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Popular Weight Loss Drugs Linked to Serious Medical Conditions
by Ashley Carter
Currently, legal actions are being taken against the maker of popular weight loss drug, Ozempic (Semaglutide). Originally approved by the FDA in 2017 , Ozempic is a once-weekly injectable medication to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults. However, years later, it began being prescribed for weight loss. Later, the FDA approved Wegovy as a weight loss drug in 2021. By late 2021, more than 10,000 adverse events had been reported to the FDA due to semaglutide products. CNN reported in July of 2023 the FDA had received thousands of adverse event reports of gastroparesis/stomach paralysis from individuals who took these popular drugs.
What You Need to Know
In 2023, the first lawsuit again Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of these drugs, was filed. To date, many other lawsuits have been filed. The lawsuits allege that the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, failed to adequately warn patients of these side effects.
A multidistrict litigation (MDL) was established in February 2024 in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The cases in the MDL also include other drugs similar to Ozempic called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). Other GLP-1 drugs involved include Wegovy®, Rybelsus®, Mounjaro® and Trulicity®.
Individuals have experienced serious side effects after taking these drugs. Injuries include: cyclical vomiting, ileus or bowel obstruction, pancreatic cancer, esophageal injury, gallbladder removal, severe or permanent stomach paralysis, gastroparesis, DVT or death.
The National Institute of Health list several complications that can arise from gastroparesis:
- Dehydration from repeated vomiting
- Difficulty controlling blood glucose, which can worsen diabetes
- Malnutrition
- Overall lower quality of life
ELPO Law Wants to Help
According to a recent article on Bloomberg.com, Kentucky has the highest concentration of people with weight loss drug prescriptions in the country. We are currently investigating cases for individuals treated with these medications who suffered from any of the issues listed above.
If you have been diagnosed with any of these conditions please contact Jessica Shoulders at 270-781-6500 or jshoulders@elpolaw.com today for a free evaluation as you may be entitled to compensation. You can also visit our website to learn more: https://injury.elpolaw.com/pharmaceutical-and-medical-product-injury.html
