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Weight Loss & Diabetes Drug Lawsuits

Health Claims Against Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Saxenda, Trulicity, Rybelsus, and Zepbound

A growing number of claims and lawsuits allege that popular weight loss and diabetes drugs cause serious problems, including gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and even death. Do you qualify for an Ozempic lawsuit, Wegovy lawsuit, Mounjaro lawsuit, or another claim against other diabetes or weight loss drugs like semaglutide? Riddle & Brantley is actively investigating these claims — and you may be entitled to compensation. In addition to Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, we are also handling claims related to Saxenda, Trulicity, Rybelsus, and Zepbound medications.

For a FREE, no-obligation case review with an experienced attorney handling these claims, please call 1-800-525-7111 or complete the fast and easy form below.

March 2024 Update

Last month, related lawsuits against Ozempic and Mounjaro drugmakers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly were consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The MDL consolidation is designed to streamline the legal process to resolve hundreds or thousands of potential claims more quickly. “Bellwether” trials will be held to help gauge the strength of the evidence, potentially leading to settlements (though there are no guarantees).

It is anticipated that 20,000 or more cases may ultimately join the MDL.

“This MDL is a significant development that brings victims one step closer to justice.”

Gene Riddle, attorney

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Weight Loss & Diabetes Drug Lawsuits Guide

What are the Claims Against Diabetes and Weight Loss Drugs?

Weight loss and diabetes drug lawsuits - victims of stomach paralysis, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and other conditions may qualify.Recent claims have brought attention to potential health risks associated with popular weight loss and diabetes drugs like Ozempic (semaglutide), Wegovy (semaglutide), Mounjaro, and others. The primary allegation in these lawsuits is that these drugs, which belong to a class called GLP-1 agonists, may cause severe gastrointestinal issues like gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), ileus (intestinal blockage), and other serious health problems.

However, many other serious conditions may be linked to drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy, including:

  • Stomach paralysis (gastroparesis)
  • Pancreatitis
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Persistent nausea and diarrhea
  • Stomach not working

What Drugs May Cause These Problems?

Weight loss drugs and diabetes drugs are increasingly popular — and some of the drugs potentially linked to these serious health problems are “household names.” Drugs involved in recent claims include:

  • Ozempic
  • Wegovy 
  • Mounjaro
  • Saxenda
  • Trulicity
  • Rybelsus
  • Zepbound

Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus are brand names of semaglutide.

IMPORTANT: As of March 2024, it is alleged, and not yet proven, that the drugs listed above may cause serious health problems like gastroparesis, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and others. These drug manufacturers have strongly denied any potential liability or wrongdoing, and there have been no settlements in these cases. Riddle & Brantley is actively investigating these claims and we will continue to monitor scientific developments as research continues. Please stay tuned to our website for the latest details.

Health Problems Potentially Linked to Diabetes and Weight Loss Drugs

Several potentially serious health problems may be linked to popular weight loss and diabetes drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and others. These conditions include, but are not limited to:

Gastroparesis (Stomach Paralysis)

Many of these claims and lawsuits allege that these drugs cause stomach paralysis, a condition that is scientifically known as “gastroparesis.”

Gastroparesis is a condition, sometimes called “stomach paralysis,” where the stomach’s ability to empty its contents is impaired. In severe cases, it can lead to malnutrition, severe dehydration, and other complications. This condition has been a central point in the Ozempic, Wegovy, and other lawsuits, where plaintiffs claim that after using drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, they suffered from severe vomiting, stomach pain, and other symptoms indicative of gastroparesis.

Symptoms of Gastroparesis

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) may include:

  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Abdominal pain
  • A feeling of fullness, even after eating just a few bites
  • Vomiting undigested food even just hours earlier
  • Acid reflux
  • Blood sugar (glucose) level changes
  • Lack of appetite
  • Weight loss and malnutrition

IMPORTANT: If you have experienced any of the symptoms above or believe you may be suffering from stomach paralysis (gastroparesis), seek immediate medical attention.

Pancreatitis

Another health problem potentially linked to popular weight loss and diabetes medications is pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach that plays a crucial role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. This condition can be acute, presenting suddenly with severe symptoms, or chronic, developing over time and leading to persistent problems. Causes of pancreatitis may include gallstones, heavy alcohol consumption, and, potentially, use of certain prescription drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, among others.

Symptoms of Pancreatitis

According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of acute pancreatitis may include:

  • Abdominal pain (primary symptom)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fast heart rate
  • Fast, shallow breathing
  • Fever

Chronic pancreatitis may include additional symptoms, including:

  • Indigestion and pain or discomfort after eating
  • Loss of appetite or unintended weight loss
  • Fatty bowel movements that leave oily residue in the toilet
  • Lightheadedness (from low blood pressure)

IMPORTANT: If you have experienced any of these symptoms or believe you may be suffering from acute or chronic pancreatitis, seek immediate medical attention.

