Trulicity Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit Attorney (2024 News And Updates)

Facing potential health risks from a medication you trusted can be alarming. Trulicity (dulaglutide), commonly used for weight management, is now at the center of legal scrutiny due to allegations that it may cause stomach paralysis, also known as gastroparesis. This condition significantly disrupts the digestion process, leading to severe complications.

If you or someone close to you has suffered from stomach paralysis or other adverse effects after using Trulicity, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights. Our team at Schmidt & Clark specializes in pharmaceutical litigation and is prepared to guide you through the complexities of filing a Trulicity lawsuit.

What should your next steps be? Continue reading to learn how our experienced lawyers can help you navigate this challenging situation and potentially secure the compensation you deserve.

Quick Summary:

• Trulicity and other GLP-1 class drugs have been linked to severe gastrointestinal issues, including stomach paralysis, according to a JAMA study that found these drugs could increase the risk of such conditions significantly compared to other weight loss medications.
• A lawsuit filed against the makers of Trulicity and similar drugs alleges they failed to warn users about the risk of severe gastrointestinal problems, with one plaintiff reporting hospitalizations and severe symptoms after using the medications.
• Research highlighted in the Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology shows that liraglutide, a drug similar to Trulicity, significantly delays stomach emptying, taking up to 2.5 hours for half a meal to pass through the stomach in some subjects.

Weight-Loss Drugs Linked to Stomach Paralysis: The Study

Blockbuster weight loss and diabetes drugs like Trulicity and Ozempic may be associated with an increased risk of 3 rare but severe stomach conditions in non-diabetic patients, according to a new epidemiological study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association [1].

This study highlights the dual purpose of these medications for diabetes management and weight loss, underscoring the potential risks and lawsuits linked to popular diabetes and weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy. 

These risks include conditions like stomach paralysis (gastroparesis), bowel obstruction, suicidal thoughts, and other severe gastrointestinal issues, which have led to increased scrutiny and legal actions due to failure to warn consumers.

The study comes as Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, Ozempic, and similar treatments in the GLP-1 class of drugs skyrocket in popularity for their ability to cause dramatic weight loss over time. However, those same drugs are also facing increased scrutiny after some patients reported experiencing stomach paralysis and suicidal ideation while taking them.

The study noted an increased risk of bowel obstruction, pancreatitis, and stomach paralysis — a condition not mentioned on the warning label of any GLP-1 inhibitor.

The researchers specifically examined semaglutide—the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic—and another GLP-1 known as liraglutide and compared them to another weight loss treatment called bupropion-naltrexone, which works differently to help patients lose weight.

The findings indicated that when compared with bupropion-naltrexone, GLP-1s were linked to a 9x higher risk of pancreatitis, a 4x higher risk of bowel obstruction, and a more than 3x higher risk of stomach paralysis. 

The researchers suggested that the risks of those conditions are higher in patients specifically taking GLP-1s rather than other weight loss medications that work differently.

Understanding the Diabetes Drug: What is Trulicity?

Trulicity is an injectable medication used for people 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes. The drug is injected once a week to help lower blood sugar.

Trulicity is not approved for weight loss; however, people using the medication often experience weight loss because of how the drug works.

Trulicity is manufactured and marketed by Eli Lilly and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on September 18, 2014.

Related Article: Weight Loss Drug Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit

What Did The Trulicity Lawsuits Claim?

The Trulicity lawsuits claim that the diabetes drugs caused stomach paralysis. In August 2023, a lawsuit was filed against the makers of Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide), type 2 diabetes drugs in the same class as Trulicity, claiming the medications increase “the risk of developing severe gastrointestinal issues, including gastroparesis.”

The complaint was entered on behalf of a diabetic woman from Louisiana who alleges that Novo Nordisk—the makers of Ozempic—and Eli Lilly, the makers of Mounjaro, failed to provide adequate warnings regarding severe stomach problems associated with the use of the drugs.

According to the lawsuit, Plaintiff Jaclyn Bjorklund was “severely injured” after taking Ozempic and Mounjaro for more than a year at the direction of her physician.

Bjorklund claims she experienced “severe vomiting, stomach pain, gastrointestinal burning, being hospitalized for stomach issues on several occasions including visits to the emergency room, [and] teeth falling out due to excessive vomiting, requiring additional medications to alleviate her excessive vomiting, and throwing up whole food hours after eating, according to the lawsuit. 

This condition, also known as gastroparesis or delayed gastric emptying, is a significant factor in lawsuits, highlighting its role in the severe symptoms experienced by patients.

What is Stomach Paralysis?

Stomach paralysis is a condition that affects the normal movement of muscles in the stomach, leading to delayed emptying of food into the small intestine. It is also known as gastroparesis or delayed stomach emptying. 

It usually takes 6 to 8 hours for food to pass from the stomach to the small intestine. Still, in patients with gastroparesis, the digestion process is prolonged significantly due to the impaired function of the stomach muscles.

What are The Common Symptoms of Stomach Paralysis?

The common symptoms of stomach paralysis include nausea, vomiting, feeling full quickly after eating, bloating, and abdominal pain.

Other symptoms 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

How Can Trulicity Cause Stomach Paralysis?

Trulicity can cause stomach paralysis by disrupting the normal movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine. A study featured in the Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology examined how liraglutide, another diabetes drug in the same class as Trulicity, impacted digestion [2]. 

Test subjects were administered either liraglutide or a placebo for 5 weeks, followed by a meal with a radioactive tracer to track food passage through the stomach.

The researchers found that it took those participants who used liraglutide 70 minutes for half their food to leave their stomachs compared to 4 minutes in the control group, a drastic slow in digestion. In some participants taking liraglutide, it took up to 2.5 hours for half the meal to leave their stomachs.

FAQs

How long do I have to file a lawsuit for issues related to Trulicity and stomach paralysis?

The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit varies by state but typically ranges from one to three years from the date of injury or diagnosis. Consult with a lawyer to determine the specific timeline for your case.

What evidence is needed to support a lawsuit against the manufacturer of Trulicity?

Evidence for a lawsuit includes medical records documenting the diagnosis of gastroparesis, proof of Trulicity usage, expert testimony linking the condition to the medication, and any communication with healthcare providers regarding the side effects.

What steps should I take if I experience stomach paralysis after using Trulicity?

If you experience stomach paralysis after using Trulicity, seek medical attention immediately, document your symptoms and diagnosis, report the issue to your healthcare provider, and consult with a lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Related Articles:

• Victoza Lawsuit Update
• Rybelsus Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit
• Saxenda Lawsuit

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

Get a Free Trulicity Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm comprises seasoned trial attorneys dedicated to advocating for plaintiffs in Trulicity Stomach Paralysis Lawsuits. With a nationwide reach, we handle individual litigation across all 50 states.

If you or a loved one experienced stomach paralysis or other injuries after using Trulicity or a similar weight loss medication, don’t hesitate to reach out to Schmidt & Clark. Our legal team is prepared to assist you in seeking fair compensation through the legal process. Contact us today to explore your options and pursue the justice you deserve.

References:

1. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2810542
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28958851/