Serious Side Effects of Weight Loss Injections

Ozempic and similar weight loss injections, such as Trulicity, Wegovy, Saxenda, Victoza, Mounjar, Rybelsus, or Zepbound, have gained popularity for their effectiveness in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, some users have reported serious side effects and injuries associated with these medications. These medications for weight loss have been linked to gastroparesis, stomach paralysis, NAION vision loss and other severe side effects and manufacturers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly may be facing numerous lawsuits. People who took Ozempic, Trulicity, Wegovy, Saxenda, Victoza, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, or Zepbound and developed Gastroparesis, Bowel Obstruction, NAION vision loss, Ileus, Wernicke’s Encephalopathy, Malnutrition requiring hospitalization, or suffered Pulmonary aspiration while under anesthesia or during surgery may be eligible for compensation.

Harmed by Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or other? We’re Here to Help.

If you've experienced adverse effects from Ozempic, Trulicity, Wegovy, Saxenda, Victoza, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, or Zepbound or related peptides, you may be entitled to compensation. The Alvarez Law Firm understands the challenges you're facing and is committed to helping you seek justice. You deserve to have your concerns addressed and your rights protected. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and 

Understanding the Ozempic Lawsuit

Ozempic and other related weight loss medications, are popular medication for managing diabetes, has recently been at the center of legal scrutiny. Patients have filed lawsuits alleging severe side effects and inadequate warnings from the manufacturers, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. This article will explore the details of the Ozempic lawsuits, including the allegations, potential side effects, and what affected individuals need to know.

Allegations

The primary allegations in the Ozempic lawsuit include:

  • Severe Side Effects: Plaintiffs claim that Ozempic or similar weight loss medications caused severe gastroparesis, stomach paralysis, NAION vision loss and other severe side effects.
  • Inadequate Warnings: The lawsuits argue that Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly  failed to provide sufficient warnings about the potential risks, leaving patients uninformed about the dangers associated with the drug.
  • Misleading Marketing: Some plaintiffs allege that the marketing campaigns for Ozempic and similar weight loss medications downplayed the risks while overstating the benefits.

Side Effects

Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and others, have been linked to serious gastrointestinal illnesses and serious complications which may result in hospitalization or permanent injury. The Food and Drug Administration has received hundreds of adverse event reports linked to the drugs. Side effects and complications may include:

  • Gastroparesis (paralysis of the stomach), requiring hospitalization
  • Bowel obstruction (blocked intestine), requiring hospitalization
  • NAION vision loss
  • Ileus
  • Malnutrition requiring hospitalization
  • Pulmonary aspiration while under anesthesia or during surgery
  • Wernicke’s Encephalopathy
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Legal Perspective: Understanding Your Rights

Product Liability Law

Product liability law holds manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers accountable for any injuries caused by defective or dangerous products. The key components of this law include the following:

  • Design Defects: Claims that the product's design is inherently unsafe.
  • Manufacturing Defects: Issues that occur during manufacturing, making the product unsafe.
  • Failure to Warn: Accusations that the manufacturer did not provide adequate warnings or instructions about the potential risks of using the product.

For Ozempic, Trulicity, Wegovy, Saxenda, Victoza, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, or Zepbound , plaintiffs may argue that Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly failed to properly warn users about severe side effects like gastroparesis, ileus, and vision loss.


Medical Malpractice Law

Medical malpractice law addresses negligence by healthcare providers. If a doctor prescribed Ozempic off-label for weight loss without adequately considering its risks or without providing appropriate warnings, affected patients might have a malpractice claim.


Consumer Protection Law

Consumer protection laws are designed to protect consumers from fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices. If Novo Nordisk or Eli Lilly is found to have engaged in misleading marketing practices regarding the safety and efficacy o fOzempic, Trulicity, Wegovy, Saxenda, Victoza, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, or Zepbound, this could fall under consumer protection law.


Personal Injury Law

Personal injury law covers cases where a person is harmed due to the negligence or wrongful act of another. For individuals who have suffered serious side effects from Ozempic, Trulicity, Wegovy, Saxenda, Victoza, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, or Zepbound this type of law would be relevant in seeking compensation for their injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses.

How to File an Ozempic Claim

Gather Documentation

  • Medical Records: Collect all medical records documenting your use of Ozempic and the adverse effects you experienced. This includes doctor’s notes, hospital records, test results, and prescription details.
  • Proof of Purchase: Keep receipts or other proof of purchase showing you were prescribed and purchased Ozempic.
  • Personal Records: Maintain a detailed personal record of your symptoms, treatments, and how the injury has affected your daily life.

