North Carolina Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit (2024 Update)

Quick Summary

• If you’re researching the North Carolina Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuit, you’re likely seeking updates on the litigation or exploring your legal options.
• This article provides essential insights into the lawsuits alleging that Ozempic, a diabetes medication, has led to severe stomach paralysis in users, examining the legal grounds of ongoing cases and discussing what compensation might be available for affected individuals in North Carolina.
• If you or someone you know has suffered from complications due to Ozempic, Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is here to help. Known for our expertise in plaintiff representation, our main goal is to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by dealing with a giant pharmaceutical company and navigating the legal maze of a product liability lawsuit, which can be daunting. Our legal team specializes in product liability and mass tort drug cases, providing comprehensive support to those affected by Ozempic-related stomach paralysis.Here’s how we can help:

• Conducting a thorough investigation of your medical records to gather crucial evidence.
• Managing every aspect of your case, from negotiating settlements to representing you in court.
• Offering free consultations to evaluate your eligibility for financial compensation.

Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit

The Ozempic lawsuit is gaining traction, and for good reason. Ozempic, a medication widely prescribed for type 2 diabetes, has been linked to severe gastrointestinal issues, including stomach paralysis. A wave of legal actions has been triggered by patients across North Carolina coming forward with claims of debilitating side effects.These lawsuits are not isolated incidents but part of a broader legal movement. Multiple cases are being consolidated into an MDL (Multidistrict Litigation) to streamline the process and ensure consistent rulings. As the litigation progresses, the precise claim values remain undetermined, although significant settlements are potentially on the horizon.The upcoming subsections will explore more about Ozempic, its recall status, and the influence of recent FDA warnings on these cases in North Carolina.

What Is Ozempic?

According to Healthline, Ozempic is a medication known generically as semaglutide. The FDA approved it in 2017 for treating adults with type 2 diabetes. Administered through a weekly injection, Ozempic works by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin, which helps lower blood sugar levels [1].Interestingly, while it is primarily a diabetes drug, some physicians prescribe the diabetes drug Ozempic off-label for weight loss due to its side effect of reducing appetite. This is because Ozempic mimics a hormone that signals the brain to feel full, thereby slowing down digestion and prolonging the time food takes to exit the body.This mechanism is intended to assist with long-term weight management, although it can lead to severe gastrointestinal complications. As a result, Ozempic has gained attention as one of the potential weight loss drugs for those struggling with obesity.

Was Ozempic Recalled?

Ozempic was not recalled. However, the FDA has flagged concerns regarding counterfeit versions of the drug that have infiltrated the U.S. drug supply chain. Thousands of units of counterfeit Ozempic have been seized, and the sterility of needles from these counterfeit products cannot be guaranteed, posing a significant risk of infection to patients.To ensure patient safety, the FDA advises purchasing Ozempic only through state-licensed pharmacies with a valid prescription and inspecting the product for signs of counterfeiting before use.This measure aims to protect patients from the dangers associated with counterfeit medications and maintain the integrity of the drug.According to WebMed, in September 2023, the FDA updated the Ozempic label. This update includes a new warning about the increased risk of ileus, a condition that can cause bowel obstruction and colon blockage. This added warning could bolster the cases of plaintiffs in North Carolina by providing additional grounds for their claims [2].The revised label has heightened public awareness about Ozempic’s potentially severe side effects and fortified the legal stance of those affected. With these FDA warnings, plaintiffs can argue that the drug manufacturers failed to adequately warn patients about the risks, potentially influencing the outcomes of ongoing and future lawsuits.

Side Effects of Ozempic

Ozempic has been linked to a range of severe gastrointestinal side effects, which have become the focal point of numerous lawsuits.According to Healthline, some of these side effects include [3]:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Pancreatitis

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests a significant increase in severe gastrointestinal issues among Ozempic users.Patients have reported experiencing gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach fails to empty properly, leading to symptoms like persistent vomiting, nausea, and severe abdominal pain. These side effects are not just minor inconveniences; they can result in hospitalization and require extensive medical care.The seriousness of these side effects is impossible to exaggerate. Patients have described symptoms ranging from stomach cramps and dehydration to serious conditions like stomach paralysis, which drastically affect their quality of life.The next subsection provides details on who should refrain from using Ozempic to avoid such severe reactions.

Doctors may also prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss or weight management. (With off-label use, a drug that’s approved for certain conditions is prescribed for another purpose.) However, the drug is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this purpose – Dena Westphalen, PharmD, Pharmacist and Medical Advisor at Healthline

Who Should Not Use Ozempic?

Individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2) should not use Ozempic. Additionally, those who have experienced allergic reactions to Ozempic or its ingredients should avoid it.Patients with existing gastrointestinal issues, severe kidney problems, or a history of pancreatitis should also steer clear of Ozempic to avoid exacerbating their conditions.Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before using the medication, as its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is uncertain.

How Do You Qualify for an Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit?

