Known generically as semaglutide, Ozempic was approved in 2017 by the FDA for use in adults with type II diabetes. The medication is a weekly injection that helps lower blood sugar by helping the pancreas make more insulin. While it is not approved for weight loss, some physicians prescribe it to be used for this purpose. Ozempic works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone. As those hormone levels rise, the molecules go to the brain, telling it you are full. It also slows digestion by increasing the time it takes for food to leave the body. This is similar to the effect of bariatric surgery.
However, it has recently come to light that using these medications can result in gastroparesis, the paralysis of the stomach. Gastroparesis is a severe disorder, slowing or stopping the movement of food from your stomach to your small intestine. It can interfere with normal digestion, as well as cause nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. The condition can also cause issues with blood sugar levels and nutrition. There is no cure for gastroparesis. Medications that delay stomach emptying may also cause gastroparesis, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Ozempic delays gastric emptying, according to its prescribing information.
Ozempic is manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Founded in 1923, it is a Danish multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Bagsværd, Denmark, with production facilities in 9 countries and affiliates or offices in 5 countries. In 2022, Novo Nordisk had a revenue of 176.9 billion.
If you came to struggle with gastroparesis as a result of using Ozempic, you might be eligible to file a claim with the manufacturer, which can help you obtain financial compensation. Our team will thoroughly and carefully review your case to determine whether you are a potential claimant. To file a claim, you need to meet the following criteria:
Therefore, if you developed gastroparesis after treatment with Ozempic, we strongly encourage you to contact our team of professionals, who will help you determine whether you are entitled to financial compensation. To assess your case, we will need evidence of you undergoing treatment with the drug and your medical records with your diagnosis.
On August 2, 2023, a personal injury law firm filed a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, over claims that the diabetes drug, which is also popular for promoting weight loss, can cause gastroparesis. The basis of the lawsuit is "a failure to warn." The first case filed involves a 44-year-old woman from Louisiana, Jaclyn Bjorklund, who has taken Ozempic at the discretion of her doctor. Her problems have been so severe that she has been to the emergency room many times. She has even thrown up so violently that she has lost teeth. The law firm is investigating 400 other inquiries from clients across 45 states.
The woman used Ozempic for over a year until around July 2023. She is suing the manufacturer for failing to warn of the risk of severe gastrointestinal events that could be caused by taking the medication. Bjorklund has suffered from severe vomiting, stomach pain, gastrointestinal burning, and throwing up whole food hours after eating, among many other symptoms.