Experienced Ozempic Injury Lawyers
Ozempic®, a widely used medication for managing type 2 diabetes, has gained notoriety for its potential benefits and alleged adverse effects, leading to legal actions against its manufacturers. Individuals from various parts of the country are initiating lawsuits against Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, citing debilitating injuries such as severe gastroparesis (commonly known as stomach paralysis), gastroenteritis, severe vomiting, and other health complications. These lawsuits assert that Novo Nordisk generated significant revenue by promoting Ozempic for weight loss yet neglected to caution consumers about its potentially hazardous side effects.
In August 2023, major media outlets reported on a lawsuit involving Ozempic, claiming that Novo Nordisk was aware that Ozempic could heighten the risk of developing severe gastrointestinal issues, including gastroparesis and gastroenteritis, but failed to provide adequate warnings to consumers. The lawsuit seeks damages for past and future pain and suffering, healthcare expenses, medical monitoring, and punitive damages against the company.
At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we are committed to assisting clients in pursuing justice through Ozempic lawsuits. Call us now for a free consultation at (713) 973-8888.
Contact Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law at (713) 973-8888 for a free consultation.
Understanding Ozempic and Its Uses
Ozempic, also known as Semaglutide in the medical community, is a prescription medication that received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017. It is an injectable drug designed to regulate blood sugar levels in adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
The primary function of this medication involves emulating the actions of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone crucial in controlling blood sugar levels by stimulating the production of insulin when glucose levels rise. This mechanism makes it particularly effective for individuals unable to manage their blood sugar solely through diet or exercise.
In addition to its role in treating type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has obtained FDA approval for its specific application in weight management. Various medical publications have reported that Ozempic may offer benefits to individuals dealing with obesity or other health conditions, such as heart disease or high cholesterol, and who are seeking solutions for weight loss.
How Ozempic Works
Ozempic works by replicating the actions of GLP-1 hormones, which are naturally occurring peptides in our bodies that play a role in stabilizing glucose levels after meals. When administered through injection, these synthetic hormones trigger insulin release in response to elevated blood glucose levels.
This mechanism not only helps control hyperglycemia symptoms linked with type 2 diabetes but also slows down the emptying of the stomach, leading to reduced food consumption and eventual progress toward weight loss goals. Nevertheless, concerns about potential adverse effects have prompted inquiries into the long-term safety of this medication for patients.
Health Issues Linked to Ozempic Use
Just like any medication, Ozempic has the potential to induce side effects in certain individuals. The more frequently reported side effects of Ozempic include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
Ozempic may lead to mild side effects in certain individuals, which can include:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Headache
- Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
- Reactions at the injection site, like redness, discoloration, or discomfort
- Dizziness
- Flatulence (gas)
- Fatigue or reduced energy levels
- Burping
- Alteration in taste perception
- Upset stomach or acid reflux
- Slight increase in heart rate
- Nausea or vomiting
These side effects are typically temporary, and some can be easily managed. However, if you experience persistent or bothersome symptoms, discussing them with your doctor or pharmacist is important. It’s crucial not to discontinue using Ozempic unless advised by your doctor.
Serious effects associated with Ozempic include:
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Gallbladder issues, including gallstones or cholecystitis (pain and swelling in the gallbladder)
- Acute Kidney Failure
- Acute Kidney Injury
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Liver Failure
- Diabetic retinopathy (damage to blood vessels in the eye)
- Elevated risk of thyroid cancer
- Gastroparesis (stomach paralysis)
- Suicidal Behavior/Thinking
- Thyroid Cancer
- Allergic reactions including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the tongue, face, and throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.
This list does not cover all potential side effects. If you experience other effects not mentioned above, please contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Why Are People Filing Ozempic Lawsuits?
The most recent Ozempic lawsuits have been filed by individuals who took the drug and subsequently developed gastroparesis, a serious condition characterized by delayed movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine. In some instances, this condition can lead to a complete halt in the movement of food through the intestine.
