Ozempic and Wegovy

Current estimates suggest that 34 million Americans live with type 2 diabetes. 1.4 million Americans are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes annually, although it’s suspected millions more have the condition and are unaware. The rising number of diabetes cases has created a need for a medicine that can treat this health issue. Many thought Ozempic would be that medication, but this once hopeful drug is now at the center of a dangerous medication lawsuit. Likewise, Wegovy was approved for those looking for new weight-loss management techniques when weight-related conditions impact their health. 

If you’ve seen Wegovy or Ozempic in the news recently, you’ve likely seen news regarding sudden severe illnesses and corresponding legal actions. Medication is supposed to help us — not harm us. While everything in life comes with risks, even taking medication or seeking treatment at a hospital, Ozempic and Wegovy patients might have a chance to hold the producer of these medications accountable through a civil lawsuit — MedFault has more info below.

Ozempic is an injectable medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is a type of semaglutide that slows the passage of food in the stomach. It is approved for people 18 years and older. 

This prescription medication also mimics glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1, a hormone produced after eating. These hormones tell the brain it’s not hungry, causing people to eat less and, therefore, lose more weight.

Used in conjunction with diet and exercise, this medication can treat type 2 diabetes and lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death for those patients. As Ozempic also aids in weight loss, it’s been used off-label by people without type 2 diabetes looking to slim down.

This medication (part of a class called GLP-1 agonists) comes in the form of a once-weekly injectable that should be taken at the same time every seven days. Currently, the available dosages are 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg. Ozempic is not considered a suitable treatment for those with type 1 diabetes.

Wegovy is also an injectible semaglutide, but unlike Ozempic, it is not geared toward the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is a weight-loss medication authorized by the FDA to help people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. Other eligible parties include those with a BMI of 27 or higher who struggle with conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Wegovy is approved by the FDA for eligible persons 12 and older.

Who Manufactures Ozempic and Wegovy?

The company Novo Nordisk, based in Denmark, produces Ozempic. Their US branch is based in New Jersey. The Danish company also produces Wegovy, another injectable medication used to treat diabetes. Unlike Ozempic, Wegovy is approved to treat obesity for people with weight-related health issues like cholesterol or high blood pressure.

Ozempic Side Effects

Side effects can happen with any medication. However, Ozempic’s side effects are appearing at a worrisome intensity and frequency, particularly during dose escalations (when the dosage of a medicine is increased). Additionally, 1% of Ozempic patients develop a tolerance to the medication: Their bodies produce anti-semaglutide antibodies, making the medication less effective.

Five percent or more of Ozempic users noted side effects including:

• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting

Possible adverse events can include:

• Thyroid tumors
• Pancreatitis
• Diabetic retinopathy (vision loss and blindness)
• Low blood sugar/hypoglycemia
• Kidney problems, including kidney failure
• Serious allergic reactions
• Gallbladder issues
• Allergic reactions
• GERD (heartburn)

Some early reports indicate that Ozempic use during pregnancy may cause fetal abnormalities. Physicians recommend telling your doctor if you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant and taking Ozempic. Ozempic is not recommended for those taking certain medications like MAOIs, NSAIDs, SSRIs, and diuretics.

The higher the Ozempic dose, the longer it may take the body to flush out the medication when usage is stopped. This is especially true at higher dosages, like 2 mg Ozempic, the highest dose. The FDA approved the 2 milligrams, once-weekly dose in March of 2022 for diabetes treatment. The drug’s FDA approval does not include weight loss, despite the off-market appeal it found.

While many say the side effects will dissipate with time, 10% of patients never see the side effects subside and must be taken off the medication entirely.

Wegovy Side Effects

Side effects of Wegovy are similar to those associated with Ozempic.

Typical side effects may include:

• Gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea, constipation, and feeling bloated. Abdominal pain and gas are also common.
• Other side effects include nausea/vomiting, heartburn, fatigue, dizziness, and headaches. Unfortunately, there are serious side effects associated with Wegovy use that can require immediate medical attention.
• Those with type 2 diabetes might experience low blood sugar which results in dizziness, sweating, and confusion. Those with diabetes might also develop diabetic retinopathy and experience blurred vision or total loss of sight.
• Wegovy patients might develop pancreatitis, citing fever, nausea/vomiting, and stomach pain as their pancreas becomes inflamed.
• Gallbladder issues, kidney problems, and mental health concerns are also included on this list.
• Additionally, Wegovy use has been linked to thyroid cancer.

