Have you suffered gall stones or cholecystitis after taking Ozempic? See if you can be part of an Ozempic lawsuit for compensation. Call the Pensacola injury attorneys at Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers at 850-444-0000 to discuss your case and begin today.
What Is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist medicine that regulates blood sugar levels. It is a semaglutide medication, typically delivered weekly by injection. In addition to its use among diabetes patients, Ozempic is commonly used to promote weight loss.
How does Ozempic work?
Ozempic mimics the hormone incretin in the body. It prompts the body to release insulin when blood sugar levels are high. In turn, the body moves sugar from the blood so that it can be used for energy or stored.
Brand names of GLP-1 receptor agonist medication
- Ozempic (injectable)
- Rybelsus (pill)
- Wegovy (for weight loss)
These GLP-1 receptor agonist medications are available in the United States by prescription only. The Food and Drug Administration first approved Ozempic for type 2 diabetes treatment in 2017. They approved Wegovy for weight loss in 2021.
Diabetes and weight loss
Diabetes and high blood sugar can cause serious and life-threatening health problems, including heart attack, stroke, kidney problems, eye disease and organ failure. Regulating blood sugar using Ozempic may reduce the occurrence of these complications.
In addition, widespread use of the medicine shows that it may contribute to weight loss. The drug may promote weight loss by slowing digestion and by regulating appetite.
How do you take Ozempic?
Usually, Ozempic is delivered by injection under the skin, using a prefilled dosing pen. For many patients, the dosage may increase over time.
Who Manufactures Ozempic?
Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk manufactures Ozempic. The pharmaceutical company was founded in 1923. Today, it has production facilities in nine countries.
The company logo is a bull with a sun disk between its horns. Novo Nordisk founded the World Diabetes Foundation with the goals of care, prevention and advocacy.
What is the Purpose of Ozempic?
The purpose of Ozempic is to regulate blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, since realizing that it may contribute to weight loss, healthcare providers have widely prescribed the drug for obesity.
How has the popularity of Ozempic skyrocketed?
CNBC reports that Ozempic turned the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk into a $400 billion company. They say that the drug has had “skyrocketing popularity.” The company has reported the following:
- Quadrupled share prices in the past five years, in large part due to Ozempic drug sales.
- In the first full year the drug was on the market, the company had $17.7 billion net sales.
- In a three-month period in 2022, healthcare providers wrote 9 million prescriptions for Ozempic and other diabetes drugs in the United States.
- Ozempic accounted for 65% of diabetes and obesity drug prescriptions at the end of 2022.
- In the first six months of 2023, Ozempic sales increased by 58%.
- Projected sales may exceed $300 billion annually.
Today, Ozempic comprises 85% of Novo Nordisk’s business.
What Conditions are Linked to Ozempic?
- Gall stones
- Cholecystitis
- Pancreatitis
Types of Gastrointestinal Diseases
Gastrointestinal diseases that may be complications of GLP-1 agonist medication may include:
Gallstones, cholelithiasis
Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid in the gallbladder. Eating spurs the gall blader to deposit bile into the small intestine. When chemicals in the gallbladder are imbalanced, gall stones can occur. A stone that lodges in a duct may cause pain. Surgery is typically required.
Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gall bladder. Gallstones may contribute to the development of cholecystitis. Symptoms may include food intolerance, gas, nausea, vomiting, back pain and shoulder pain. Symptoms may be confused with a heart attack.
Pancreatitis
The pancreas helps in food digestion and blood sugar regulation. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms may include abdomen pain, radiating pain, loss of appetite, fat in stool, stool that smells unusual, pain and tenderness of the belly and worsening pain after eating.
Bowel obstruction
A bowel obstruction may cause cramps and pain. A person with a bowel obstruction may be unable to have a bowel movement. They may need surgery or another emergency procedure. There is risk of infection or death.
Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is an interruption of the spontaneous movement of muscles that move food through the digestive track. The condition may prevent the stomach from emptying. A person suffering from gastroparesis may experience nausea or feel full despite eating very little.
What’s the Link Between Ozempic and Gastrointestinal Diseases?
According to a study published in JAMA, there is evidence of a link between Ozempic use and elevated occurrences of gastrointestinal diseases. People taking GLP-1 agonist medication have increased risk of pancreatitis, bowel obstruction and gastroparesis as compared to bupropion-naltrexone users.
See Sodhi, et. all., Rise of Gastrointestinal Adverse Events Associated with Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss, JAMA (Nov. 2023).
In addition to the study published in 2023, researchers published a report in 2022 identifying cases of acute cholecystitis following GLP-1 receptor agonist use.
See Woronow, MD, et. all., Acute Cholecystitis Associated With the Use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Reported to the US Food and Drug Administration, JAMA Intern Med. (Oct. 2022).
See Liyun He, MM, et. all., Association of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Use With Risk of Gallbladder and Biliary Diseases, JAMA Intern Med. (May 2022) (Finding elevated risk of gallbladder and biliary diseases. The study cites higher doses and longer durations as risk factors when the medicine is used for weight loss.)
Is there an Ozempic class action lawsuit?
While there isn’t an Ozempic class action in the United States just yet, our attorneys are investigating and filing new claims. Researchers have documented the potential link between Ozempic use and serious harm. Victims who suffer physical maladies are seeking legal and financial relief.
A Canadian class action has been proposed based on the drug manufacturer failing to adequately warn patients of risks associated with the drug.
Legal Claims Against Ozempic
If you have taken Ozempic, and you suffered serious side effects, you may qualify to claim financial compensation. The Stevenson Klotz attorneys are representing victims seeking monetary payment. New claims are starting now. You can have an attorney represent you to handle all aspects of your claim for compensation.
Drug manufacturers have a legal obligation to make safe products. When they don’t, and harm results, they may have legal liability. To receive compensation, you must file a legal claim.
Filing a legal claim against Ozempic may result in an award of monetary compensation. The award may include the financial losses and recognition of your pain and suffering. In addition, in the litigation process, you may have your voice heard, and seek justice as a victim of a dangerous drug.
Are You Eligible to File a Lawsuit Against Ozempic?
You may be eligible to file a legal claim against Ozempic if you:
- Were prescribed Ozempic
- Took Ozempic for an extended period of time
- Suffered from medical complications
- Had complications that were related to taking the drug
- Sustained harm, like increased medical bills, lost income, physical suffering or emotional anguish
For a personalized evaluation, we invite you to contact our diabetes drug lawsuit attorneys for a consultation.
Talk to an Attorney at a Free Consultation
You can talk to an attorney and start your case today. New Ozempic lawsuits are starting now, and our attorneys want each victim to be fairly compensated for the harm they have sustained.
The Ozempic lawsuit attorneys at Stevenson Klotz are offering free consultations. Each consultation includes a case evaluation and the opportunity to ask questions.
Call 850-444-0000 or message us now to start your case.
FAQs About the Ozempic Lawsuits
Is there a lawsuit against Ozempic?
Lawsuits have been filed against Ozempic. One of the early cases was brought by a victim named Jaclyn Bjorklund. She claims that she suffered severe gastrointestinal problems after taking Ozempic. Additional lawsuits are being filed. People who have taken the medication and suffered harm may be eligible for claims.
Can Ozempic cause gallbladder problems?
In 2022, researchers published a study suggesting that use of GLP-1 receptor agonist medication, like Ozempic, may contribute to gallbladder problems when used for weight loss. In addition, the American Medical Association reports that the FDA recently added a new warning to the Ozempic label about intestinal blockage.
Does Ozempic cause side effects?
Common side effects of Ozempic include low blood sugar, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness and sore throat. In some patients, the medication may cause serious complications.