Ozempic is a prescription medication with active ingredients used to treat type II diabetes and a receptor agonist (RA). An RA is a drug or substance that binds to a receptor inside or on a cell's surface causing the same action as the substance that normally binds to the receptor. Ozempic and other medications similarly bind to the Glucagon-like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor, triggering the body to produce insulin and lower blood sugar levels.
In February 2024, at least 55 lawsuits were consolidated into a federal multidistrict lawsuit (MDL) in eastern Pennsylvania. In June 2024, the number of lawsuits filed against Ozempic and other GLP-1 RA’s have steadily grown. These lawsuits allege that the drugs were causing severe side effects such as gastrointestinal injuries, stomach paralysis, and intestinal blockages, that were not adequately warned about on the drug labels and also claim that the drugs’ safety is questionable due to lack of safety studies over an extended period of time. The core of every Ozempic lawsuit will be that these companies failed to adequately warn users about the risks of gastroparesis or as stated earlier stomach paralysis.
What Are Ozempic and GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that bind and activate the GLP-1 in efforts to regulate appetite, digestion and lower blood sugar levels. It is produced and released in the small intestine and within the brain after eating. GLP-1 triggers insulin release, insulin is a hormone produced in the body that helps the body use food for energy in turn lowering blood sugar levels. If the body can’t correctly produce insulin, blood sugar levels may increase and result in diabetes.
Another function of Ozempic and other medications is blocking glucagon secretion. Glucagon is another hormone produced naturally in the body that is used to raise blood sugar levels. Some other medications that do the same thing as Ozempic are; Rybelsus, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Saxenda.
Health Risks and Side Effects of Ozempic
When being prescribed a new medication, it is imperative that you understand the possible side effects and health risks associated with that drug. While Ozempic is extremely effective in weight loss, there are still side effects to be aware of. Some side effects outlined within the drugs website are nausea, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea and vomiting.
These side effects may not seem severe however, they can still have significant effect on your mood and energy levels as Chronic abdominal pain and unpredictable digestive symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, fullness or constipation are not enjoyable and depending on the frequency and severity could drain the patient more than not taking the medication.
On top of the previously mentioned side effects the more severe ones are thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, changes in vision, hypoglycemia, gallbladder issues, kidney failure and cancer.
In addition to all the severe side effects that are warned about by the drug developers there are some that haven't been warned about. Some people have reported severe GI-related issues, including gastroparesis, a paralysis of the stomach also called delayed gastric emptying and even patients experiencing malnutrition.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said that improperly compounding Ozempic and drugs similar can lead to serious consequences and side effects.
Legal Grounds for Ozempic Lawsuits
The basis of most Ozempic lawsuits revolve around the companies failing to adequately warn users of all the risks associated with the drug which is the primary argument being used in court. As stated above, multiple lawsuits against Ozempic are claiming the drug led to severe gastrointestinal problems including gastroparesis, also known as stomach paralysis. Gastroparesis is a disorder that slows down the movement of food through the stomach and small intestine causing nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and other symptoms.Â
Other qualifying conditions include intestinal blockage, ileus, and severe vomiting for four weeks or more. Some other factors to take into consideration are having medical records showing complications associated with the drug including the severity of these complications.
What Steps Should I take if I’m affected by GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
If you are experiencing GLP-1 RA side effects, you should first get evaluated by your doctor to ensure there are no severe side effects that need immediate attention. Once you have been evaluated by your doctor and have verified you are not at risk for any major side effects or they are actively being treated you should contact an attorney in reference to your gastroparesis legal claims.
These attorneys should be knowledgeable and experienced in pharmaceutical litigation to ensure you receive the correct compensation in which you are entitled to. The attorneys will need medical records depicting the side effects you suffered from as well as the severity of those side effects. Not having documentation may result in a less than favorable outcome.
Contact Bailey Cowan Heckman Law if you or family members have experienced side effects due to the use of Ozempic. We offer free consultation and our team has the necessary resources to ensure a successful outcome.
Compensation From Ozempic and Wegovy Settlements
In Ozempic litigation, the key factor influencing potential settlement amounts is the damages claimed and their calculated value. Since each case differs in the extent of damages claimed, there is no standardized figure for claims. Specifically, cases involving issues like gallbladder removal or wrongful death have seen estimated settlement values ranging from $400,000 to $700,000.
Damages in an Ozempic lawsuit can encompass:
- Medical expensesÂ
- Lost earningsÂ
- Pain and sufferingÂ
- Punitive damagesÂ
Engaging an attorney is crucial to optimize your compensation. They can file a claim that considers all applicable damages, advise on necessary documentation to substantiate your losses, and negotiate to secure a fair and comprehensive settlement offer. Contact Bailey Cowan Heckman Law to get your free consultation.
Bailey Cowan Heckman Law | Standing Up for Patients Harmed by Ozempic Side Effects
Ozempic and similar drugs are GLP-1 RA’s that are used to treat type II diabetes however due to their extreme weight loss benefits they are also being sold as a weight loss medication. Even without the side effects not outlined by the drug developers they can still be severe, the new issues such as gastrointestinal injuries, stomach paralysis, and intestinal blockages causing even more unforeseen medical needs.
It is imperative that we hold the drug developers and pharmaceutical companies accountable for their actions. They have put multiple people at risk of severe medical issues or even death. If this goes unattended it could cause this to be a common theme in the pharmaceutical world resulting in possibly millions of dollars in compensation to not be paid out and more importantly more unnecessary hospitalizations or death.
Our team at Bailey Cowan Heckman Law have decades of experience and are prepared to represent and defend you in any pharmaceutical litigation to ensure that you receive the correct compensation for your case. We are dedicated to our client's well-being and recovery. Not just in the moment but also in the future if there are any unrecognized issues associated with the drug or if the side effects turn into long term side effects causing the inability to work.Â
Contact our law office for your free consultation, arm yourself with a knowledgeable and experienced team of attorneys dedicated to ensuring you and your family are taken care of.
