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Table Of Contents
- Eli Lilly Sued Over Mounjaro Stomach Paralysis Risk
- What is Mounjaro?
- Scientific Evidence: Mounjaro and Gastroparesis Risk
- Gastroparesis Symptom Progression: What You Need to Know
- Mounjaro Maker Sued Over “Stomach Paralysis” Claims: NBC News Video
- Strong Evidence of Liability in Mounjaro and Ozempic Lawsuits
- Gathering Evidence for Your Mounjaro Lawsuit
- Potential Compensation You Could Receive
- FAQs
- Get a Free Mounjaro Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
- Reference:
Eli Lilly Sued Over Mounjaro Stomach Paralysis Risk
Jaclyn Bjorklund was prescribed Ozempic for over a year before switching to Mounjaro in July 2024. After starting Mounjaro, she began experiencing severe gastrointestinal issues, including persistent vomiting and stomach pain.
Bjorklund underwent multiple hospitalizations due to her severe symptoms, which included excessive vomiting, leading to tooth loss.
Severe and Unexpected Injuries Linked to Weight-Loss Medications
Before diving into the legal implications, it is crucial to understand the severity of injuries being reported by patients using Mounjaro and Ozempic.
- Tooth Loss: A devastating consequence of severe vomiting triggered by these medications.
- Frequent Hospitalizations: Patients have reported multiple emergency room visits due to intense gastrointestinal distress, including unrelenting stomach pain and vomiting.
As a result, the suit claimed that Bjorklund “was and still is caused to suffer from severe gastrointestinal issues, as well as other severe and personal injuries which are permanent and lasting in nature, physical pain, and mental anguish.”
Omission of Gastroparesis Risks in Drug Warnings
Despite warnings about delayed gastric emptying and gastrointestinal issues, the labeling for Mounjaro and Ozempic fails to address gastroparesis—a condition causing stomach paralysis that severely impacts digestion.
This oversight is at the heart of the lawsuits, claiming manufacturers inadequately informed patients about this significant risk.
The Growing Wave of Legal Actions
The lawsuit filed by Bjorklund represents just one piece of a much larger legal puzzle. Over 1,300 pending cases against Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The first federal trials are expected to begin in 2025, marking a pivotal moment in these proceedings.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro (tripeptide) is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. The drug is administered through subcutaneous injection (under the skin). Mounjaro is manufactured and marketed by Eli Lilly and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2022.
How Does it Work?
Mounjaro increases insulin production when the patient’s blood sugar rises. The drug also decreases the liver’s production of sugar.
Is Mounjaro Approved to Treat Weight Loss?
Mounjaro is currently only approved as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. However, the drug is often prescribed “off-label” to treat obesity. In 2022, the FDA granted Mounjaro a “fast-track” designation for review to treat obesity in overweight individuals.
Scientific Evidence: Mounjaro and Gastroparesis Risk
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for treating type 2 diabetes. While it offers benefits in managing blood sugar levels and aiding weight loss, emerging evidence raises concerns about its impact on gastric emptying and the associated risk of gastroparesis.
How Mounjaro Affects Gastric Emptying?
Mounjaro mimics incretin hormones, which are crucial in regulating insulin secretion and appetite. One of its key effects is delaying gastric emptying, meaning food stays in the stomach longer before moving into the small intestine.
This delay can lead to feelings of fullness and decreased appetite, but it also poses risks for gastrointestinal health. Research indicates that this slowed gastric emptying can result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, which are frequently reported side effects among users [1].
Research on Gastroparesis Risk
While specific studies directly linking Mounjaro to gastroparesis are limited, there is growing concern within the medical community regarding the potential for this condition to develop as a side effect.
The FDA has noted that medications in the GLP-1 class, including Mounjaro, may be associated with an increased risk of gastroparesis, particularly in patients with pre-existing gastrointestinal issues [2].
Reports from patients have highlighted severe symptoms consistent with gastroparesis, such as persistent vomiting and abdominal discomfort, raising alarms about the long-term implications of using this medication.
Gastroparesis Symptom Progression: What You Need to Know
Recognizing the signs and progression of gastroparesis can make a critical difference in receiving timely treatment. Let’s explore how symptoms evolve when to take action and the potential complications that may arise if left unmanaged.
Early Indicators: Subtle but Significant
The first signs of gastroparesis are often easy to overlook but hold significant diagnostic value:
- Mild Nausea: This unease in the stomach is often one of the earliest clues.
- Feeling Full Too Soon: Known as early satiety, this can make even small meals difficult to finish.
- Bloating After Meals: Patients may notice their stomach feels tight or distended shortly after eating.
