Wegovy Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit: 2024 Update & Payout Info

Update: Wegovy Linked to Rare Blindness-Causing Injury

A recent study led by researchers at Mass Eye and Ear has found that patients who used semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) face an increased risk of developing non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare condition that can lead to total and permanent blindness [1].

The researchers, who were led by Joseph Rizzo, MD, director of the Neuro-Ophthalmology Service at Mass Eye and Ear, discovered that people with diabetes who had been prescribed semaglutide were over 4x more likely to be diagnosed with NAION. Those who were prescribed semaglutide and were overweight or had obesity were more than 7 times more likely to develop the condition.

The use of these drugs has exploded throughout industrialized countries and they have provided very significant benefits in many ways, but future discussions between a patient and their physician should include NAION as a potential risk, Rizzo said.

Like a brain stroke, NAION occurs from reduced blood flow to the optic nerve, which can damage tissue in the same manner as a brain stroke. NAION is the 2nd most common cause of blindness from optic nerve damage behind glaucoma. Patients with high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes also have an increased risk for the development of NAION.

Drug Makers Sued by Patient Alleging “Severe Gastrointestinal Issues”

A Louisiana woman has filed a product liability lawsuit against the makers of Ozempic and Mounjaro, prescription drugs in the same class as Wegovy, alleging that the companies downplayed the potential risk of adverse effects of the medications, and claiming she was “severely injured” after using them.

Plaintiff Jaclyn Bjorklund accuses Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, the makers of Ozempic and Mounjaro, respectively, of failing to adequately warn about the risk of gastroparesis, also known as “paralyzed stomach.”

In the lawsuit, Bjorklund claims that she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2017 and used Ozempic for over a year, then switched to Mounjaro in July 2023 at the advice of her doctor, which she took to control her blood sugar.

Not long after switching to Mounjaro, Bjorklund began to suffer from “severe gastrointestinal events,” including severe vomiting, throwing up food hours after eating, stomach pain, gastrointestinal burning, hospitalizations for stomach issues and teeth falling out because of excessive vomiting, according to the lawsuit.

Bjorklund is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for past and future pain and suffering, including healthcare costs and medical monitoring, in addition to attorney’s fees and court costs.

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What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 analog that works by increasing the levels of a group of hormones called incretins. These hormones help the body produce more insulin when needed and reduce the amount of glucose being produced by the liver when it’s not needed. Wegovy is manufactured and marketed by Novo Nordisk and was first approved for the treatment of weight loss in June 2021.

What’s the Difference Between Wegovy and Ozempic?

Although both Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, Wegovy is specifically indicated for the treatment of overweight and obesity while Ozempic is used to treat Type 2 diabetes.

Wegovy is available in slightly higher doses: 0.25 milligram (mg), 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg pens. Ozempic is available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1.0 mg pens.”

Both Wegovy and Ozempic are typically started at the same 0.25 mg weekly dose and then gradually increased over the course of several months. With Wegovy, patients ramp up to a higher sustained dose of 2.4 mg per week.

What is Stomach Paralysis?

Paralysis of the stomach, or gastroparesis, occurs when the stomach empties much slower than normal. The stomach works by churning and grinding the person’s meal and then, contracts to squeeze food through to the small intestine. For people with stomach paralysis, this function does not occur normally.

Wegovy May Paralyze Stomach, Doctors Warn: CBS News Video

Gastroparesis Symptoms

The symptoms of gastroparesis can vary greatly from patient to patient, and are often non-specific, but may include the following:

• 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 Stomach Paralysis Warning on the Wegovy Label?

There is currently no warning of the possibility of gastroparesis on the labeling of Wegovy. However, the label does state that the drug may “delay gastric emptying.”

New Study Ties Weight-Loss Drug Wegovy to Serious Gastrointestinal Conditions

According to a study published in JAMA on Oct. 5, 2023, Wegovy and other GLP-1 inhibitor weight-loss medications may carry an increased risk of pancreatitis, intestinal blockage, and stomach paralysis compared to an older obesity drug [2].

The study looked at two GLP-1 inhibitors: semaglutide, which is the active ingredient in Wegovy, and liraglutide, the active ingredient in the older obesity medicine Saxenda and diabetes drug Victoza.

Results of the study indicated that nearly 5 in every 1,000 users of semaglutide developed pancreatitis, compared to one in every 1,000 users of bupropion-naltrexone, the active ingredient in the weight-loss drug Contrave.

For liraglutide, there were about 8 cases of pancreatitis per 1,000 users.

For stomach paralysis, researchers found roughly 9 cases among every 1,000 users of semaglutide and about 7 in liraglutide patients, compared with 3 among the same number of those taking bupropion-naltrexone.

What Should I Do if I’ve Been Injured by Wegovy?

If you have been harmed by Wegovy or another similar weight-loss drug, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. It is important that you speak with a knowledgeable and experienced attorney immediately after you have become aware of the harm caused by the medication to protect your rights and start the compensation process. Fill out the contact form below or call (866) 588-0600 for a free legal consultation now.

FAQs

Who can file a lawsuit related to Wegovy and stomach paralysis?

Individuals who have developed gastroparesis or related symptoms after using Wegovy can file a lawsuit. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer specializing in pharmaceutical litigation can help determine eligibility and guide the legal process.

What symptoms are associated with Wegovy-induced stomach paralysis?

Symptoms of Wegovy-induced stomach paralysis include nausea, vomiting, feeling full quickly, bloating, and abdominal pain. These symptoms result from delayed gastric emptying and can significantly impact the quality of life.

How can I determine if Wegovy caused my stomach paralysis?

Determining if Wegovy caused stomach paralysis involves reviewing your medical history, symptoms, and the timing of medication use. A healthcare provider can perform diagnostic tests, and a lawyer can help assess whether there is a legal basis for a claim.

What steps should I take if I suspect Wegovy caused my stomach paralysis?

If you suspect Wegovy caused your stomach paralysis, seek medical attention to document your condition, stop using the medication as advised by your doctor, retain all medical records, and consult a lawyer to discuss potential legal action and compensation.

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

Get a Free Wegovy 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 Wegovy 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 Wegovy 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.

References:

1. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/2820255
2. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2810542