Ozempic Injuries in the News
Ozempic, a popular prescription medication initially developed to help manage Type 2 diabetes, has made headlines recently for reasons beyond its intended use. As its off-label use for weight loss grows in popularity, so too have concerns about potential injuries and adverse side effects. If you or a loved one has suffered harm after using Ozempic, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation.
Below we discuss some of the different types of injuries reported in the news related to Ozempic. If you or a family member has suffered from one of these conditions during or after taking Ozempic, contact Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., to speak with a skilled and knowledgeable New York Ozempic injury lawyer.
What Is Ozempic?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a medication that mimics a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. It is primarily prescribed to manage Type 2 diabetes by stimulating insulin production and slowing down digestion. Recently, Ozempic has also gained widespread attention as a weight-loss drug due to its appetite-suppressing effects, despite this not being its FDA-approved use.
As more people without diabetes turn to Ozempic for its weight loss benefits, cases of serious side effects and injuries have begun to surface.
Reported Injuries Linked to Ozempic
Although many people have experienced significant weight loss or improved blood sugar control with Ozempic, some users have reported dangerous side effects. These adverse reactions can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, life-threatening complications have occurred.
Some of the reported side effects and injuries associated with Ozempic include:
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Severe gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common side effects. However, for some users, these symptoms have escalated to debilitating and chronic gastrointestinal problems.
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Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas is a rare but serious side effect of Ozempic. Pancreatitis can cause severe abdominal pain and may lead to hospitalization or long-term health complications.
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Kidney issues: Reports of Ozempic exacerbating or causing kidney problems, including acute kidney injury, have emerged. Those with pre-existing kidney conditions may be particularly at risk.
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Gallbladder issues: Some users have experienced gallbladder problems, including gallstones, which can cause significant pain and require surgery.
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Thyroid tumors: Animal studies have linked Ozempic to an increased risk of thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a rare form of thyroid cancer. While this risk has not been definitively proven in humans, the possibility has raised serious concerns.
Ozempic Injuries in the News
In October 2023, the Today Show published a lengthy report on stomach issues related to Ozempic. The report highlighted the story of Jaclyn Bjorklund of Louisiana, who filed a lawsuit against Ozempic’s manufacturer Novo Nordisk for failing to adequately warn of adverse side effects, including gastroparesis, more commonly known as paralyzed stomach, and other severe gastrointestinal issues.
The Today Show story also cited a research letter published in JAMA (formerly the Journal of the American Medical Association) warning of “an increased risk of severe stomach problems” for people taking GLP-1 agonists such as Ozempic and Wegovy. The researchers cautioned that “These adverse events, although rare, must be considered by patients who are contemplating using the drugs for weight loss.”
In March 2024, USA Today reported on over 60 lawsuits filed against Novo Nordisk, makers of Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, and Eli Lily, makers of Mounjaro and Trulicity. This may be only the tip of the iceberg and could grow to include thousands more victims, according to attorneys interviewed for the story. The article mentioned one man in particular who had to have his gallbladder removed after starting on Ozempic. Others are reportedly even worse off with lifelong problems that can’t be fixed with surgery.
Filing an Ozempic Injury Claim in New York
In New York, victims of dangerous drug injuries can pursue a product liability claim to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, proving liability in these cases can be challenging, especially against large pharmaceutical companies with significant legal resources.
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial in navigating these claims. At Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., we have the knowledge and experience to take on complex product liability cases, including those involving dangerous prescription drugs like Ozempic. We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather the necessary evidence, and advocate for your rights to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has taken Ozempic and has been diagnosed and hospitalized with at least one of the following health issues below, and the injury occurred while taking the drug or within 6 months of stopping contact Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C. today for a free, confidential consultation:
- Gastroparesis (severe or permanent stomach paralysis, also known as delayed gastric emptying, and often documented as gastric stasis, stomach paralysis, or gastric obstruction)
- Cyclical vomiting (persistent vomiting for 2 weeks or more)
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Ileus or bowel obstruction
- Intestinal blockages
- Gallbladder removal (prior to 2022 only)
- Intraoperative Pulmonary Aspiration
- Malnutrition-related disorders (sarcopenia, Wernicke encephalopathy, vitamin deficiencies)
- Pancreatic cancer (even if occurred more than six months after stopping Ozempic use)
How Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C. Can Help
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury after taking Ozempic, you may have a valid legal claim against the manufacturer or other parties involved. At Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that drug injuries can take on individuals and their families. We are committed to helping victims of dangerous drugs seek justice and hold the responsible parties accountable.
As Ozempic use continues to make headlines, it’s important for those affected by its adverse effects to know their rights. If you have experienced serious side effects or injuries after using Ozempic, whether for diabetes management or off-label for weight loss, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us today at 212-889-9362 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and learn more about how we can help you pursue a claim for your Ozempic-related injuries.
