Trulicity Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit Attorney (2024 News And Updates)

Main Key Points in The Video:

• Doctors Call for More Research on Popular Drugs: Healthcare professionals are concerned about the emerging side effects of diabetes and weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which have gained significant popularity.
• Mechanism of Action: These drugs work by mimicking a hormone in the gut that stimulates insulin production, slows hunger, and delays stomach emptying.
• Emerging Side Effects: Some patients have experienced severe gastrointestinal issues, such as stomach paralysis (gastroparesis), vomiting, and nausea, which are becoming more common as usage increases.
• Prevalence of GI Side Effects: It is reported that 44% of patients using Wegovy have experienced gastrointestinal side effects, raising further concerns about their long-term use.

Studies have revealed serious risks associated with Trulicity (dulaglutide) and related GLP-1 medications. According to groundbreaking research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), patients taking these medications face significantly elevated risks of severe gastrointestinal 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.
• The 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].

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

Key findings include:

• Pancreatitis Risk: A 9x higher risk of developing pancreatitis than standard diabetes treatments.
• Bowel Obstruction: A 4x greater risk of bowel obstruction.
• Gastroparesis (Stomach Paralysis): A 3x increased risk of developing gastroparesis.
• Delayed Digestion: Food can take up to 2.5 hours to leave the stomach, compared to the normal 4 minutes in healthy digestion.

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.

These findings underscore the need for further research and patient awareness about the potential dangers of Trulicity.

Recent Legal Developments

The risks associated with Trulicity have led to legal actions, with a landmark case filed in August 2023 in Louisiana.

This case involved Jaclyn Bjorklund, who suffered severe complications from Trulicity use, including:

• Emergency room visits due to intense stomach pain.
• Multiple hospitalizations for digestive complications.
• Severe vomiting requiring additional medications.
• Food remaining undigested for hours after eating.

This case highlights the potential dangers of Trulicity and serves as a warning to others experiencing similar issues.

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.

Eligibility for Legal Compensation

If you or a loved one has experienced serious digestive complications while taking Trulicity, you may qualify for compensation.

Our attorneys are currently reviewing cases involving:

• Diagnosis of gastroparesis after using Trulicity.
• Extended hospitalization for severe digestive issues.
• Persistent vomiting and debilitating stomach pain.
• Unexplained weight loss or malnutrition due to prolonged symptoms.

Contact our legal team to discuss your case and understand your rights. Let us help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

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.

Mild to Moderate Symptoms

These symptoms are discomforting but generally manageable with dietary changes and medication:

• Nausea
• Feeling full quickly after eating
• Abdominal bloating
• Acid reflux
• Lack of appetite

Severe Symptoms

These symptoms significantly impact daily life and may require medical intervention:

• Vomiting (including undigested food hours later)
• Abdominal pain
• Changes in blood sugar levels
• Weight loss or malnutrition

Understanding the Long-Term Outlook for Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis symptoms can vary widely among patients, and the long-term prognosis depends on early intervention and ongoing management.

Timely diagnosis and treatment can improve the quality of life for many individuals.

• Mild Cases: Symptoms may improve with dietary changes and medications.
• Chronic Cases: Some patients may require ongoing symptom management.
• Severe Cases: Surgical options might be necessary in extreme circumstances.

The sooner gastroparesis is identified and treated, the better the potential outcomes.

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 Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology study 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, half the meal took up to 2.5 hours to leave their stomachs.

Exploring Safer Alternatives to Trulicity

For patients concerned about the risks associated with Trulicity, other diabetes treatment options may be safer depending on individual circumstances. Always consult a healthcare professional before making changes.

Alternatives include:

• Metformin: A first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes.
• Sulfonylureas: Help the pancreas produce more insulin.
• DPP-4 Inhibitors: Improve blood sugar control.
• SGLT2 Inhibitors: Lower blood sugar by helping kidneys excrete excess glucose.
• Insulin Therapy: Essential for some patients.

Your doctor can help evaluate which option suits your needs best.

Support and Resources for Patients and Caregivers

Living with diabetes and gastroparesis can feel overwhelming, but many organizations provide valuable education and support. Connecting with these resources can help you stay informed and find a community that understands your challenges.

• American Diabetes Association: www.diabetes.org
• Gastroparesis Patient Association for Cures and Treatments: www.g-pact.org
• International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders: www.iffgd.org

These organizations offer tools, support groups, and resources for managing both diabetes and gastroparesis effectively.

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.

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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/