Consult with a Lawyer

Look for an attorney specializing in pharmaceutical litigation with experience with drug injury cases. They can help evaluate your claim and guide you through the legal process.

File the Claim

  • Legal Filing: Your attorney will help you file a formal lawsuit, either individually or as part of a class action. This involves submitting detailed legal documents to the appropriate court.
  • Join an MDL: If your claim is similar to others, it might be consolidated into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) to streamline the process. This is already happening with Ozempic-related lawsuits.

Participate in Discovery

  • Evidence Gathering: During the discovery phase, both sides will gather and exchange evidence, including depositions, interrogatories, and document production.
  • Expert Testimony: Your lawyer may work with medical experts to strengthen your case by providing professional opinions on your condition and its connection to Ozempic.

Settlement Negotiations

  • Negotiations: Many pharmaceutical cases are settled out of court. Your lawyer will negotiate with Novo Nordisk’s legal team to reach a fair settlement.
  • Evaluate Offers: Carefully evaluate any settlement offers with your lawyer to ensure they cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Trial (if necessary)

Your case will go to trial if a settlement cannot be reached. Your lawyer will present your case, and a judge or jury will determine the outcome and compensation.

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Potential Compensation in Ozempic Lawsuits

Victims involved in the Ozempic lawsuits may be eligible for various types of compensation. The main categories include:

  • Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for past, current, and future medical bills related to treating conditions caused by Ozempic. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work while dealing with health issues caused by Ozempic and any potential future earnings lost due to long-term disability.
  • Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress suffered as a result of severe side effects.
  • Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact on personal relationships, particularly if the plaintiff’s condition has affected their relationship with a spouse or family members.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases where it is proven that Novo Nordisk acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the company and deter similar future conduct.

Average Settlement Amounts

While specific settlement amounts in Ozempic cases are not publicly disclosed yet, estimates can be made based on similar pharmaceutical litigation. In cases involving severe, life-altering injuries, settlements can range from tens of thousands to several million dollars, depending on the severity of the injuries and the extent of the defendant’s liability.


Factors Affecting Compensation

Several factors will influence the amount of compensation a plaintiff may receive, including:

  • Severity of Injury: More severe injuries typically result in higher compensation.
  • Proof of Causation: The ability to prove that Ozempic directly caused the health issues.
  • Economic Impact: The extent of financial losses due to medical bills and lost wages.
  • Jurisdiction: Compensation can vary significantly depending on the court and state where the case is filed.
  • Settlement vs. Trial: Cases that go to trial may result in higher compensation compared to those settled out of court, though trials also carry the risk of losing the case entirely.

Keep the Following in Mind:

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. The specific timeframe varies depending on the jurisdiction and the type of claim. Here are general guidelines for product liability claims, which would cover injuries from Ozempic:

  • Personal Injury Claims: Typically, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims ranges from 2 to 4 years from the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered. For example, in California, the statute of limitations for product liability cases is two years from the date of injury. In New York, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of injury.
  • Wrongful Death Claims: If a death results from using Ozempic, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is usually shorter, often around two years from the date of death.

Qualification Criteria for Filing an Ozempic or similar weight loss medication  Lawsuit

To file a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk or Eli Lilly for injuries related to Ozempic, Trulicity, Wegovy, Saxenda, Victoza, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, or Zepbound you must meet specific criteria:

  1. Use of Product: You must have taken Ozempic, Trulicity, Wegovy, Saxenda, Victoza, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, or Zepbound as prescribed for weight loss or diabetes management.
  2. Severe Side Effects: You must have experienced one or more of the previously discussed severe side effects linked to Ozempic, Trulicity, Wegovy, Saxenda, Victoza, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, or Zepbound use.
  3. Causation: You must be able to demonstrate that taking Ozempic, Trulicity, Wegovy, Saxenda, Victoza, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, or Zepbound directly caused your injuries. This typically involves medical records and expert testimony linking your condition to the drug.
  4. Timeliness: You must file your claim within the statute of limitations for your jurisdiction. Acting promptly is crucial to ensure your case is heard.
  5. Legal Standing: You must have the legal right to file the lawsuit, meaning you have personally suffered harm from taking Ozempic, Trulicity, Wegovy, Saxenda, Victoza, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, or Zepbound. In cases of wrongful death, the claim must be filed by the legal representative of the deceased's estate.

Our firm is currently investigating cases on behalf of individuals who meet the following criteria:

  • Are 75 years of age or younger
  • Received a diagnosis of gastroparesis, stomach paralysis or gastric obstruction while taking these drugs or within 30 days of stopping use
  • Required an emergency room visit or hospital admission.
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Case Updates

July 2024

On July 14, 2024, Judge Karen Spencer Marston issued several case management orders (CMOs) in the GLP-1RAs Product Liability MDL.

