Overall, that helps lower sugar, or glucose, in the bloodstream.
Essentially, stomach paralysis occurs in certain individuals when Ozempic is too effective. Ozempic users with gastroparesis claim that instead of merely slowing the digestive process, the flawed drug can bring it to a complete halt.
The likely source of the issue is the vagus nerve, which plays an integral role in gastric emptying. It is sensitive to drugs like Ozempic that impact the rate of digestion. If the vagus nerve is tampered with, it may struggle to signal the stomach muscles to contract and move its contents along to be filtered through the small intestine.
When the contents of the stomach are unable to continue through the digestive tract for a prolonged period, this can escalate an uncomfortable experience to a medical crisis. Some side effects may be life-threatening and even lead to wrongful death if left untreated.
Common Injuries Caused by Ozempic Include Severe Digestive Issues
One of the most common complaints among Ozempic plaintiffs is stomach paralysis, more formally known as gastroparesis. However, the interconnected nature of the digestive system means Ozempic users are vulnerable to injuries other than stomach paralysis. Ozempic users and healthcare providers have noted intestinal blockages are a major concern, given that the drug can cause buildup in the stomach and gallbladder.
For example, if an Ozempic user develops stomach paralysis, food deposits can collect and harden into a mass. Consequently, the mass prevents normal digestion. Many patients are unable to eat or drink normally until this has been rectified. In some cases, surgery is the only way to resolve sizable intestinal blockages. This opens a patient up to an additional set of risks like infection.
Ozempic users have also reported the defective drug can cause gallbladder blockages resulting from an accumulation of gallstones. Gallstones can already be excruciatingly painful to pass on their own. Along with other semaglutides, Ozempic is linked to gastrointestinal issues such as:
- Ileus
- Gastroparesis, also known as stomach paralysis
- Gallstones
- Cholecystitis
- Gallbladder disease and biliary disease
- Pancreatitis
What Kind of Damages Can I Be Compensated For in an Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit?
Ozempic users deserve to be informed about the foreseeable risks of receiving these injections. Novo Nordisk’s failure to accurately outline its medication’s potential complications has left the company open to legal action in the form of Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuits. Plaintiffs may seek a host of compensatory damages related to their injuries.
Medical Expenses
Medical bills are at the top of the list for many Ozempic users experiencing gastroparesis. This is especially true for patients who undergo more invasive procedures like a gastric bypass to get relief. If an Ozempic user can show their stomach paralysis resulted from the defective drug, they can potentially obtain compensation for expenses like medical imaging, medications, and surgery.
Lost Wages
When an individual is hospitalized or requires extensive medical treatment, the time away from work can lead to significant financial strain. Lost wages encompass the income that the patient misses out on during their recovery period.
Compensation for lost wages aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with an inability to work, ensuring that the patient can focus on their health without the stress of financial instability. This includes both short-term losses while immediately recovering and any long-term absence due to ongoing medical needs.
Emotional and Physical Distress
Dealing with a medical condition often involves enduring considerable emotional and physical pain. Emotional pain can manifest as stress, anxiety, or depression, while physical pain might be a result of the condition itself or the side effects of treatment.
These experiences, though intangible, have a profound impact on a person’s overall well-being. Compensation for emotional and physical pain acknowledges these hardships, providing resources that might be used for therapy or other supportive measures to help the individual cope and heal.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering encompass the broad spectrum of discomfort and distress experienced as a result of a medical condition or its treatment. This includes chronic pain, acute episodes, and emotional distress such as fear and trauma.
Pain and suffering compensation is designed to provide a financial remedy for these personal losses. It acknowledges the profound impact they have on a person’s daily life and mental health. Additionally, it serves as a recognition of the enduring challenges faced beyond just the physical symptoms.
Loss of Quality of Life
A medical condition can dramatically alter an individual’s ability to enjoy life as they once did. Loss of quality of life addresses the diminished capacity to engage in activities, hobbies, and personal interactions that once brought joy and fulfillment.
Whether it’s the inability to participate in physical activities, travel, or maintain social relationships, this damage reflects a significant change in lifestyle. Compensation for loss of quality of life seeks to account for these changes. It offers financial support to facilitate adjustments and enhance the patient’s well-being.
Veterans Disability Benefits
Keep in mind that if you are a veteran who suffered an injury after using Ozempic to treat a service-related condition, you may also qualify for VA disability benefits. Take a look at our veterans Ozempic stomach paralysis page to understand how a disability connected to military service can increase your risk of being injured by this defective drug.
Why Should I Hire Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia to Handle My Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit?
Given the success of Ozempic as a treatment for Type II diabetes and obesity, manufacturers like Novo Nordisk have a considerable financial stake in ensuring that their product is considered safe. Even if Ozempic could no longer be prescribed for weight loss, they still have a dependable revenue stream of life-long customers in the form of Type II diabetics.
The current Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuits threaten Novo Nordisk’s ability to profit from the drug. Ozempic users can’t afford to entrust their cases to just any personal injury law firm. At WHG, we can offer you the whole package. We have considerable product liability experience and are unafraid of taking on pharmaceutical companies that have endangered our clients.
Our team of defective drug attorneys welcomes a challenge. We possess both the resources and applicable knowledge to negotiate your Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuit. WHG clients benefit from the level of attention we provide in regard to their experience and the compensation they recover.
Reach Out to the Skilled Product Liability Attorneys of WHG Today
Due to Novo Nordisk’s failure to issue a warning about the risk of stomach paralysis, many Ozempic users have been put in a position where they must make financial sacrifices, endure painful injuries, and suffer considerable stress and inconvenience after developing stomach paralysis.
The personal injury lawyers of Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia are here to help clients recover compensation for these damages. We will remain by your side throughout the Ozempic stomach paralysis multidistrict litigation process. As your product liability attorneys, we’ll work to ensure your case makes a compelling argument for a significant settlement.
Now that an official multidistrict litigation has been formed, it is critical that you speak with a capable Ozempic stomach paralysis attorney as soon as possible. Our capable team is happy to discuss filing a claim with you. Schedule a free consultation with us by calling (800) 320-4357 or completing an online contact form today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ozempic help you lose weight?
Not only does Ozempic help Type II diabetics combat their insulin deficiency, but it’s also been proven highly effective at helping some individuals lose significant amounts of weight. By stalling digestion, Ozempic makes users feel fuller sooner, so they tend to eat less.
Additionally, the drug poses as a hormone that indicates fullness. The body doesn’t feel the need to keep excess weight on to prevent starvation.
Does stomach paralysis go away after you stop taking Ozempic?
Ozempic users should be aware that stomach paralysis symptoms may not resolve immediately after they stop receiving injections. Some users have reported that their gastroparesis persisted or resurfaced for days or weeks after they stopped taking Ozempic.
Is Ozempic FDA-approved for weight loss as well as the treatment of Type II diabetes?
The FDA has only approved Ozempic to address Type II diabetes. If you want to take Ozempic to manage your weight, that is an off-label use. You will still need a prescription from a medical provider. Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, also sells another semaglutide known as Wegovy. The FDA has approved Wegovy to help patients lose weight.
What are the symptoms of stomach paralysis?
If you have been prescribed Ozempic, keep an eye out for signs of stomach paralysis. This applies regardless of whether you are using it to control blood sugar levels due to Type II diabetes or to lose weight. You should consult a medical provider if you start experiencing:
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Vomiting
- Feeling full quickly
- Stomach pain
- Acid reflux
