Maryland Rybelsus Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit (2024 Update)

Quick Summary

• Suppose you or a loved one in Maryland has suffered from stomach paralysis after using Rybelsus. In that case, this article provides vital information on the Maryland Rybelsus stomach paralysis lawsuit, including recent legal updates, how to pursue a claim, and what financial compensation you might expect.
• If you or someone you know has experienced complications due to Rybelsus, Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is ready to help. With a strong reputation in representing plaintiffs, our focus is on securing the justice and compensation you deserve.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by specializing in legal cases related to drug side effects, including those induced by Rybelsus. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal guidance to help you understand your rights and navigate the complex legal process.

If you’ve suffered from Rybelsus-related stomach paralysis, we’re here to assist every step of the way by:

• Obtaining financial compensation for your medical costs and distress.
• Consulting an experienced lawyer for handling cases related to Rybelsus-induced stomach paralysis.
• Providing complimentary case evaluations to assess the validity of your claim.
• Handling all aspects of your claim, from gathering evidence to representing you in court.

Rybelsus Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit

Rybelsus, an oral medication for type 2 diabetes, has been at the center of numerous lawsuits due to its severe side effects, including stomach paralysis. Patients have reported experiencing delayed gastric emptying, severe vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues after using this drug.

The increasing number of Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuits highlights similar concerns, making them relevant to the Rybelsus cases.

These health-related issues have resulted in a surge of stomach paralysis lawsuits against Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic.

The litigation process has seen significant developments, including:

• Many Rybelsus-related cases are being consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) class action lawsuit as of February 2024. This consolidation aims to streamline the legal process for plaintiffs who have filed lawsuits against the drug manufacturer.
• As of July 2024, there have been 105 personal injury lawsuits for gastroparesis.
• Some delays have occurred due to the unexpected death of the presiding judge.

Patients filing Ozempic lawsuits, including an Ozempic class action lawsuit, often cite severe health complications like gastroparesis and other gastrointestinal issues as the basis for their claims. These lawsuits allege that Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn users about the potential risks associated with Rybelsus, leading to severe stomach problems and other adverse effects.

What Is Rybelsus?

According to Healthline, Rybelsus is a prescription medication containing semaglutide, used to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes when combined with diet and exercise [1].

This brand-name oral medication is one of the diabetes drugs available in 7 mg or 14 mg doses and was approved by the FDA in 2017. However, it is not recommended for patients with type 1 diabetes or those with a history of pancreatitis.

The active ingredient, semaglutide, belongs to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drug class. Rybelsus is specifically designed for adults managing type 2 diabetes and is not available in a generic form.

Its safety and efficacy in patients under 18 years old have not been established, highlighting its targeted use in adults.

How Does Rybelsus Work?

Rybelsus works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate insulin release after eating.

As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it:

• Slows down gastric emptying, which helps regulate nutrient absorption
• Prevents blood sugar spikes after meals
• Plays a vital role in managing type 2 diabetes by ensuring stable blood glucose levels.

The medication Rybelsus has several benefits for blood sugar control:

• It reduces the secretion of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels.
• It stimulates the pancreas to release insulin, facilitating glucose absorption from the blood into cells for energy or storage.
• Unlike other GLP-1 medications, Rybelsus is taken orally, making it a unique option for diabetes management.

Rybelsus Side Effects and Symptoms

Like many medications, Rybelsus comes with a range of side effects, some of which can be particularly severe.

Lawsuits and multidistrict litigations have been filed against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly related to their diabetes drugs, including Rybelsus, due to claims of failure to warn, off-label use for weight loss, and severe gastrointestinal issues.

According to WebMD, common side effects include [2]:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain

These symptoms can often occur when taking this medication. While they can be uncomfortable, they are generally manageable with proper medical guidance.

However, some patients have experienced more serious side effects, such as gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) and bowel obstruction.

According to Jama, like other GLP-1 receptor agonists, Rybelsus impacts the stomach muscles and slows down gastric emptying. This delay in the digestive process can lead to severe digestive complications, including gastroparesis [3].

Patients with this condition experience a significant slowdown or nearly a shutdown of the digestive process, resulting in severe stomach problems, stomach pain, and excessive vomiting.

Patients and healthcare providers must be vigilant about these potential adverse effects and should closely monitor any severe symptoms that may appear. Early detection and management of these side effects can help mitigate their impact on the patient’s overall health and quality of life.

Rybelsus carries a boxed warning about the risk of thyroid cancer. This is the most serious alert from the FDA – Ami Patel PharmD, BCPS, Pharmacist at UNC Health

Rybelsus FDA-Approval and Its Black Box Warning

The FDA has been actively evaluating reports of suicidal thoughts or actions in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Rybelsus.

Although preliminary evaluations have not found conclusive evidence linking these medications to suicidal thoughts or actions, the investigation is ongoing due to the small number of instances observed in clinical trials and reports.

This highlights the FDA’s commitment to ensuring patient safety and monitoring any potential risks associated with these medications. Additionally, the ongoing Ozempic lawsuit has prompted the FDA to investigate the drug’s side effects more thoroughly.

