A New Ozempic Litigation is Starting Now

Ozempic, a drug generically known as semaglutide, was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2017. This initial approval was granted on the basis that the drug would be used specifically by type 2 diabetes patients. Though, unfortunately, the drug, which is designed to be injected weekly, has resulted in undesirable side effects that are at the root of recent legislation.

This legislation revolves around personal injury claims stating that the popular diabetes drug can cause gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis. Although the litigation is currently in the earliest stages, there is certainly enough information for other victims to begin their own litigation process.

Here’s what you need to know to determine whether you could have an Ozempic claim.

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What is Ozempic?

Ozempic, generically known as semaglutide, is a medication developed by Novo Nordisk and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is administered as a subcutaneous injection and belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These drugs work by mimicking the functions of natural hormones in the body to stimulate insulin release in response to high blood sugar levels, thereby helping to regulate and maintain optimal blood sugar levels.

Does Ozempic Cause Harm?

Whether Ozempic is harmful has yet to be identified, but the FDA recently gave a statement to CBS news saying the following:

"It is unclear whether the GLP-1 agonist medications used in patients with type 2 diabetes contribute to the occurrence of diabetic gastroparesis.” Followed by, “If newly identified safety signals are identified, the FDA will determine what actions are appropriate after a thorough review of the body of evidence."

As the FDA did not give a cut-and-dry answer of no, it can be assumed gastroparesis being caused by Ozempic is possible.

Novo Nordisk, creator of the drug, also released a statement claiming that gastrointestinal, or GI, events are well-known side effects of the GLP-1 class. This is because GLP-1's are known to cause a delay in gastric emptying, as noted in the label of each of our GLP-1 RA medications. Symptoms of delayed gastric emptying, nausea and vomiting are listed as side effects,

The Core of the Ozempic Controversy:

While Ozempic-related lawsuits are rare, the main contention right now revolves around gastroparesis allegedly caused by the drug. For a case to gain traction, there needs to be:

A confirmed diagnosis of gastroparesis.
A history of Ozempic usage.

It's worth noting that while we're still in the early days, many in the legal profession see a significant potential impact of these cases in the future.

Ozempic’s Original Purpose:

Originally, Ozempic was greenlit for diabetes treatment. However, reports suggest that some doctors have been prescribing it off-label for weight loss. Considering gastroparesis can be a side effect of diabetes, but it typically manifests over longer periods, the landscape of the litigation is complicated.

The Litigation Is Just Getting Started

Ozempic initially approved as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, is currently at the center of a brewing legal storm. The drug's potential link to gastroparesis has raised concerns and led to the initiation of litigation processes. With the FDA's response leaving room for ambiguity, and Novo Nordisk's acknowledgment of gastrointestinal side effects, the debate remains open-ended.

As the landscape of this controversy evolves, it underscores the importance of rigorous post-market surveillance for pharmaceuticals and urges both patients and healthcare professionals to remain informed. Those considering Ozempic, either for its intended use or off-label prescriptions, should be acutely aware of these developments and potential risks.