Ozempic Paralysis Lawsuit 2024: Did Drug Maker Warn You Enough? (Get Facts Now)

Ozempic Linked to Condition that Can Cause Blindness: Study

July 30, 2024 – According to a recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology – Patients who used Ozempic and Wegovy face an increased risk of a stroke of the optic nerve, an injury that can result in permanent blindness [1].

According to the researchers, people who were prescribed semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) were more likely to be diagnosed with a rare condition known as Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy, or “NAION,” compared to people who did not take the medications.

In the summer of 2023, doctors at Mass Eye and Ear observed three patients with sudden vision loss, all of whom were using semaglutide. This rare condition prompted a more extensive investigation by researchers.

The study analyzed records from approximately 17,000 patients at Mass Eye and Ear over six years, focusing on those with type 2 diabetes or obesity, coinciding with the market presence of Ozempic. Researchers compared those prescribed semaglutide to patients using alternative diabetes or weight loss medications.

Without a specific diagnostic code for NAION, researchers used the term “ischemic optic neuropathy” to identify cases and verify them through medical records.

Out of 710 diabetic patients, 194 were on semaglutide, with 17 developing NAION compared to six among those on other medications. Among 979 patients with obesity or being overweight, 361 were prescribed semaglutide, with 20 developing NAION, while only three of 618 patients on other medications experienced the condition.

Like a brain stroke, NAION occurs from reduced blood flow to the optic nerve, which can damage tissue in the same manner as a brain stroke. NAION is the 2nd most common cause of blindness from optic nerve damage behind glaucoma. Patients with high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes also have an increased risk for the development of NAION.

I would take it as a serious, cautionary bit of information – the kind of information that should be used by physicians in discussion with their patients, said Dr. Joseph Rizzo, the study’s lead author and an ophthalmology professor at Harvard Medical School.

Ozempic Maker Sued Over “Severe Gastrointestinal Issues”

A 44-year-old woman from Louisiana has filed a lawsuit against the makers of Ozempic and Mounjaro, another diabetes drug in the same class as Ozempic, alleging that the manufacturers “downplayed” the medications’ side effects, claiming she was “severely injured” from taking them.

According to “Today”, the claim, which was filed on August 2, 2023, in the Western District of Louisiana, is the first to allege that Ozempic and Mounjaro can cause gastrointestinal injuries [2].

Plaintiff Jaclyn Bjorklund accuses Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, and Eli Lilly, which makes Mounjaro, of failing to adequately warn of the potential health risks of taking the medicines, including the risk of gastroparesis, also known as “stomach paralysis.”

According to the lawsuit, Bjorklund was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2017 and was prescribed Ozempic for over 1 year at the direction of her physician, who then switched her to Mounjaro in July 2023.

Soon after switching to Mounjaro, Bjorklund began suffering from “severe gastrointestinal events,” including severe vomiting, stomach pain, gastrointestinal burning, multiple hospitalizations and her teeth falling out because of excessive vomiting, according to the lawsuit.

The complaint is Jaclyn Bjorklund v. Novo Nordisk et al., case number 2:23-cv-01020, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.

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What is Ozempic?

As stated by the New York Times, Ozempic (semaglutide) is prescribed for use in adults with type 2 diabetes. The drug is a weekly injection that helps lower blood sugar by helping the pancreas make more insulin [3].

Ozempic was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2017 for the treatment of diabetes. Although it has not been approved for weight loss, some doctors prescribe Ozempic “off-label” to treat weight loss.

How Does it Work?

According to a UC Davis Health study from 2023, Ozempic works by mimicking a hormone that occurs naturally in the body [4]. As those hormone levels rise, they produce molecules that signal to the brain that you’re full. The drug also slows digestion by increasing the time it takes for food to leave the body. This is similar to the effect of bariatric surgery.

What is Gastroparesis?

As stated in Mayo Clinic 2022 research, gastroparesis is a long-term (chronic) condition in which the stomach is unable to empty normally [5]. In patients with gastroparesis, food passes through the stomach slower than usual. The condition is thought to be the result of a problem with the nerves and muscles that control how the stomach empties.

Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit Filed Against the Makers of Ozempic: GMA Video

Stomach Paralysis Symptoms

According to the Cleveland Clinic study from 2023, many people with gastroparesis may not have any noticeable signs of the condition (asymptomatic) when they do present [6], symptoms may include:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal pain
• A feeling of fullness after eating just a few bites
• Vomiting undigested food eaten a few hours earlier
• Acid reflux
• Changes in blood sugar levels
• Lack of appetite
• Weight loss/malnutrition

Is There a Gastroparesis Warning on the Labeling of Ozempic?

According to CNN, the term “gastroparesis” does not appear in the prescribing information for Ozempic, but “delays gastric emptying” appears on the labeling of the medication [7].

What is the Life Expectancy of a Person With Gastroparesis?

National Center for Biotechnology and Information study conducted in 2021, has found that gastroparesis is linked to an increased risk for mortality, independently of confounding factors including symptom severity, age, sex, or diabetes status [8].

The life expectancy for someone with gastroparesis is 3 to 7 years; therefore, the condition should be treated as a morbid and lethal condition.

Other Ozempic Side Effects

As claimed by the Healthline in their 2023 research [9], the most common side effects of Ozempic include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Constipation

Ozempic may also cause serious side effects including:

• Pancreatitis
• Changes in vision
• Low blood sugar
• Kidney problems
• Serious allergic reactions
• Gallbladder problems

Update: New Study Links Ozempic to Severe Stomach Problems

According to a study published in JAMA on October 5, 2023, people who take Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonists for weight loss may face an increased risk of severe stomach problems [10].

The study is the first of its kind to establish a link between the use of GLP-1 agonists for weight loss and the risk of gastrointestinal conditions.

Although rare, the incidence of these adverse events can happen. I’ve seen it happen, People should know what they’re getting into. Said lead author Mohit Sodhi of the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine in Vancouver.

The new research was based on health insurance claims from 2006 to 2020 from more than 5,000 patients in the U.S., and examined how many people developed one of four serious gastrointestinal problems — biliary disease, gastroparesis, pancreatitis or bowel obstructions — after they were prescribed one of the weight loss drugs.

Among the study’s findings:

• Compared to people taking bupropion-naltrexone, people taking a GLP-1 drug had a higher risk of pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, and gastroparesis.
• Pancreatitis occurred at a rate of about 5 cases per 1,000 users of semaglutide and 8 cases per 1,000 users of liraglutide.
• Gastroparesis was seen at a rate of about 10 cases per 1,000 semaglutide users and 7 cases per 1,000 liraglutide users.
• Bowel obstructions were seen at a rate of 8 cases per 1,000 users of liraglutide. There were no observed cases in semaglutide users.

What to do if You’ve Been Injured by Ozempic?

If you or a loved one developed stomach paralysis or another injury after taking Ozempic for weight loss or diabetes, you may have grounds for filing an Ozempic lawsuit. A dangerous drug lawyer can help you understand your legal rights. Fill out the contact form below or call (866) 588-0600 for a free case evaluation now.

Related Articles:

• Rybelsus Stomach Paralysis
• Trulicity Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit
• Wegovy Stomach Paralysis Litigation

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

FAQs

What are the symptoms of gastroparesis that might indicate a problem after taking Ozempic?

Symptoms of gastroparesis include nausea, vomiting, a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount, bloating, and abdominal pain. If you experience these symptoms after taking Ozempic, it’s important to seek medical attention.

Can diet and lifestyle changes help manage gastroparesis caused by Ozempic?

Yes, diet and lifestyle changes, such as eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding high-fat and high-fiber foods, and staying hydrated, can help manage gastroparesis. However, severe cases may require medical intervention.

What should I do if I believe Ozempic has caused my gastroparesis?

If you believe Ozempic has caused your gastroparesis, you should stop taking the medication under the guidance of your healthcare provider, document your symptoms, and contact a lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Get a Free Ozempic 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 Ozempic 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 Ozempic 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.

References:

1. https://www.today.com/health/news/ozempic-mounjaro-lawsuit-rcna98199
2. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2810542
3. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/22/well/ozempic-diabetes-weight-loss.html
4. https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/ozempic-for-weight-loss-does-it-work-and-what-do-experts-recommend/2023/07
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastroparesis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355787
6. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15522-gastroparesis
7. https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/25/health/weight-loss-diabetes-drugs-gastroparesis/index.html
8. https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml
9. https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/ozempic-side-effects
10.https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/2820255