Lawsuits for Injuries from Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic
Contact our Tulsa injury lawyers if you suffered harm from a dangerous prescription drug
Biby Law Firm is currently evaluating cases against the manufacturers of Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and other related medications for issues involving gastroparesis and gallbladder injuries and diseases. If you have sustained injuries from taking any of these medications, talk to our Tulsa dangerous drug attorneys today.
How can we help?
- What is Ozempic?
- What is gastroparesis?
- Does Ozempic cause gallbladder disease?
- How do you treat gallbladder disease?
- Can I file a lawsuit if I suffered an injury while taking Ozempic?
- What kinds of damages can I seek from a defective drug lawsuit in Oklahoma?
- Do you have a dangerous drug lawyer near me?
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a brand name for the medication semaglutide. It is a prescription medicine used to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, either alone or in combination with other diabetes medications, including insulin. Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. This medication is administered through a weekly injection.
Ozempic works by mimicking the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar levels are high and reduces the amount of sugar produced by the liver. It can help lower blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, and assist with weight management in people with type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic is also used off-label for weight loss. The drug became so popular so fast, it was included in the FDA’s list of drug shortages in 2023.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is the brand name for the medication tirzepatide. Tirzepatide is another GLP-1 receptor agonist used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
One notable aspect of tirzepatide is that it combines the actions of a GLP-1 receptor agonist with the actions of another hormone called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. Per Health.com, it’s actually the more effective medication for weight loss and lowering A1C levels.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is the same as Ozempic (semaglutide) except it is used exclusively for weight loss. It was approved in 2021 by the FDA and is “the first approved drug for chronic weight management in adults with general obesity or overweight since 2014.”
What is Rybelsus?
Rybelsus is another GLP-1 agonist and is taken in the form of an oral semaglutide pill every day.
Other similar drugs include Saxenda, Trulicity, and Zepbound.
These medications are all designed to help lower the blood sugar level of people with type 2 diabetes. However, they also help with weight loss, although doctors are unsure why. Per the Mayo Clinic, “Doctors do know that GLP-1s appear to help curb hunger. These drugs also slow the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine. As a result, you may feel full faster and longer, so you eat less.”
These medications are currently designed to require them to be taken for the rest of your life. Yet, the long-term effects of these drugs remain unknown.
What is gastroparesis?
Plaintiffs in Ozempic lawsuits are claiming they are suffering from gastroparesis as a result of taking the drug. Gastroparesis is a medical condition characterized by delayed emptying of the stomach contents into the small intestine. Normally, the stomach contracts to help break down and digest food, moving it along into the small intestine for further digestion and absorption of nutrients. However, in people with gastroparesis, this process is slowed down or impaired.
The most common symptoms of gastroparesis include:
- Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms can be chronic and severe, leading to poor appetite and weight loss.
- Feeling full quickly: Even after consuming small amounts of food, individuals with gastroparesis may feel overly full and bloated.
- Abdominal pain: Some people experience discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen.
- Heartburn or acid reflux: The delayed emptying of the stomach can also result in acid reflux symptoms.
Treatment for gastroparesis aims to alleviate symptoms and improve stomach emptying. This may involve dietary modifications, such as consuming smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding high-fat and high-fiber foods that are harder to digest. Medications that stimulate stomach contractions may also be prescribed. In severe cases, surgical interventions, or other procedures to help stimulate gastric emptying may be considered.
Left untreated, gastroparesis can lead to severe malnutrition or dehydration, bezoars (masses of undigested food in the stomach), and changes in blood sugar levels.
Does Ozempic cause gallbladder disease?
A study in JAMA Internal Medicine notes a link between the use of drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy with an increased risk of gallbladder disease. Per their findings, “Time from GLP-1 RA initiation to onset of AC [acute cholecystitis] was less than 90 days in 47% of cases. Acute cholecystitis occurred in 14 patients taking the GLP-1 RA recommended starting dose and in 14 patients taking the maximum recommended dose (n = 14).”
Cholecystitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the gallbladder. It occurs when bile becomes trapped and builds up in the gallbladder. This can happen when gallstones block the cystic duct, the gallbladder's main opening. Gallstones are small, cholesterol-based stones that form in the gallbladder.
How do you treat gallbladder disease?
The treatment of gallbladder disease depends on the specific condition and severity of symptoms. In cases of mild gallbladder issues, such as non-complicated gallstones or biliary colic (pain caused by gallstones), doctors may recommend lifestyle changes and dietary modifications to manage symptoms. This could include adopting a low-fat diet, increasing fiber intake, and avoiding trigger foods that exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, pain medication may be prescribed to alleviate discomfort.
For more severe cases, however, or with common complications like acute cholecystitis or obstructive jaundice, medical intervention may be necessary. In such instances, surgical removal of the gallbladder, known as cholecystectomy, is often the preferred treatment. This can be performed through traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Surgery effectively eliminates the source of the problem and prevents future gallstone-related complications. It’s important to remember, however, that all surgery comes with risks, like:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Injury to nearby structures such as the bile duct or intestines
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Post-operative complications such as blood clots or pneumonia
Can I file a lawsuit if I suffered an injury while taking Ozempic or other drug for weight loss?
Biby Law Firm is reviewing potential cases against the manufacturers of Ozempic and other similar weight loss drugs on behalf of people who have suffered gastroparesis, gallbladder disease, and other serious medical conditions. If you were prescribed Ozempic, Wegovy, or other drugs for the off-label use of weight loss and developed gastroparesis or a chronic gallbladder condition, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the product manufacturer, or any other liable party. Our Tulsa personal injury attorneys can explain more in a consultation.
Here in Oklahoma, you only have two years from the date of your injury (or discovery of your injury) to bring a lawsuit. It is in your best interests that you act quickly.
Do I have to join a class action?
No, you do not. You can file an individual lawsuit if you were injured as a result of taking Ozempic or any weight loss drug. There is no class action litigation pending over Ozempic.
However, because more lawsuits are expected to be filed throughout the country, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has ordered all cases be consolidated into multi-district litigation, or MDL: “MDLs resolve each claim individually while allowing judicial rulings and the discovery process to be streamlined.”
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Contact our Tulsa lawyers if you’ve suffered injury from taking Ozempic or Wegovy
If you've experienced injury as a result of taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or other similar weight-loss drugs, don't hesitate to contact our team of dedicated Tulsa lawyers for assistance. The experienced attorneys at Biby Law Firm understand the complexities surrounding pharmaceutical litigation and are committed to advocating for your rights. Whether you've encountered adverse side effects, complications, or other health issues related to these medications, our team is here to provide guidance and support throughout the legal process. Let us help you secure the compensation and justice you deserve. Call our offices or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with a skilled trial attorney.