There are rumblings about the correlation between Ozempic and gastroparesis. While we are in the preliminary phases, those affected by the medication have the option to begin filing claims and gathering evidence with their personal injury attorneys. While Ozmepic is at the forefront of the lawsuits, other pharmaceutical companies manufacture similar medications. As the claims are gaining traction, patients are curious about the criteria for filing a claim. Kwartler Manus, LLC, can help determine your eligibility for a medical negligence claim during a consultation with our personal injury attorney.
Criteria to consider
The following criteria currently apply to the Ozempic lawsuits. However, if you do not meet these criteria, you should speak to a personal injury attorney to discuss other options. Basic criteria include:
- Took Rybelsus, Ozempic or Wegovy
- Were under 75 years old when you started using the drug
- Were diagnosed with gastric stasis, gastroparesis, stomach paralysis, or a gastric obstruction. The diagnosis should be within 30 days of stopping the medication or at any time while taking the drug.
- Need emergency care or hospitalization to treat vomiting.
You likely have a case if you meet the criteria above. Meet with our medical negligence attorney to discuss your eligibility for pursuing legal action. Health issues came to light in August of 2022. However, the first lawsuit was filed in August of 2023. In September 2023, a multidistrict lawsuit was created as there are expected to be many more plaintiffs.
Side effects of semaglutide
The most significant side effect of using Ozmepic is gastroparesis. This is also known as stomach paralysis. However, gastroparesis has its side effects, including:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
These side effects can be so severe that they require surgery and hospitalization. This can lead to other medical bills and complications. Contact Kwartler Manus, LLC if you were diagnosed with stomach paralysis within 30 days of stopping the medication or while taking it.
Stomach paralysis and Ozempic
Our stomachs hold and digest food. Usually, less than 10% of food is in our stomach after four hours of a meal. This is when you are not taking any medications. If there is 10-15% eaten food in the stomach within four hours, doctors may diagnose you with mild gastroparesis. When it is between 15 and 35%, you could have a moderate case of gastroparesis. If food retention reaches over 35%, this is a severe case. The more severe your symptoms, the worse they may become.
Other drugs in the lawsuit
Ozempic is the brand name of the drug, but there are also other versions of the medication. Drugs that have semaglutide may qualify for the lawsuit. Another drug that is very similar to Ozmempic is Mounjaro, which is also prescribed to treat diabetes. This can include Rybelus and Wegovy. There are also generic versions of the drug, but these cases can be trickier. Discuss your options with our personal injury attorneys.
Potential risk factors
There has been an increase in stomach paralysis since Ozempic has been used as a weight loss medication. That has led to some confusion since these medications are primarily for diabetes. Stomach paralysis will vary; about 4% of the population suffers from stomach paralysis. Unfortunately, 80% of these cases are women, and 50% had diabetes when they were diagnosed with the condition. Other risk factors may involve:
- Systemic sclerosis
- Gastrectomy
- Anticholinergic medicine
While vomiting and nausea are common symptoms of stomach paralysis, you can experience other symptoms such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Unintentional weight loss
- Abdominal distension
- Hypoglycemia
- Feeling fullness after meals prematurely
- Heartburn
- Excessive bloating and burping
- Poor appetite
You should discuss these symptoms with your medical team. Doctors can run diagnostic tests to determine if the drug is the cause or if it could be something else. After testing, the next step may be to get a gastric emptying study. Then, you may start medication that fights the side effects of Ozempic and other drugs. However, if they are severe, you should get emergency medical attention. Studies found that using GLP-1 agonists led to:
- Higher risk of pancreatitis
- Three times likelier to suffer gastroparesis
- Four times higher risk for bowel obstruction
As of December 8, 2023, European Medicicne Agency is investigating the link between Ozempic and suicidal thoughts. They are investigating similar medications. This is an ongoing development and is not currently named in any lawsuits. However, it is important to remember should researchers make the official correlation.
Consult a personal injury attorney
At the time of this writing, Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, stands by the safety of its products. They also cite the study and data that were completed before their product went on the market. Regardless, it’s possible that hundreds of thousands or millions of people have been prescribed this medication and could be experiencing adverse side effects. You have legal options available if you have taken these medications and are suffering stomach paralysis or other side effects. Speak to Kwartler Manus, LLC.