Gastroparesis can lead to various symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, severe dehydration, acid reflux, malnutrition, and weight loss. Undigested food may remain in the stomach and solidify.
Ozempic falls under the category of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists. Attorneys are also examining claims of gastroparesis associated with other drugs in this same category.
Other GLP-1 agonists implicated in claims similar to those in Ozempic lawsuits include:
- Mounjaro®
- Rybelsus®
- Saxenda®
- Wegovy®
According to Ozempic lawsuits, since the FDA’s approval of Ozempic in 2017, Novo Nordisk has not included warnings about gastroparesis in its prescription information. While the company did provide information about other Ozempic side effects, it did not inform the public about the risk of severe gastroparesis.
Gastroparesis has no cure, and plaintiffs seek compensation for the reduced quality of life, past and future medical expenses, and other related damages.
You need an experienced Ozempic injury lawyer to handle your Ozempic case. Contact Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law today at (713) 973-8888 for a free and confidential case review.
What Should I or a Loved One Do When Suffering Health Issues from Ozempic Use
Here are some steps to take after being injured by Ozempic use:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you experience any adverse effects, promptly contact your healthcare provider for necessary medical assistance – or even 911 if you are having a medical emergency. They will evaluate your condition and may recommend hospitalization or adjust your dosage based on the severity of your reaction.
2. Report to the FDA’s MedWatch Program
The FDA’s MedWatch program actively collects feedback from patients and healthcare professionals regarding issues tied to prescription medications like Ozempic. It is crucial to report any side effects you experience to the FDA, as this aids in identifying potential Ozempic-related concerns for the benefit of healthcare providers and patients. You can make your report online, by mail, or over the phone.
3. Contact an Ozempic Attorney Today
Contact our Ozempic legal team today. We are equipped to provide detailed information about your legal options. Our law firm is uniquely qualified to review your specific Ozempic side effects and determine if you have grounds for a legal claim.
How to File an Ozempic Lawsuit
Filing a lawsuit related to the prescription medication Ozempic involves a legal process that requires careful consideration and adherence to specific steps. If you have experienced serious health issues or adverse side effects due to using Ozempic and want to file a lawsuit, it is essential to consult with a qualified Ozempic attorney. Here is a general outline of the steps you may need to take:
- Gather Information: Collect all relevant documents, including medical records, prescription information, receipts, and any correspondence with healthcare professionals regarding Ozempic. These documents will serve as evidence in your case.
- Document Your Experience: Keep a detailed record of your experiences, including any adverse effects or complications you believe were caused by Ozempic. Be sure to include dates, symptoms, and any medical treatment you received as a result.
- Medical Evaluation: Get a thorough medical evaluation from a trusted healthcare professional. This evaluation can help establish a connection between your health issues and using Ozempic.
- Consult an Attorney: Contact an experienced Ozempic attorney. They will be able to evaluate your case and advise you on the best course of action.
How Our Ozempic Lawyers Can Help
Our legal team offers a range of valuable expertise:
- Legal Guidance: Our attorneys are equipped to elucidate your rights and options, guiding you through intricate legal procedures.
- Thorough Investigation: We possess the necessary resources to examine your case comprehensively. This includes accessing medical records, conducting interviews, and consulting experts to gather substantial evidence supporting your claim.
- Effective Negotiation: With a track record of negotiating with pharmaceutical companies in prior dangerous drug cases, our attorneys are adept at ensuring you receive the maximum compensation owed from each responsible party.
- Trial Proficiency: If your case goes to court, our attorneys are prepared to represent you, advocating for your rights and interests.
- Peace of Mind: Entrusting us with the demanding legal processes grants you the peace of mind necessary for recovery and progress following your Ozempic-related injuries.
Attempting an Ozempic lawsuit without legal representation puts you at risk of making crucial mistakes or being disadvantaged by the opposing party’s legal team. Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law is committed to assisting you in constructing a robust case, guiding you through legal proceedings, and safeguarding your rights throughout negotiation, trial, and settlement.
Who Is Liable for Injuries or Harm Due to Ozempic Use?
