Louisiana Mounjaro Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit (Latest 2024 Updates)

Quick Summary

• A legal action has been launched in Louisiana, referred to as the Louisiana Mounjaro Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit, which claims that Mounjaro induces stomach paralysis and severe gastrointestinal complications.
• This article outlines the primary claims, current status, and essential information that patients should be aware of regarding the associated risks.
• If you or someone you know has suffered from complications due to Mounjaro, Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is here to support you. With a strong track record in plaintiff representation, our main mission is to secure the justice and compensation you are entitled to.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by providing comprehensive support and guidance throughout your legal journey.

Every case is unique, and our attorneys will work closely with you to develop a personalized legal strategy tailored to your situation’s specific details.

We can help you by:

• Thoroughly investigate your claim and gather the necessary evidence.
• Consulting with medical experts to support your case.
• Providing a personalized legal strategy tailored to your situation.

Mounjaro Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit

In August 2023, the first lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, alleging that Mounjaro and Ozempic caused gastroparesis, a paralysis of the stomach. The plaintiff, Jaclyn Bjorklund, claims that using Mounjaro led to severe gastrointestinal injuries, including cyclical vomiting and tooth loss.

The manufacturers, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly argue that the lawsuit fails to establish a connection between Louisiana and their companies. Despite these challenges, a judge allowed Bjorklund’s lawsuit to proceed in December 2023, marking a significant step in the legal battle against these diabetes medications.

The key allegations in the Louisiana lawsuit focus on severe gastrointestinal issues caused by Mounjaro and Eli Lilly’s failure to warn users about these risks properly. These allegations include failure to warn, severe gastrointestinal events, and product liability.

One of the primary allegations is that Eli Lilly failed to adequately warn patients about the risk of stomach paralysis, or gastroparesis, associated with Mounjaro. Plaintiffs argue that the drug’s labeling did not include sufficient warnings about the risk of developing this severe condition.

This lack of proper warnings misled both patients and prescribing physicians about the safety of the drug. The plaintiffs claim that Eli Lilly prioritized profits over patient safety by not adequately communicating the gastrointestinal risks as the drug administration declined.

The lawsuit underscores severe gastrointestinal events reported by Mounjaro users, including gastroparesis, ileus, and intestinal obstruction, which led to emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Severe vomiting even resulted in tooth loss for some patients, adding to the physical and emotional toll.

Reported symptoms like stomach pain, gastrointestinal burning, and excessive vomiting necessitated multiple emergency room visits and hospitalizations, highlighting the severe side effects and potential dangers of using Mounjaro.

What Is Mounjaro?

According to Healthline, Mounjaro is a medication designed to combat Type 2 diabetes and obesity. It’s not just another diabetes drug; it serves as a powerful tool in managing these conditions [1].

Approved for diabetes treatment, it is also used off-label for weight loss, making it a versatile option for many. Acting as a dual agonist, Mounjaro replicates the actions of both GLP-1 and GIP hormones, thereby significantly facilitating insulin production and sugar metabolism.

This makes it an effective obesity medicine for those struggling with weight-related health issues, and it can be considered among weight loss drugs.

Despite its efficacy, the use of Mounjaro comes with a slew of side effects. Patients frequently report:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Appetite loss
• Vomiting
• Constipation

Furthermore, it has been noted to slow gastric emptying, which, while helpful for weight loss, can lead to serious gastrointestinal issues. This is particularly relevant when considering the lawsuits linking Mounjaro to gastroparesis.

Was Mounjaro Recalled?

Mounjaro was not recalled despite the growing concerns and severe side effects reported by users. The FDA has issued several safety warnings regarding Mounjaro, including a boxed warning for the risk of thyroid cancer.

According to the FDA, the agency continues to evaluate the small risk of suicidal thoughts or actions associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists like Mounjaro. Despite these concerns, the term ‘gastroparesis’ does not appear on the prescribing information for Mounjaro, although ‘delays gastric emptying’ is mentioned [2].

The FDA has issued several safety warnings regarding Mounjaro, including a boxed warning for the risk of thyroid cancer. The agency continues to evaluate the small risk of suicidal thoughts or actions associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists like Mounjaro.

Despite these concerns, the term ‘gastroparesis’ does not appear on the prescribing information for Mounjaro, although ‘delays gastric emptying’ is mentioned.

Healthcare professionals are advised to monitor patients on GLP-1 receptor agonists for new or worsening depression and suicidal thoughts. Healthcare providers must encourage patients to discuss any new or worsening symptoms with them to guarantee patient safety.

Side Effects of Mounjaro

Gastroparesis, also called delayed gastric emptying and often referred to as stomach paralysis, is a debilitating disorder that disrupts the normal spontaneous movement of the stomach muscles, slowing or stopping the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine.

According to Mana, gastroparesis symptoms can be distressing for patients and include severe stomach problems such as [3]:

• Severe stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal bloating
• Occasional vomiting of undigested food eaten a few hours earlier

These symptoms not only cause discomfort but can also lead to significant changes in blood sugar levels due to the erratic rate at which food passes into the small bowel.

A gastric emptying study, which measures the rate at which food leaves the stomach, is typically used to diagnose delayed gastric emptying or gastroparesis. This helps identify the severity of the condition and plan appropriate treatment.

The causes of gastroparesis are varied, ranging from diabetes to surgical complications and certain medications. In the context of diabetes drugs like Mounjaro, the potential for delayed gastric emptying and subsequent gastrointestinal injuries has become a focal point of concern and legal scrutiny.

Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has linked GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Mounjaro, to higher incidences of gastroparesis. The FDA’s postmarketing reviews have also identified alarming rates of gastroparesis among users of these drugs, further solidifying the concern.

Recent reports emphasized some GLP-1 RA-associated risks of triggering depression and suicidal thoughts – Davide Arillotta, Researcher in Psychopharmacology at the Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire

How Do You Qualify for a Mounjaro Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit?

To qualify for a Mounjaro stomach paralysis lawsuit, you must prove that you have used Mounjaro as prescribed by your healthcare provider and experienced symptoms consistent with gastroparesis, such as severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and delayed gastric emptying.

Additionally, individuals who have experienced similar severe gastrointestinal issues after using other GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic may also be eligible to file a lawsuit. This includes those who have suffered from symptoms such as severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and delayed gastric emptying.

The Status Of The Mounjaro Lawsuit Litigation in Louisiana

In February 2024, Mounjaro’s lawsuits were consolidated with other similar drug lawsuits into a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. This consolidation aims to streamline the legal process and handle the growing number of cases efficiently.

As of June 2024, there are 101 pending lawsuits in the GLP-1 MDL involving Mounjaro, with no settlements or jury trials scheduled yet. The litigation is still in its early stages, with numerous investigations and claims being reviewed by the Plaintiff’s Committee.

On February 3, 2024, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation decided to consolidate Mounjaro’s lawsuits in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. This consolidation includes 55 other lawsuits involving similar drugs, reflecting the widespread concern over GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Plaintiffs’ lawyers anticipate that as many as 10,000 lawsuits may eventually be filed as part of the consolidated MDL. This staggering number highlights the significant impact of these medications on patients and the legal system.

The first Mounjaro MDL hearing took place in Philadelphia on March 14, 2024. During this initial hearing, key attorneys were named to the Plaintiff’s Committee to help guide the litigation and ensure a thorough review of the claims.

Mounjaro Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Louisiana

The settlement amounts in the Mounjaro lawsuit in Louisiana can vary significantly based on the specifics of each case. Based on previous and current cases, settlement amounts can range from $50,000 to over $500,000, depending on the severity of the injuries and the extent of proven negligence.

Factors that influence the settlement amount include:

• The severity of the injuries
• The extent of medical treatment required
• The impact on the plaintiff’s quality of life
• The degree of negligence proven against Eli Lilly

In general, settlements may cover a range of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages aimed at punishing the manufacturer for any proven misconduct.

Plaintiffs who have experienced severe gastrointestinal injuries, such as gastroparesis, may be entitled to higher compensation due to the long-term and debilitating nature of the condition.

As the litigation progresses, more information about potential settlement amounts will likely emerge. Legal experts anticipate that the consolidation of cases into federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) could lead to substantial settlements, especially if a pattern of negligence or failure to warn is established.

Filing a Mounjaro Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit in Louisiana

If you believe that Mounjaro has caused your stomach paralysis, it’s crucial to take specific steps when filing a claim.

Consulting with an experienced attorney who specializes in pharmaceutical litigation can help you navigate the legal process’s intricacies.

Types of Evidence To Present

When filing a Mounjaro stomach paralysis lawsuit, presenting robust evidence is crucial to substantiate your claims and increase the chances of a favorable outcome.

The types of evidence you may need include:

1. Medical Records: Comprehensive medical records documenting your diagnosis of gastroparesis, treatment history, and any related gastrointestinal issues are essential. These records should show a clear timeline of when symptoms began and their progression.
2. Prescription Records: Documentation of your Mounjaro prescriptions, including dosage and duration of use, is necessary to establish a link between the medication and your symptoms.
3. Expert Testimony: Testimony from medical experts who can attest to the connection between Mounjaro and gastroparesis, as well as the severity of your condition, can be highly persuasive in court.
4. Scientific Studies: Research and studies linking Mounjaro to gastroparesis or other severe gastrointestinal issues can support your claim by providing a scientific basis for the alleged side effects.
5. FDA Reports: Any reports or warnings issued by the FDA regarding Mounjaro and its potential side effects can be used to demonstrate the known risks associated with the medication.

By gathering and presenting these types of evidence, you can build a strong case to support your Mounjaro stomach paralysis lawsuit.

What is the Statute of Limitations for the Mounjaro Lawsuit in Louisiana?

The statute of limitations for the Mounjaro lawsuit in Louisiana is one year from the date of injury or from the date you discovered. This critical timeframe applies to personal injury claims, including those involving pharmaceutical injuries.

Related Articles:

• Arkansas Mounjaro Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit
• Colorado Mounjaro Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit
• Florida Mounjaro Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit

See all related dangerous drug lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get Your Free Consultation From Our Louisiana Lawyers

The Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is here to assist you during these difficult times. If you or a loved one has experienced gastrointestinal issues due to weight loss medications like Mounjaro, please reach out to us.

Our team has significant expertise in managing such cases and will assist you throughout the legal process. We will explain your rights and evaluate your eligibility for a lawsuit related to these complications.

Receive a free case evaluation, and rest assured, we only charge fees if we successfully win your case. You can rely on our dedication to your case as if you were a member of our own family. Contact us today for a thorough review of your concerns.

Reference:

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/mounjaro
2. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/update-fdas-ongoing-evaluation-reports
3. https://mana.md/understanding-gastroparesis/