Current prescribing information for GLP-1 receptor agonists, a type of weight loss drug, includes warnings about the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. Healthcare professionals are advised to monitor patients for new or worsening depression and unusual changes in mood or behavior.

Despite this, the lawsuit against Novo Nordisk claims that the drug labels do not provide adequate warnings about the risk of gastroparesis, which is a significant oversight given the severity of this condition and the growing market for weight loss drugs.

The Ozempic warning label, for example, does not explicitly state gastroparesis as a risk or potential chronic condition resulting from its use.

This omission has been a critical point in the Ozempic litigation, as many patients and their legal representatives argue that they were not properly informed about the potential for severe stomach problems, including stomach paralysis when they were prescribed Ozempic. As a result, an increasing number of Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuit cases have emerged.

How Do You Qualify for a Rybelsus Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit?

To qualify for a Rybelsus stomach paralysis lawsuit, you must first provide proof that you were prescribed the drug by a licensed healthcare provider. This required documentation is key as it solidifies the connection between the patient and the prescribed drug.

Additionally, evidence of injury or adverse effects caused by the use of Rybelsus must be presented. This can include medical records, diagnostic reports, and documented side effects experienced after taking the medication.

The Status Of The Rybelsus Stomach Paralysis Litigation in Maryland

In Maryland, the Rybelsus stomach paralysis lawsuits have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) to streamline the legal process. This consolidation allows for more efficient handling of pre-trial motions, discovery matters, and settlement conferences.

The MDL process is particularly useful in mass tort scenarios where numerous similar cases are filed across multiple federal jurisdictions.

The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) evaluates and decides on the centralization of cases into an MDL. This panel, comprised of seven federal judges, considers the number of lawsuits and their factual commonalities before approving an MDL.

In Rybelsus, the MDL involves selecting a few bellwether trials to guide settlement values and possible resolutions for the majority of cases.

Rybelsus Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Maryland

Settlement amounts in Rybelsus lawsuits can vary significantly based on the severity of injuries and the specific circumstances of each case. Considerations like chronic pain, prolonged health complications, and the effect on the plaintiff’s quality of life significantly influence the determination of settlement estimates.

Severe injuries like gastroparesis often result in higher settlement values due to the substantial impact on the patient’s daily life.

Types of damages considered in these settlements include:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Depression
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Medical expenses
• Other out-of-pocket losses

Higher settlement values are often expected in cases involving severe injuries like gastroparesis, with estimates ranging between $400,000 and $700,000.

Filing a Rybelsus Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit in Maryland

Filing a Rybelsus stomach paralysis lawsuit in Maryland involves several steps. The process typically begins with a consultation with an attorney to evaluate the potential case. During this consultation, the attorney will review your medical records, prescription history, and documented side effects to determine the viability of your claim against Novo Nordisk.

Legal Strategies and Challenges

One of the main challenges in Rybelsus stomach paralysis lawsuits is establishing causation. Plaintiffs need to prove that their injuries were directly caused by the medication, while defendants often push for restrictive methods to disprove this connection.

The primary legal strategy revolves around the failure to warn, arguing that the drug labels did not adequately inform patients about the risks of gastroparesis.

Other strategies include critiquing the defendants for understating the severity of side effects and emphasizing the lack of long-term safety studies for GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs.

Navigating the MDL process also presents challenges, as it requires coordination among plaintiffs’ attorneys to manage a large number of consolidated cases.

Types of Evidence To Present

When preparing a lawsuit against Rybelsus for stomach paralysis, several types of evidence are crucial:

• Medical Records: Obtain records from the healthcare provider who prescribed Rybelsus to establish the patient’s medical history and treatment timeline.
• Pharmacy Records: These records help link the medication to the onset of stomach paralysis by showing the prescription history.
• Documented Side Effects: Keep a detailed account of symptoms and side effects experienced after using Rybelsus to provide crucial evidence of adverse health impacts.
• Test Results and Diagnostic Reports: To substantiate the claim, include test results and diagnostic reports indicating health changes after taking Rybelsus.
• Expert Medical Opinions: Seek expert medical opinions that link the injury to Rybelsus usage, as they can significantly strengthen the case.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Rybelsus Lawsuit In Maryland?

The statute of limitations for a Rybelsus lawsuit in Maryland is typically three years from the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered. This timeframe encourages individuals to file claims promptly and not delay their legal actions.

Related Articles:

• Utah Rybelsus Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit
• Virginia Rybelsus Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit
• Pennsylvania Rybelsus Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit

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

Get Your Free Consultation From Our Maryland Rybelsus Lawyers

The Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is dedicated to supporting you through difficult times. If you or a loved one has experienced complications from diabetes medications like Rybelsus, reach out to us without delay.

Our team has vast expertise in managing such cases and will assist you throughout the legal process. We’ll help you understand 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 part of our family. Contact us today for a thorough assessment of your concerns.

Reference:

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/rybelsus
2. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-178019/rybelsus-oral/details
3. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2810542