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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.
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, according to Today [1.].
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.
What is Ozempic?
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. 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?
Ozempic works by mimicking a hormone that occurs naturally in the body. 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?
Gastroparesis is a long-term (chronic) condition in which the stomach is unable to empty normally. 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
Although many people with gastroparesis may not have any noticeable signs of the condition (asymptomatic), when they do present, 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?
The term “gastroparesis” does not appear in the prescribing information for Ozempic, but “delays gastric emptying” appears on the labeling of the medication.
What is the Life Expectancy of a Person With Gastroparesis?
Studies have found that gastroparesis is linked to an increased risk for mortality, independently of confounding factors including symptom severity, age, sex, or diabetes status. 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
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
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.
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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.
