Ozempic Mass Tort Lawyers
Ozempic is a drug that has recently made headlines for promoting fast and efficient weight loss. Although it was not originally meant to be prescribed for weight loss, its off-label use is widespread. However, there have been gastrointestinal negative side effects associated with the drug. These side effects have led to numerous lawsuits alleging that the maker of Ozempic failed to adequately warn patients of these side effects.
If you have gastrointestinal problems that you believe resulted from your use of Ozempic, you might be entitled to compensation. Call Chris Hudson Law Group at (706) 863-6600 for a free consultation. You’ll talk with an Ozempic attorney who can review the facts of your case and determine whether you’re eligible to file a lawsuit to recover money for your injuries and losses.
What Is Ozempic?
Generically known as semaglutide, Ozempic was approved by the FDA in 2017 for use in patients with type-2 diabetes. Although not officially approved for weight loss, many doctors began prescribing the drug to patients for weight loss. The drug works by helping the pancreas produce more insulin. Since the drug mimics a natural hormone, it sends signals to the brain, letting it know you are full. It also slows digestion by increasing the time it takes for food to be processed by the body. Even though it is approved for diabetes treatment, weight loss is a common side effect.
Research has shown that the primary ingredient in Ozempic is effective for weight loss. It is important to note, however, that Ozempic is not federally approved for weight loss. Many experts warn patients to avoid taking Ozempic unless they are diabetic.
Potential Ozempic Side Effects
Ozempic quickly became a popular weight loss drug in the United States. In less than a year, however, the FDA had received more than 10,000 adverse report events about semaglutide. Despite these negative reports, Ozempic continues to be prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Recent studies have shown that drugs like Ozempic (semaglutide drugs) increase a person’s risk of:
- Gastroparesis is the most commonly reported Ozempic side effect. It prevents spontaneous, normal muscle movement in the stomach. This causes the stomach to slow down or stop working entirely, preventing it from emptying. Gastroparesis can cause abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting.
- Bowel obstruction occurs when part of the intestine is blocked. This prevents food, gas, and fluids from moving through the intestines normally. Bowel obstruction is serious and requires immediate medical care to prevent further complications.
- Ileus is a temporary stop in bowel motility. This causes gases and digestive materials to accumulate in the intestines. The accumulation results in the absence of bowel movements, vomiting, nausea, and pain.
Ozempic can cause health problems if you take high dosages or use the medication for an extended time. Unfortunately, the warning label on Ozempic failed to mention all its potential side effects. This is the basis of the Ozempic lawsuits.
Lawsuits Against Ozempic
So far, more than five dozen lawsuits have been filed against Novo Nordisk. Some of the lawsuits were filed against makers of similar drugs as well. However, Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharmaceutical company, faces the most lawsuits. The lawsuits have been centralized by a Philadelphia federal judge since they all share common elements. Many attorneys expect the case to include thousands of harmed patients eventually.
There are currently multiple lawsuits against multiple makers of Ozempic and similar drugs. Most of these lawsuits were combined into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in a single jurisdiction. One plaintiff, however, has requested to file a lawsuit solely against Novo Nordisk. The lawsuit alleges there is a strong link between Ozempic and its alleged side effects. Novo Nordisk has fought against this. The court ruled that litigation can begin against Novo Nordisk separate from the MDL.
FDA Label Update
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently acknowledged the many complaints associated with Ozempic. The Administration, however, has not yet required the manufacturers to change the warning label to include gastroparesis or stomach paralysis. At the FDA’s direction, the label has been changed to include warnings of intestinal blockage. The FDA will continue to monitor reports of side effects besides intestinal blockage and require changes accordingly.
Who Can File an Ozempic Claim?
All Ozempic lawsuits have been filed by people who took the drug and developed gastrointestinal issues. If a patient has experienced diarrhea or vomiting for more than one month while they were taking Ozempic and got medical treatment for gastrointestinal issues, they may be eligible to file a lawsuit. If a patient’s claim is successful, they could recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Loss of income (if you are/were unable to work)
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical expenses
- Court and attorney fees
- Other Ozempic-related costs
Benefits of Hiring an Attorney
You may be wondering if you need a lawyer to help you file a claim against the makers of Ozempic. The answer is “yes” for a variety of reasons. Novo Nordisk is a huge company with numerous attorneys. Having your own lawyer significantly increases the chances that your claim will be successful. An attorney can help with your Ozempic suit in the following ways:
- An attorney has specialized legal knowledge and experience with this type of case.
- An attorney can collect evidence on your behalf.
- An attorney can engage an expert to testify on your behalf.
- An attorney can negotiate with the attorneys of the drug manufacturer on your behalf.
With the help of an experienced attorney, you could hold the maker of Ozempic liable.
Call Chris Hudson Law Group for Help
If you have developed gastrointestinal problems as a result of taking Ozempic, you may have legal options. A Chris Hudson Law Group attorney can help you better understand whether you have a case. They can also provide you with unrivaled legal knowledge and advocate for your rights. It is alleged that Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn about the dangerous side effects of Ozempic. It should be held liable for its inaction that harmed other people. Reach out to Chris Hudson Law Group at (706) 863-6600 to learn more.