You can initiate a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, if you have suffered harm or injury due to the medication.
Additionally, depending on the specifics of your case, you may have a potential malpractice claim against your doctor. Despite Ozempic not being officially approved for weight loss, Novo Nordisk knew that many doctors were prescribing it for this purpose.
There are several other avenues for legal recourse available to you:
- If Ozempic was improperly manufactured or labeled, directly resulting in your injury.
- If the manufacturer failed to provide sufficient warnings about the risks associated with using Ozempic.
- If the manufacturer made explicit or implicit assurances regarding the safety or effectiveness of Ozempic, but the medication did not meet those assurances.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
If you or a loved one has suffered harm from Ozempic, you can seek compensation through a mass tort lawsuit against Ozempic or a malpractice claim against your doctor. The specific amount of compensation will be determined by the unique circumstances of your case and the severity of your injuries. This may include:
- Medical Costs: This covers expenses related to healthcare necessitated by injuries caused by the medication, including medication costs, rehabilitation, hospitalization, and surgical procedures.
- Lost Earnings and Wages: If your injuries resulted in time away from work or hindered your ability to perform at your previous level, you may pursue compensation for lost income and wages.
- Pain and Suffering: You can seek compensation for physical and emotional distress, especially if the side effects, such as pancreatitis, were notably severe.
- Reduced Quality of Life: In an Ozempic lawsuit, you may be eligible for compensation if your injuries have curtailed your ability to partake in activities you once enjoyed, like hiking, intimate relations, etc.
- Wrongful Death: If you have lost a loved one due to Ozempic, you can pursue a wrongful death claim for compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, medical costs, and other damages from their passing.
We are here to help you understand your legal rights, evaluate the specifics of your case, and gauge the extent of the harm or injuries. We aim to assist you in seeking the maximum possible compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ozempic
What happens after you stop using Ozempic?
Discontinuing the medication can lead to a “rebound effect.” In approximately a year, you may regain nearly all, or even more, of the weight you initially lost while using the medication. This is because relying on Ozempic for weight loss doesn’t provide you with the essential knowledge and skills to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, regular exercise, mental resilience, and other crucial habits.
A study revealed that after ceasing the weekly injections, individuals could potentially regain around two-thirds of the weight they had initially lost within a year.
Can using Ozempic lead to gallbladder disease?
A recent study investigating the use of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, including Ozempic, has highlighted a potential link between this drug and gallbladder and biliary diseases, particularly when administered in higher doses or over extended periods. This heightened risk has been observed since at least 2016, with earlier research also indicating an increased likelihood of cholelithiasis.
Individuals who are prescribed Ozempic specifically for weight loss may face an elevated risk. If you have experienced gallbladder or biliary diseases, consulting an Ozempic lawsuit attorney could potentially assist you in seeking compensation.
Who is eligible to file a lawsuit?
The warning label for Ozempic was revised in March 2022 to incorporate a new caution regarding the potential association with gallbladder disease. Before this revision, the label did not provide any forewarning about the potential for gallbladder-related conditions.
Both patients and healthcare providers were not adequately informed about the risk of gallbladder disease and gallstones stemming from Ozempic usage before March 2022.
If you used Ozempic prior to the addition of the new warning label and subsequently experienced gallbladder disease (such as acute cholecystitis), gallstones, or any other condition related to your gallbladder, you may have grounds to pursue a product liability claim and seek compensation. Various product liability doctrines, including negligent failure to warn and strict liability, afford avenues for legal recourse against the drug manufacturer.
Contact Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law Ozempic Lawsuit Lawyers Today
If you believe you may be eligible for an Ozempic lawsuit due to experiencing adverse effects after using the medication, it is crucial to seek expert legal guidance.
At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we specialize in personal injury law cases, including those on pharmaceutical lawsuits. Our team understands the emotional toll it can take when trusted medications result in unforeseen health complications. We are committed to supporting you through every stage of your potential lawsuit, advocating tirelessly for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (713) 973-8888 for a free consultation.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]