While these symptoms may appear mild initially, they can escalate rapidly, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to early patterns of discomfort.
Escalation: How Symptoms Develop Over Time
Gastroparesis doesn’t remain static; it worsens with time. Here’s how symptoms typically progress:
- Initial Stages: Nausea and bloating give way to more severe signs such as vomiting and abdominal pain. Patients often avoid meals due to fear of discomfort.
- Worsening Symptoms:
- Frequent Vomiting: Undigested food may be expelled hours after eating, disrupting daily life.
- Acid Reflux: Heartburn and indigestion become common due to delayed gastric emptying.
- Diminished Appetite: Persistent discomfort leads to unintended weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.
- Severe Stages: Chronic symptoms like unrelenting vomiting can cause dehydration, while abdominal pain intensifies, often described as gnawing or burning.
This progression highlights the urgency of seeking professional help to mitigate further health decline.
Critical Red Flags: When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
Recognizing the point at which symptoms become dangerous is crucial for preventing long-term damage. Seek medical care if you experience:
- Severe Abdominal Pain: Persistent, sharp pain that doesn’t subside could signal serious complications.
- Continuous Vomiting: This is especially concerning if it lasts for hours or contains blood (resembling coffee grounds).
- Signs of Dehydration: Symptoms like extreme thirst, dizziness, or reduced urination warrant immediate attention.
- Sudden Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss or visible signs of malnutrition, such as fatigue or hair thinning, can indicate a critical need for intervention.
Long-Term Risks: What Happens Without Treatment
If left untreated, gastroparesis can lead to severe health problems, compounding the challenges for patients:
- Malnutrition: Chronic vomiting and reduced food intake result in inadequate nutrient absorption, weakening the body.
- Electrolyte Imbalances: Frequent vomiting disrupts sodium, potassium, and chloride levels, posing life-threatening risks.
- Gastric Blockages: Hardened masses of undigested food, known as bezoars, can obstruct the stomach, requiring emergency care.
Understanding the timeline of gastroparesis symptoms underscores the need for awareness and proactive action. As more cases emerge, legal and medical communities explore links to certain medications, highlighting the critical need for patient education and transparent drug labeling.
By addressing symptoms early and seeking professional advice, patients can better navigate the challenges of gastroparesis while advocating for informed medical care.
Mounjaro Maker Sued Over “Stomach Paralysis” Claims: NBC News Video
Other Mounjaro Side Effects
Common side effects of Mounjaro include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Constipation
- Upper abdominal discomfort
- Abdominal pain
Related Articles:
- Trulicity Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit
- Weight Loss Drug Stomach Paralysis Attorney
- Wegovy Stomach Paralysis Litigation
FAQs
Can Mounjaro cause other digestive issues besides stomach paralysis?
Yes, in addition to stomach paralysis, Mounjaro can cause other digestive issues such as severe constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. These symptoms should be monitored closely and discussed with a healthcare provider.
What should I do if I suspect Mounjaro caused my stomach paralysis?
If you suspect that Mounjaro has caused stomach paralysis, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Documenting your symptoms and medical history can be helpful when consulting with a lawyer to explore legal options.
Is there any treatment for stomach paralysis caused by Mounjaro?
Treatment for stomach paralysis, or gastroparesis, typically includes dietary changes, medications to stimulate stomach muscles, and sometimes surgery. The specific treatment plan will depend on the severity of the condition and the individual’s health.
What is stomach paralysis?
Stomach paralysis, or gastroparesis, occurs when the stomach cannot empty food normally. In most people, the digestive tract muscles use contractions to move the food along; however, in patients with gastroparesis, damaged muscles and nerves that control the movement don’t function correctly.
How long does it take for stomach paralysis symptoms to appear after taking Mounjaro?
Symptoms of stomach paralysis may develop gradually over time after starting Mounjaro. It could take weeks or even months for symptoms to become noticeable, so ongoing monitoring is essential.
See all related dangerous drug lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Get a Free Mounjaro Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
The Pharmaceutical Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Mounjaro Stomach Paralysis Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting lawsuits in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one suffered from stomach paralysis or another injury after taking Mounjaro or another weight loss medication, you should contact our law firm immediately. Consumers may be entitled to a settlement by filing a lawsuit, and our lawyers can help you receive fair compensation.
Reference:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6874806/#:~:text=Gastroparesis%20is%20defined%20by%20a,obstruction%20of%20the%20gastric%20outlet.&text=Cardinal%20symptoms%20include%20post%2Dprandial,symptom%20in%20this%20disease2.
- https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/fdas-concerns-unapproved-glp-1-drugs-used-weight-loss