A recent controversy has emerged in the pharmaceutical world involving two medications, Ozempic and Mounjaro. Despite their FDA approval for diabetes treatment, the surge in demand for these medications for weight loss purposes eventually led to product shortages. Yet concerns about the safety of these drugs came to the forefront when a Louisiana woman took legal action against the manufacturers, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, after experiencing severe side effects. The lawsuit alleges that the woman suffered major gastrointestinal issues as a result of using Ozempic and Mounjaro, prompting her to seek compensation for her medical bills and distress.
How a Fad Led to Shortages
Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are prescription medications that were originally developed to aid in the management of Type 2 diabetes. However, an upsurge in celebrity testimonials heralding the weight-loss benefits of these drugs led to an increase in demand, prompting healthcare providers to prescribe them (including off-label prescriptions) to combat obesity. The high demand led to product shortages, leaving many diabetes patients unable to access this much-needed treatment. However, the controversy took an even greater turn as reports of serious side effects began pouring in, raising an entirely new landscape of ethical and medical concerns.
Allegations and Lawsuit Against the Manufacturers
In early August 2023, 44-year-old Jaclyn Bjorklund from Louisiana filed a complaint against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly after using Ozempic and Mounjaro. Her claim centers around the alleged adverse side effects she experienced and the resulting medical bills.
According to the lawsuit, “As a result of using Defendants’ Ozempic and Mounjaro, Plaintiff was caused to suffer from severe gastrointestinal events, and as a result sustained severe and permanent personal injuries, pain, suffering, and emotional distress, and incurred medical expenses.” Bjorklund’s attorneys have highlighted that their client was hospitalized multiple times for stomach issues, including emergency room visits, and suffered through bouts of severe, excessive vomiting that caused her teeth to fall out.
Negligence and Insufficient Warnings
The focal point of the plaintiff’s lawsuit against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly lies in her assertion that these pharmaceutical manufacturers fell short of providing adequate medical warnings. According to her legal team, the drug companies were aware of the imminent risk of severe gastrointestinal events associated with the use of Ozempic and Mounjaro, including the possibility for patients to develop conditions such as gastroparesis and gastroenteritis.
Yet Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly failed to disclose much of the research surrounding these risks, rendering their side-effect warnings inadequate. By alleging that the manufacturers did not provide enough information for patients to make informed decisions, the claim implies a breach of duty and gross medical negligence that, if demonstrated in court, could lead to considerable compensation for victims of these drugs.
Filing a Claim for Injuries Caused by Ozempic and Mounjaro
Patients have the right to be fully informed about the potential risks and consequences of the medications they are prescribed. When injuries or illness arise as a result of insufficient product warnings, pharmaceutical manufacturers or healthcare providers must be held accountable. If you were negatively affected by either of these products, you may be entitled to pursue legal action against the at-fault parties. A skilled personal injury attorney specializing in medical negligence can help you with your claim. Compensatory damages aim to cover:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Diminished quality of life
- Punitive damages
Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers at Kwartler Manus, LLC
If you’ve suffered injuries or illness as a result of taking Ozempic or Mounjaro, you deserve to seek justice for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Kwartler Manus, LLC, our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys specialize in medical negligence cases, and can provide the legal guidance and support you need to navigate this difficult time. To get started with your case, reach out to us today by calling our office to schedule your confidential consultation.