Ozempic and Wegovy: Expanded Injuries List

For the best chance of succeeding in a Wwegovy or Ozempic claim, plaintiffs must show a related negative side effect. Besides the health conditions above, applicants might include some of the following ailments.

If you’ve been diagnosed with one of the following while currently taking Wegovy or Ozempic or within stopping use in the last 30 days, you could meet the intake criteria:

• Intraoperative pulmonary aspiration
• Ileus or bowel obstruction (with or without surgical treatment)
• Esophageal injury requiring surgery
• Gall bladder removal prior to 3/22 (used Ozempic/Wegovy before removal)
• Severe or permanent stomach paralysis
• Gastroparesis (requiring hospitalization – does not need gastric emptying study)
• GI injury requiring surgery
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and related injuries (including death)

Ozempic and Wegovy: Expanded Injuries List – Medical Treatment

You might have also received medical treatments like the following:

• IV fluids
• Zofran/Ondansetron
• Probiotics
• Endoscopy
• Dicyclomine
• Motilium/Domperidone
• Ultrasound
• DX based on symptoms
• Tempera
• Reglan/Metoclopramide
• Gastric emptying study

The crux of these drug lawsuits is that the manufacturer’s warning label didn’t mention all the possible risks (largely the Ozempic and Wegovy stomach issues) associated with taking the medication. The warning label didn’t include damage to the gallbladder, severe gastroparesis, ileus intestinal blockage, and other possible stomach issues.

Are There Ozempic or Wegovy Class Action Lawsuits?

As of 2023, there is no proposed class action or multidistrict litigation for either Wegovy or Ozempic users. Individual lawsuits are currently being filed with the first Ozempic gastroparesis lawsuit filed in August 2023 in a Louisiana federal court.

We’ll keep monitoring the legal situation at MedFault and update if anything changes. While there is not an Ozempic or Wegovy class action, you could have an individual diabetes medication lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has taken Ozempic, or another semaglutide medication like Wegovy, and experienced adverse side effects, you might have a case. If you have any additional Wegovy or Ozempic questions, reach out to MedFault for a free case consultation.

You deserve resources to heal from a medication-based injury, and you deserve to hold a responsible party accountable. For Ozempic and Wegovy injury claims and information, and if you qualify for a lawsuit, contact us for a free consultation today.

Can Ozempic or Wegovy Cause Gallstones?

Scientists suggest the answer could be yes. On August 29, 2022, researchers published a review linking Ozempic to acute cholecystitis which is when the gallbladder swells and becomes inflamed. For cases involving Ozempic and gallstones, you might have a case against the drug manufacturer. A legal expert can advise you if you have an Ozempic gallbladder lawsuit.

Likewise, Wegovy has also been associated with gallbladder issues. Instances of Wegovy and acute gallbladder disease occurred during clinical trials. Gallstones are some of the main complaints, some of which may need surgery. 

Can Ozempic or Wegovy Cause Gastroparesis?

Researchers say there may be a link between Ozempic and gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is a condition that weakens the stomach muscles and nerves so that food digestion slows down and doesn’t pass on to the intestines. This can cause pain, nausea, acid reflux, bezoars, difficulty controlling blood sugar, and more.

As a result of these side effects, stomach paralysis lawsuit cases against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly (the latter manufactures Mounjaro, another injectable weight loss medication) are growing.

Wegovy use and cases of gastroparesis have also been recorded. Clinical trials found that 44% of people who take Wegovy report nausea, with 40% experiencing vomiting — this number is higher than similar statistics in Ozempic use. Nausea is one of the main symptoms of gastroparesis.

Has Anyone Died From Ozempic or Wegovy Use?

There have been a few reports circulating about deaths related to Ozempic. The Independent reports on a death due to acute gastrointestinal illness allegedly brought on by Ozempic. Counterfeit Ozemic is on the rise and has been possibly linked to deaths — compounded Ozemic is on the rise due to shortages of legitimate prescriptions.

Semaglutide medications (like Wegovy and Ozempic can cause ileus) are linked to two deaths, says the FDA. Other reports caution Ozempic and Wegovy use when patients go under anesthesia. In the latter case, slowed digestion can increase the chance of pulmonary aspiration.