Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus Stomach Paralysis (Gastroparesis) Lawsuit
Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus Stomach Paralysis (Gastroparesis) Lawsuit
Overview:
The FDA mandates that drug manufacturers provide comprehensive labeling, including potential risks and side effects. If it turns out that the manufacturer was aware of serious side effects but did not adequately warn the public, healthcare providers, or regulators, then they may be liable for damages.
Why There is a Potential Class Action Lawsuit
Lawsuits may arise due to allegations that Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus caused stomach paralysis or gastroparesis as a side effect. Typically, lawsuits of this nature focus on whether the drug manufacturer provided adequate warnings about potential risks or side effects and whether the medication is defective in some way.
How Patients Have Been Harmed
Gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis, is a serious condition that can significantly impact the quality of life. Symptoms often include nausea, vomiting, feeling full quickly when eating, weight loss, and abdominal pain. In extreme cases, gastroparesis can lead to severe dehydration, malnutrition, and a diminished quality of life. Treatments may include dietary changes, medication, or even surgical interventions like a gastric pacemaker or feeding tube. In the most severe cases, prolonged gastroparesis can even be life-threatening.
Patients experiencing these symptoms may incur substantial medical costs for diagnosis and treatment, lose income due to inability to work, and suffer from emotional and psychological distress. The long-term health implications of delayed gastric emptying can also put individuals at risk for further complications, including erratic blood sugar control in diabetic patients, which may lead to other severe conditions.
In a lawsuit, affected individuals will seek damages for medical expenses, loss of income, emotional distress, and possibly punitive damages if it’s determined that the manufacturer was grossly negligent.
Criteria for the Stomach Paralysis/Gastroparesis Lawsuit
To qualify for participation in the stomach paralysis lawsuit, individuals will generally have to meet specific criteria:
- Age at time of intake must be 75 or younger
- Use of Ozempic or Wegovy or Rybelsus Brand Name only (no generics /no other GLP-1 RA drugs in class)
- Diagnosis of Gastroparesis or Stomach Paralysis or Gastric Obstruction while taking the drug or within 30 days of stopping
- Required Emergency Room Visit or Hospital Admission
Supporting Documentation for Lawsuit
Medical Diagnosis: Documentation confirming a diagnosis of gastroparesis or delayed gastric emptying by a physician, ideally from a gastroenterologist.
Prescription Records: Verification that the individual has been prescribed Ozempic and has been taking the medication as directed.
Timeline: Proof that the stomach issues occurred after starting the medication and were not pre-existing conditions.
Adverse Effects: Documentation or medical records that indicate serious complications, emergency room visits or hospitalization, or significant lifestyle changes due to stomach paralysis.
Doctor’s Opinion: A medical opinion linking the use of Ozempic to the condition of gastroparesis or other stomach issues, either through medical records, diagnostic tests, or expert testimony.
How These Drugs Work
Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus belong to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which work by mimicking the effects of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1. This hormone is secreted in the gut and helps to regulate blood sugar by promoting insulin secretion, reducing glucagon secretion (which would otherwise raise blood sugar), and slowing gastric emptying.
GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide are known to slow down gastric emptying, however, this can be problematic for individuals with or at risk for gastroparesis, a condition characterized by delayed emptying of the stomach. The medications generally mention a potential for slowed gastric emptying but do not necessarily carry explicit warnings about gastroparesis or stomach paralysis.
This illustrates the gravity and complexity of drug-related lawsuits. Patients who believe they have been adversely affected by Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. or any other medication should call me for a free legal consult to explore their options for recourse. If the manufacturer is found negligent, I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus are all medications that are used primarily for the treatment of type 2 diabetes or obesity. They are all manufactured by Novo Nordisk and contain the active ingredient semaglutide. Below are some comparisons based on their function and form:
Ozempic
Ozempic is an injectable prescription medication primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. Developed by Novo Nordisk, it contains the active ingredient semaglutide.
Form: Injectable
Active Ingredient: Semaglutide
Indication: Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk reduction
Mechanism of Action: GLP-1 receptor agonist; promotes insulin secretion, reduces glucagon secretion, and slows gastric emptying
Gastroparesis Warning: The label mentions slowing of gastric emptying as a possible effect but does not specifically mention gastroparesis or stomach paralysis as a side effect.
Wegovy
Form: Injectable
Active Ingredient: Semaglutide
Indication: Chronic weight management (not for the treatment of type 2 diabetes)
Mechanism of Action: GLP-1 receptor agonist; reduces hunger and promotes satiety, resulting in weight loss
Gastroparesis Warning: Similar to Ozempic, the label may discuss a slowing of gastric emptying, but explicit warnings about gastroparesis or stomach paralysis are generally not mentioned.
Rybelsus
Form: Oral tablet
Active Ingredient: Semaglutide
Indication: Type 2 diabetes
Mechanism of Action: GLP-1 receptor agonist; promotes insulin secretion, reduces glucagon secretion, and may slow gastric emptying
Gastroparesis Warning: The warning label discusses the potential for slowed gastric emptying but doesn’t specifically mention gastroparesis or stomach paralysis.
Key Drug Differences
Formulation: Ozempic and Wegovy are injectable forms of semaglutide, while Rybelsus is an oral tablet.
Primary Use: Ozempic and Rybelsus are primarily for type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is specifically approved for chronic weight management.
Concentration: Wegovy often comes in a higher dose than Ozempic, catering to its primary indication of weight management rather than diabetes treatment.
Administration: Injectables are generally once a week, while Rybelsus is a daily tablet.
Individuals who are concerned about the potential for gastroparesis or other gastrointestinal issues should consult with their healthcare provider to weigh the risks and benefits of these medications, and those who experience symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.
If you or a family member were prescribed Ozempic, Wegovy or Rybelsus and experienced stomach paralysis or gastroparesis, call me right away to discuss your case.
I work on a contingency basis and therefore you will not spend a single penny out of pocket. I pay all legal fees, medical expert witnesses, investigation costs, and whatever else is necessary to win your case. I am paid only when your case is successful!
I encourage you to call me with any questions! I’m here for you and I’ll Make Them Pay!®