To qualify for an Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuit, you must meet certain criteria. First, you must have been prescribed Ozempic or a similar GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment. Additionally, you must have been diagnosed with severe gastrointestinal conditions such as gastroparesis, stomach paralysis, or ileus. Finally, there must be evidence of an emergency room visit, hospitalization, or consultation with a gastroenterologist due to these conditions.Additionally, health issues like bile duct cancer, Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS), gallbladder cancer, sinus cancer, or pulmonary embolism may also strengthen your case if they were diagnosed during or shortly after taking Ozempic.Qualifying symptoms for an Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuit include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, early satiety, acid reflux, malnutrition, blood sugar fluctuations, and extreme weight loss.If you or a loved one has experienced these symptoms, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit and seek compensation.

The Status Of The Ozempic Lawsuit Litigation in North Carolina

Ozempic litigation in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, as well as in North Carolina, is currently part of a larger Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) that consolidates multiple cases to increase judicial efficiency and ensure uniform pretrial rulings.This process centralizes pretrial proceedings, making them more efficient and enhancing the prospects of reaching settlements earlier.For plaintiffs in North Carolina, the MDL proceedings can significantly affect the progress of their lawsuits. Standardized discovery procedures, including plaintiff fact sheets and judge appointments, play a crucial role in shaping the litigation.Settlement discussions often occur during the pretrial phase, giving claimants the option to accept settlement terms or continue with their lawsuits if not finalized.

Ozempic Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in North Carolina

Estimating settlement amounts in Ozempic lawsuits can be challenging due to the variability in each case’s specifics. Nonetheless, expected settlements for top-tier cases involving severe conditions like gallbladder removal or wrongful death lie between $400,000 and $700,000.These figures are only estimates, and individual payouts will vary based on the severity of injuries, the strength of evidence, and the legal strategies employed. The subsequent subsection will provide insights into the compensation expected by plaintiffs.

Compensation Expectations for Ozempic Claims in N.C.

Plaintiffs in North Carolina Ozempic lawsuits may seek compensation for various economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses include medical bills, lost income, and ongoing healthcare costs, which can be substantial given the severe side effects associated with Ozempic.In the context of an Ozempic class action lawsuit, these claims may be consolidated to address the shared grievances of multiple plaintiffs.Non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, are also considered in these cases. The severity of injuries plays a significant role in determining the compensation amount, with more serious injuries typically resulting in higher payouts.In addition to these compensations, plaintiffs may also seek punitive damages, which aim to punish the drug manufacturers for their negligence and deter similar conduct in the future. Legal assistance is crucial in maximizing these compensation claims and ensuring that all potential damages are accounted for.

Filing an Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit in North Carolina

Filing an Ozempic lawsuit in North Carolina involves meeting the statute of limitations, gathering essential evidence like medical records and prescription history, and consulting with Ozempic attorneys specializing in product liability.

Legal Strategies and Challenges

Charting the legal landscape of an Ozempic lawsuit presents its own set of challenges.Some of the major hurdles include:

• The defense’s request for objective testing for gastroparesis, which complicates the burden of proof for plaintiffs
• The defense categorizes cases into different injury classes and demands specific evidence for each class
• The defense pushing for early dismissal motions by requesting objective evidence of a gastroparesis diagnosis

These challenges make it important for plaintiffs to gather strong evidence and build a solid case, especially when presenting it in a Pennsylvania federal court.

Types of Evidence To Present

Important evidence in an Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuit encompasses:

• Medical Records: Hospital records, doctor’s notes, and prescription history serve as concrete proof of the prescribed medication and help establish a treatment timeline.
• Expert Testimony: Medical professionals, such as endocrinologists or pharmacologists, can interpret complex medical data and provide a professional opinion.
• Patient Journals: Documenting the experience with the medication provides personal insights and a detailed account of complications faced.
• Witness Testimonies: First-hand accounts of the plaintiff’s suffering and lifestyle changes due to adverse drug effects add a personal dimension to the case.
• Diagnostic Tests and Imaging are crucial to establishing causation and quantifying damages by providing objective evidence of the severity of injuries.

What is the Statute of Limitations for an Ozempic Lawsuit in North Carolina?

The statute of limitations for an Ozempic lawsuit in North Carolina is three years from the diagnosis date. This means that if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a condition like gastroparesis after taking Ozempic, you have three years from that date to file a lawsuit.There are exceptions to this rule. For instance, if the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations may begin once they reach adulthood.See all related dangerous drug lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get Your Free Consultation From Our North Carolina Ozempic Lawyers

The Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is dedicated to supporting you through these difficult times. If you or a loved one has experienced complications from weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, please reach out to us.With our extensive experience handling such cases, we will guide you through the legal process, clarify your rights, and determine your eligibility for a lawsuit related to these complications.Benefit from a free case evaluation, and remember, we only charge fees if we win your case. You can rely on our unwavering commitment to your case, treating it with the same care 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/ozempic#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
2. https://www.webmd.com/obesity/news/20230928/risk-of-intestinal-blockage-added-to-ozempic-label
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/ozempic-side-effects#more-common-side-effects