Pancreatic Cancer

One of the more frightening conditions potentially linked to popular weight loss and diabetes drugs is pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is a serious form of cancer that begins in the pancreas, an organ that lies behind the stomach and plays a crucial role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. This type of cancer is particularly dangerous because it often goes undetected until it’s at an advanced stage, making treatment more challenging.

Factors that may increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer include smoking, having chronic pancreatitis, a family history of the disease, certain genetic conditions, and, potentially, use of certain prescription drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Trulicity, and others.

IMPORTANT: There is currently insufficient evidence for a link with pancreatic cancer, so we cannot accept pancreatic cancer claims related to weight loss and diabetes drugs at this time. However, research is ongoing. If you or a loved one suffered from pancreatic cancer after taking one of these drugs, call us today — we can hold your case in reserve and contact you immediately if we are able to accept it and file a lawsuit.

Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of pancreatic cancer may include:

  • Belly pain that spreads to the sides or back
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and/or whites of the eyes
  • Light-colored or floating stools
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Itching
  • Newly diagnosed diabetes, or diabetes that’s getting harder to control
  • Pain and swelling in an arm or leg, potentially caused by a blood clot
  • Tiredness, weakness, and fatigue

IMPORTANT: If you have experienced any of these symptoms, or are concerned you may have pancreatic cancer, seek immediate medical attention.

These lawsuits allege that the manufacturers of these diabetes and weight loss drugs failed to provide adequate warnings about the severity of these side effects. For instance, in one of the lawsuits, a plaintiff claimed that after being prescribed Mounjaro, they developed a painful “paralyzed” stomach (gastroparesis), leading to severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and even kidney failure. The complaint suggests that the drug makers were aware of these risks but did not sufficiently warn the users or the medical community.

In legal terms, this is known as “failure to warn.” 

FDA Warnings and Concerns

In response to these concerns, the FDA updated the warning labels for drugs like Ozempic in September 2023 to include risks of intestinal blockage and ileus. Research conducted by experts, including a study by the Mayo Clinic on a similar drug, found that these medications significantly slowed down digestion. These findings are crucial as they provide scientific backing to the claims made in the lawsuits.

Manufacturers’ Response to Allegations

Manufacturers like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, alleged to have failed to warn consumers about the potential risks of drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, have strongly denied any liability or wrongdoing. In a recent statement by Novo Nordisk, manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, the company said that “Gastrointestinal (GI) events are well-known side effects of the GLP-1 class. For semaglutide, the majority of GI side effects are mild to moderate in severity and of short duration. 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.”

Nevertheless, claims continue to grow, with many consumers taking legal action.

Current Status of Lawsuits

As of early 2024, numerous lawsuits have been filed, with plaintiffs seeking compensation for their suffering and medical expenses due to the alleged side effects of these drugs. A motion to centralize all Ozempic and Mounjaro gastroparesis lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana for coordinated pretrial proceedings is under review, but an MDL was recently approved in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

These cases are moving forward quickly.

Riddle & Brantley is actively investigating claims that drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and others have caused gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and other serious health problems and we are committed to getting justice for victims. For a FREE case review, please call 1-800-525-7111 today.

Don’t wait — the longer you wait to call, the harder it may be to get you the compensation you deserve. Call 1-800-525-7111 and let’s review your claim.

Attorney Gene Riddlenot

Weight Loss & Diabetes Drug Lawsuits Lawyer, Gene Riddle

Since 1985, Riddle & Brantley’s team of dangerous drug lawyers has been securing justice for victims — over $725 million in compensation for our valued clients since 2000 alone (see disclaimer below). Led by attorney Gene Riddle, our team has been recognized for its experience and results by such prestigious memberships and awards (see disclaimer below) as:

  • The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
  • The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
  • Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • The National Association of Distinguished Counsel
  • Super Lawyers
  • Super Lawyers “Rising Stars”
  • The Litigator Award
  • AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell

“This settlement changed me and my family’s lives.”

-Linda B., Riddle & Brantley client

For a FREE, no-obligation case review with an experienced weight loss and diabetes drug attorney at Riddle & Brantley, call 1-800-525-7111 or complete the convenient form below. There are never any upfront costs, and you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive financial compensation.

Call today for a FREE case review — 1-800-525-7111.

Justice Counts.

 


*** Disclaimer: The results mentioned are intended to illustrate the type of cases handled by the firm. These results do not guarantee a similar outcome, and they should not be construed to constitute a promise or guarantee of a particular result in any particular case. Every case is different, and the outcome of any case depends upon a variety of factors unique to that case.

*** Disclaimer: An attorney must meet certain requirements to join these organizations or receive these awards. For more information on Membership Criteria for Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers “Rising Star” designation, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, The National Association of Distinguished Counsel, AV Preeminent designation by Martindale-Hubbell, the Litigator Award, and other memberships, awards, and accolades, please visit our Membership Criteria page. These awards and memberships should not be construed as a promise or guarantee of a similar result. Each case is different and must be evaluated separately.