What is The Ozempic Lawsuit about? Do you qualify?
Many individuals who relied on Ozempic to manage their type II diabetes have experienced severe health complications. You may be eligible to join the Ozempic lawsuit if you are among them. The first step is to consult an experienced dangerous drug lawyer or mass tort lawyer at Edwards Fingerhut PLLC to determine your eligibility.
This blog post provides essential information to help you evaluate your potential for legal action.
History of Ozempic
Ozempic, or semaglutide, is a relatively new medication that has gained attention for its effectiveness in treating type 2 diabetes. Developed by Novo Nordisk, a leading pharmaceutical company in diabetes care, Ozempic is part of the GLP-1 receptor agonists class. These medications mimic the action of the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Ozempic received FDA approval in December 2017 as a once-weekly injection to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It quickly gained popularity for its ability to stimulate insulin secretion, suppress glucagon secretion, and slow gastric emptying, promoting satiety.
Since its approval, Ozempic has been the subject of numerous clinical trials and studies evaluating its safety and efficacy. These trials have shown that Ozempic can lower blood sugar levels, reduce body weight, and lower the risk of cardiovascular events in some patients with type 2 diabetes. Its efficacy and convenient once-weekly dosing schedule have made it a popular choice for diabetes management.
Ozempic has been associated with potential side effects and risks despite its benefits. Ongoing research explores its long-term effects and role in diabetes management. Understanding the history of Ozempic helps healthcare providers and patients make informed decisions about its use, weighing potential benefits and risks.
Basic Criteria for Ozempic Plaintiffs
Lawsuits filed by patients who used Ozempic have been consolidated in a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL). Standard criteria for these cases include:
You were under 75 years old when you started using Ozempic.
You required emergency care or hospitalization for vomiting.
You were diagnosed with gastroparesis, gastric stasis, stomach paralysis, or gastric obstruction.
Your diagnosis occurred while taking the drug or within 30 days of stopping the medication.
These criteria are essential for individuals considering legal action against the manufacturer of Ozempic due to severe adverse reactions.
Other Medications Included in the Ozempic Lawsuit
Ozempic contains semaglutide, which is also found in medications like Wegovy, Rybelsus, Mounjaro, and Saxenda. You might have a valid claim against Novo Nordisk or Eli Lilly if you used any of these drugs. A reputable law firm can help you determine if you have a valid claim, often as part of a larger Ozempic class action lawsuit.
You Must Have Been Prescribed Ozempic as a Diabetes Drug
Eligibility to file an Ozempic lawsuit depends on how you used the drug. Many people used it for weight loss, but Ozempic was not marketed as a weight loss drug. Using it for this purpose may weaken your case.
What is Ozempic and How is it Used?
Ozempic is a prescription medication primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it helps lower blood sugar by stimulating insulin release, reducing liver sugar production, and slowing digestion.
The active ingredient, semaglutide, mimics a natural hormone involved in glucose regulation. Ozempic is administered weekly, offering a convenient option for diabetes management. It has also shown cardiovascular benefits, reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.
Ozempic is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet and exercise. Patients must follow their healthcare provider’s instructions and maintain regular check-ups to monitor their progress. Understanding potential side effects is crucial for determining if Ozempic is the right choice for their health needs.
Symptoms of Stomach Paralysis and Other Conditions Caused by Ozempic
Conditions like gastroparesis and severe stomach pain have symptoms such as:
Abdominal distension
Abdominal pain
Persistent vomiting
Persistent nausea
Feeling full soon after starting to eat
These symptoms result from the stomach's reduced capacity to move food along the gastrointestinal tract. Diagnosis of gastroparesis is confirmed when more than 15% of food remains in the stomach four hours after a meal. In severe cases, this can be as high as 35%.
Contact a mass tort lawyer at Edwards Fingerhut if diagnosed with any form of gastrointestinal paralysis while using Ozempic to determine if you qualify for compensation.
Other Risks Associated with Ozempic Use
Legal actions related to Ozempic and other semaglutide drugs are still in the early stages, with ongoing discoveries about connections to various medical issues. So far, conditions linked to Ozempic use include:
Pancreatic cancer
Acute gallbladder disease
Bowel obstruction and other intestinal injuries
Current Status of the Ozempic Litigation
The first Ozempic lawsuits began in August 2023. The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation centralized these lawsuits, now part of a larger class action. Novo Nordisk's request to dismiss the case was denied in December 2023. As more facts emerged, over 50 lawsuits were filed across the U.S., with additional cases in Canada.
As of February 2024, 55 claims were consolidated in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Attorneys expect the number of cases to grow significantly.
How to File an Ozempic Lawsuit
Filing an Ozempic lawsuit involves several steps to seek compensation for adverse effects or complications. Consult with an experienced pharmaceutical litigation attorney to evaluate your case. They will review your medical records, gather evidence, and assess potential negligence or product liability claims.
Your attorney will file a complaint in court, outlining your case details and the compensation sought. The lawsuit may allege that the manufacturer failed to warn about risks or that the drug was defectively designed or manufactured.
Throughout the proceedings, your attorney will negotiate a settlement or proceed to trial if necessary. Stay informed about your case and make informed decisions with your legal team.
Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Dangerous Drug Lawyer
If you used Ozempic or other named drugs and developed severe gastrointestinal conditions, you may have the right to join the multidistrict litigation and seek compensation. Consulting with an experienced Ozempic lawyer or legal team at Edwards Fingerhut can help determine your eligibility and guide you through the legal process.
The ongoing litigation involves numerous plaintiffs seeking compensation. The multidistrict litigation panel has centralized these cases to streamline the process. Settlement amounts will depend on the claimed damages.
To find out if you qualify for a lawsuit, consult a mass tort lawyer at Edwards Fingerhut. If you have a valid claim, we will represent you and protect your legal rights throughout the process.
