In 2023, JAMA (the Journal of the American Medical Association) published a research analyzing data from 16 million people. It was discovered that first-time users of GLP-1 medications (semaglutide or liraglutide) for weight loss were three times more likely to develop gastroparesis, biliary disease, bowel obstruction, and pancreatitis.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with gastroparesis linked to the use of Ozempic, you can get compensation for your damage. Understanding Ozempic lawsuits can be difficult, but with the help of a professional attorney who has experience handling this type of case, you’ll know if you are eligible to pursue financial compensation.
What Is Gastroparesis?
It is also known as stomach paralysis, delayed gastric emptying, or gastric stasis. According to NIDDK (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases), gastroparesis is a disorder that stops or slows the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine.
Gastroparesis weakens the stomach muscles, causing food not to move or move slowly through the digestive system. Individuals with gastroparesis experience the following symptoms:
- Heartburn
- Bloating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Excessive burping
- Feeling full immediately after starting a meal and long after finishing
- Poor appetite
- Pain in the upper abdomen
Some terms related to unsafe Ozempic problems include:
- RA (receptor agonist)
- Mounjaro, Zepbound, and Wegovy
- Tirzepatide
- Semaglutide
- Peer-reviewed
- Biliary diseases
- insulin
How Ozempic Is Linked To Gastroparesis
The brand name for semaglutide is Ozempic. It’s a drug manufactured by Novo Nordisk and is permitted for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It has recently been used for weight loss as well.
It belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) agonists. This drug works by imitating a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1, which helps slow down the emptying of the stomach as well as the regulation of blood sugar.
This drug helps diabetic patients by lowering their blood sugar. It also delays food from leaving the stomach, which also aids in normalizing the blood sugar in diabetes. Those who take it in synthetic form can end up with gastroparesis.
This drug is not recommended for patients experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and bloating due to the possible aggravation of its symptoms.
Why is Ozempic Being Sued For Not Warning About Gastroparesis?
Here are the main reasons the manufacturers of Ozempic are facing lawsuits:
1. Lack Of Adequate Warnings
In the lawsuit, the defendants stated that the warning on Ozempic labels does not sufficiently inform patients about the long-term consequences and severity of gastroparesis.
2. Unforeseen Complications
Some of the claims filed have alleged that the manufacturers of the drug might have downplayed the possibility for gastroparesis to last, which can uproot an individual’s life and might need lifelong care.
3. Recent Studies
Manufacturers and scientists knew that gastroparesis is a known but very rare side effect of GLP-1 medications, but recent studies show that it might be more common than initially thought.
These studies have discovered a connection between the increased probability of developing gastroparesis and the use of GLP-1 agonists compared to other drugs.
