On this page, we will explain who might be eligible to file an Ozempic lawsuit. Our Ozempic lawyers will explain what qualifying criteria our firm is using to screen Ozempic injury cases and we will also discuss what the primary injuries are in the Ozempic lawsuits.
What Are the Ozempic Lawsuits About?
Ozempic is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. Its active ingredient is semaglutide, which belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Ozempic is administered by injection and works by mimicking the effects of a natural hormone in the body that helps regulate blood sugar levels.
It is typically prescribed along with a healthy diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic helps lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin release and reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver. In recent years, Ozempic has become very popular for use as a weight loss or weight management drug. When used for weight management, Ozempic is taken at higher doses.
Recent scientific studies have suggested that elevated doses of Ozempic may be associated with the development of gallstones and gallbladder disease, often necessitating surgical procedures for gallbladder removal. Additionally, research has indicated that Ozempic could lead to gastroparesis, a serious condition characterized by the delayed movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine.
The manufacturer of Ozempic (Novo Nordisk) knew about the risk of gallbladder disease and gastroparesis. Until very recently, however, the warning label for Ozempic did not adequately inform both patients and physicians about the potential risks of gallbladder-related issues or gastroparesis.
Over the last 2 years, a growing number of Ozempic injury lawsuits have been getting filed across the country. These lawsuits are being filed by individuals who were taking Ozempic (usually at higher doses for weight loss) and subsequently developed either gallbladder problems or gastroparesis.
Ozempic Class Action Lawsuit
Over the course of 2023, the volume of Ozempic injury lawsuits filed across the country began to steadily increase. As news spread about the link between Ozempic and gallbladder disease and gastroparesis spread, more potential plaintiffs began to come forward. In December 2023, a group of plaintiffs filed a motion asking the JPML to consolidate the Ozempic lawsuits in federal courts into a new class action MDL. That request is expected to be granted and a new Ozempic class action MDL should be formed.
Who is Eligible to File an Ozempic Lawsuit?
In order to file an Ozempic lawsuit and participate in any future global settlement in the class action MDL, prospective plaintiffs must meet certain basic criteria. Our firm’s current Ozempic lawsuit eligibility requirements are as follows:
Use of Ozempic for At Least 6 Months: The first thing a potential plaintiff must show is that they were prescribed Ozempic and actually used the drug on a regular basis for a minimum period of at least 6 months. This is the minimum requirement, but keep in mind that individuals with longer usage times (and higher doses) will have stronger claims.
Used Ozempic Prior to March 2022: To have a valid claim, you must show that your 6-months of Ozempic use occurred BEFORE March 2022 when the warning label for Ozempic was changed.
Diagnosed With Qualifying Injury: Prospective plaintiffs must show that at some point shortly after they used Ozempic for at least 6 months, they were diagnosed with one of the following health conditions that have been linked to Ozempic:
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- Gallbladder Disease
- Gallbladder Stones
- Gastroparesis
Primary Injuries in Ozempic Lawsuits
There are basically 2 primary injuries being alleged by plaintiffs in Ozempic lawsuits. These injuries are the health conditions that have been scientifically linked to use of Ozempic: (1) gallbladder disease, and (3) gastroparesis. Each of these injuries is discussed below.
Gallbladder Disease
Gallbladder disease refers to a range of conditions that affect the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. Gallbladder disease includes gallstones (cholelithiasis), inflammation (cholecystitis), and cancer of the gallbladder. The gallbladder plays a role in the digestive process by storing bile, a fluid produced by the liver that helps in the digestion of fats.
The specific gallbladder problems or health conditions that fall under the umbrella of “gallbladder disease” as described below.
Gallstones: These are solid particles that form in the gallbladder. They can vary in size and may block the normal flow of bile, leading to pain, inflammation, and other complications.
Cholecystitis: Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones. It can result in abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Biliary Colic: This refers to episodes of pain caused by the temporary blockage of the bile ducts by gallstones.
Choledocholithiasis: Gallstones can sometimes move into the common bile duct, causing obstruction and leading to complications. This condition is known as choledocholithiasis.
Gallbladder Cancer: Gallbladder cancer is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that originates in the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. The most common type of gallbladder cancer is adenocarcinoma, which starts in the cells that line the inner surface of the gallbladder.
The scientific evidence showing a causal link between use of Ozempic and gallbladder disease (including all of the conditions described above) is very strong. A 2022 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that Ozempic was associated with significantly increased risk of gallbladder or biliary diseases, especially when used at higher doses, for longer durations, and for weight loss.
Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is a medical condition that affects the normal movement of the muscles in the stomach, leading to delayed emptying of the stomach contents into the small intestine. In a healthy digestive system, the stomach muscles contract to grind and mix food, allowing it to move into the small intestine for further digestion and absorption. However, in gastroparesis, this process is slowed down or impaired.
Individuals affected by gastroparesis experience discomfort during digestion and may also contend with prolonged side effects. Common challenges include reduced appetite, difficulty fulfilling nutritional requirements, and struggles in managing blood sugar levels. Additionally, when food eventually moves from the stomach, it may not fully pass through, leaving remnants behind. This residual matter can evolve into a hardened, solid mass known as a bezoar.
The medical evidence showing a connection between use of Ozempic and gastroparesis is relatively new and still emerging. The primary study on the issue was published in October 2023 examined a very large sample group and found that individuals who used Ozepmic had a significantly increased risk for gastroparesis and bowel obstruction (usually related to the gastroparesis).
Contact Us About Filing an Ozempic Lawsuit
If you have an Ozempic injury lawsuit, call our Ozempic lawyers today at 888-310-3010 or reach out to us online for a free consultation.
Scientific Articles on Ozempic and Gallbladder / Gastroparesis
He, Liyun, et al. “Association of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist use with risk of gallbladder and biliary diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.” JAMA internal medicine (2022).
Sodhi M, Rezaeianzadeh R, Kezouh A, Etminan M. Risk of Gastrointestinal Adverse Events Associated With Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss. JAMA. 2023;330(18):1795–1797. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.19574