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Semaglutide is a medication used for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, and recently, weight management as well. Semaglutide is part of a class of medications also known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 RA’s for short. Our body naturally produces the GLP-1 hormone, which is produced in response to eating, it’s also activates receptors in the hypothalamus, which control appetite regulation and promote a feeling of fullness. In the last couple of years, Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy (among others) took the world by storm for their effectiveness in controlling not just Type 2 diabetes, but also as an effective treatment for weight loss.
Talk to a Las Vegas medical lawsuit attorney from Bighorn Law today about your case.
Why Are Lawsuits for Semaglutide Occurring?
There are numerous potential side effects to taking these medications. One of the most common being referred to in numerous lawsuits is gastroparesis. In October 5, 2023, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that “use of GLP-1 agonists for weight loss compared with use of bupropion-naltrexone was associated with increased risk of pancreatitis, gastroparesis, and bowel obstruction.” This severe, life-threatening condition causes food particles to move through the body’s digestive system at a very slow pace. In some situations, the food stops moving and can, over time, cause blockages that result in serious illness and pain. The delay in food moving from the stomach into the small intestine, may also cause Pulmonary Aspiration, typically associated with anesthesia or surgery.
On top of gastroparesis, patients taking Ozempic have complained of having gallbladder issues such as gallstones and acute gallbladder disease, in some cases leading to the removal of the gallbladder, according to a letter published in the JAMA Internal Medicine. The data comes from a study conducted by the Food and Drug Administration using data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).
The data from the FDA found that patients who use Ozempic for an extended time were more susceptible to suffering problems with their gallbladders, specifically acute cholecystitis. The most common symptom of acute gallbladder disease is sudden inflammation of the organ, which occurs when gallstones block the tube that leaves it. Acute gallbladder disease can only be treated in the hospital and often results in its removal.
Those who have suffered these conditions or other complications from using semaglutide have sought legal action against the makers of these medications, including Novo Nordisk & Eli Lili. They claim that they were not informed of this risk, and as such, the company did not provide a safe product for use.
What Could a Claim Like This Mean?
If a person suffers an injury as the result of a preventable incident, it may be necessary for the manufacturer to pay for the losses that the individual suffered. In this situation, the claim may be that the manufacturer should have warned of this risk or should have discovered this risk in its research. The lawsuits could claim, for example, that the company exposed the individual to unnecessary risk.
Should a claim like this become successful, it may mean that the manufacturer is held responsible for all losses the individual suffered, such as:
- Emergency medical care.
- Procedures related to the treatment of the complications, including surgery.
- Lost time at work.
- Compensation for pain and suffering.
- Support for recovery from emotional distress.
What Should You Do If You Take Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is sold under a number of brand names, including:
- Ozempic
- Wegovy
- Rybelsus
- Mounjaro
- Zepbound
- Trulicity
If you are taking any of these medications, do not stop taking them suddenly. Consult your doctor as the first step.
If you have suffered complications related to gastrointestinal distress, especially if this has sent you to the hospital for care, it is best to discuss this with your doctor and then your attorney.
These medications are in a classification called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 RAs. If you are taking any of these medications, do not stop taking them suddenly. Consult your doctor as the first step.
Contact Bighorn Law Today
At Bighorn Law, we help clients with a range of product liability matters, including medication failures like this. If you were injured by a form of Semaglutide medication, the attorneys at Bighorn Law can help you hold the manufacturer accountable. Our lawyers can advocate aggressively for your rights and secure the settlement that you deserve. Contact us online or at (866)945.5829 to discuss your next step with a Las Vegas Semaglutide injury attorney.