  • CMO 10 – Rule 502(d): This order outlines the guidelines for producing and disclosing materials that may involve claims of privilege or work product protections.
  • CMO 11 – Protective Order: Judge Marston approved a joint motion from the parties to safeguard certain discovery materials from public access, including personal health information and confidential commercial data. The order also provides procedures for sealing such information.
  • CMO 12 — Plaintiff Fact Sheets: This order mandates that plaintiffs complete a Plaintiff Fact Sheet (PFS) with case-specific information and provide authorizations for retrieving discoverable records. Medical Records Consultants (MRC) will gather medical records for all parties' access. Additionally, the order addresses amendments, verification, and a resolution process for deficiencies and disputes, specifying timelines for electronic submission of the PFS and related documents via the Rubris “Crosslink” system while ensuring the confidentiality of medical and financial data.
  • CMO 14 – Direct Filing Order: To enhance administrative efficiency, CMO 14 allows plaintiffs involved in the Ozempic/Wegovy/Rybelsus MDL to file their complaints directly in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, thus avoiding delays associated with transferring cases to the MDL court.

June 2024

The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has reassigned the Ozempic GLP-1RA MDL docket to Judge Karen S. Marston following the passing of Judge Gene E.K. Pratter. Judge Pratter, who was 75 years old, served in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and passed away from chronic lung disease on May 17 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, as reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer.


May 2024

As of May 1, 2024, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) reported that 87 cases are pending in MDL-3094, titled IN RE: Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) Products Liability Litigation.


April 2024

On May 8, 2024, U.S. District Judge Gene E.K. Pratter issued Case Management Order No. 6, which expanded the leadership structure for the Ozempic lawsuits under MDL 3094. Attorney Cameron Stephenson from Levin Papantonio Rafferty (LPR) was appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee in this MDL.


March 2024

The initial status conference for the Ozempic multidistrict litigation took place last week. It brought together attorneys from Novo Nordisk and plaintiffs who have filed cases or are seeking roles in the plaintiffs’ attorney leadership group for the MDL. This first case management meeting was held in a federal court in Pennsylvania.


February 2024

In February 2024, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) established MDL No. 3094, issuing a Transfer Order to centralize lawsuits alleging that the manufacturers of GLP-1 RA weight-loss drugs, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, failed to adequately inform patients and healthcare providers about the risks of severe gastrointestinal side effects. Fifty-five ongoing actions and related future cases were transferred to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for consolidated pretrial proceedings, with the MDL assigned to the late Judge Gene E.K. Pratter.

Choose The Alvarez Law Firm If Ozempic or similar weight loss medication has injured you for Weight Loss

The Alvarez Law Firm has extensive experience handling cases related to pharmaceutical injuries. We offer personalized attention to each client, ensuring your case receives the care and dedication it deserves. When you choose us, you benefit from our:

  • In-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical law
  • Network of medical experts
  • Resources to thoroughly investigate your claim
  • Commitment to maximizing your compensation

We handle all aspects of your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we fight for your rights. Our attorneys stay up-to-date on the latest Ozempic side effects and litigation developments. We use this knowledge to build the strongest possible case on your behalf. Don't wait to seek legal help if Ozempic, Trulicity, Wegovy, Saxenda, Victoza, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, or Zepbound have harmed you. The sooner you act, the better we can protect your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries. Book a consultation with us today. Let the Alvarez Law Firm put our expertise to work for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can individuals who have suffered injuries due to Ozempic seek legal assistance?

Are there any recent developments or updates in the litigation process involving Ozempic?

What compensation might be available to those adversely affected by Ozempic weight loss injections?

How can individuals who have suffered injuries due to Ozempic seek legal assistance?

If you've experienced harm from Ozempic, Trulicity, Wegovy, Saxenda, Victoza, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, or Zepbound, contact a qualified attorney specializing in pharmaceutical litigation. They can evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process. Many law firms offer free initial consultations to discuss your options.

Gather all relevant medical records and documentation of your Ozempic or similar productuse to support your case.

Are there any recent developments or updates in the litigation process involving Ozempic?

As of August 2024, several lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of Ozempic, alleging inadequate warnings about potential side effects. Some cases are in the early stages of litigation.

What compensation might be available to those adversely affected by Ozempic weight loss injections?

Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The specific amount depends on factors such as the severity of injuries and their impact on one's life. Some cases may result in settlements, while others might go to trial. Your attorney can provide a more accurate estimate based on your individual circumstances.

Let’s talk about your case.

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