Oklahoma City Ozempic Injury Lawyers

Information on Ozempic (semaglutide) lawsuits from our Oklahoma City attorneys

The popular drug Ozempic (also called Wegovy, Rybelsus, Mounjaro, Saxenda, or its generic name semaglutide) is currently under increased scrutiny as more and more people are prescribed the drug for rapid weight loss. Some recent lawsuits highlight the potential dangers of this medication, including reported side effects of gallbladder disease and gastroparesis. Our Oklahoma City dangerous drugs attorneys are here to provide you with as much information as possible. If you’ve been harmed by Ozempic or any semaglutide medication , understand that you have options, and we can help.

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Background on current lawsuits
What is Ozempic?
Why are people filing Ozempic lawsuits?
What are the other side effects of Ozempic?
What damages are available in an Ozempic lawsuit?
What is the statute of limitations in Oklahoma City?

Background on current lawsuits

Per Forbes:

In February, 2024, The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ordered that all current Ozempic lawsuits in federal court be centralized in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. There are already 13 lawsuits (of the 55 known cases) in this district and before U.S. District Judge Gene E. K. Pratter.

This order will create a multidistrict litigation or MDL. Though similar to a class action, MDLs resolve each claim individually while allowing judicial rulings and the discovery process to be streamlined. Class actions, on the other hand, combine all claims into a single case resolved together.

The first Ozempic lawsuit was filed on Aug. 2, 2023, by Jaclyn Bjorklund, alleging she suffered stomach paralysis. She stated that Ozempic, and later Mounjaro, caused severe vomiting, pain, and loss of teeth (from the vomiting).

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a brand name for semaglutide, manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Semaglutide was originally developed as a Type 2 diabetes therapy, approved by the FDA in 2017 to control the effects of diabetes. However, soon after the public release of the drug, researchers found semaglutide could also be used to treat obesity. In 2021, the FDA approved Wegovy for weight management in adults.

The drug quickly became incredibly popular for weight management, becoming so popular, in fact, that the FDA added it to its drug shortages list in 2023.

Why are people filing Ozempic lawsuits?

Plaintiffs in Ozempic lawsuit are alleging the drug causes a condition called gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis. Gastroparesis is a medical condition that affects the normal spontaneous movement of the muscles (motility) in your stomach. Normally, strong muscular contractions move food through your digestive tract. However, in gastroparesis, these contractions are weakened or absent, which can interfere with normal digestion. Gastroparesis can lead to intestinal blockages and obstructions, and also causes nausea and diarrhea. Plaintiffs allege Novo Nordisk played down these side effects.

One study also shows a link between the use of drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy with an increased risk of gallbladder disease. Patients are also reporting that taking the medication can lead to ileus, which is a condition where the intestines temporarily stop functioning. The FDA listed this as a possible side effect of Ozempic in October. Health.com reports:

Though it’s still too early to say that Ozempic is definitively causing ileus, reports of this side effect join the more than 14,000 other cases of Ozempic side effects reported since 2018—nearly 9,000 of which have been linked to various gastrointestinal issues, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upper abdominal pain, and abdominal dissension.

Further, Forbes reports the “European Medicines Agency is also currently reviewing data that suggests there may be a link between semaglutide and suicidal ideation. The agency has received at least 150 reports of people suffering suicidal thoughts while taking Ozempic.” In the United States, Wegovy carries a warning about suicidal behavior, although this warning is required for all chronic weight loss medication. Forbes notes that “Semaglutide might reflect a higher risk than that attributed to other weight management medications.”

What are the other side effects of Ozempic?

Ozempic has a long list of side effects, some more serious than others. Other reported side effects of Ozempic include:

Fatigue
Dizziness
Hypoglycemia
Flatulence
Headaches
Constipation

What damages are available in an Ozempic lawsuit?

Damages in a lawsuit depend on the harm and losses you have suffered. This could include compensation for medical bills and pain and suffering. As an example, in her case, Jaclyn Bjorklund is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages include medical costs, as Bjorklund suffered severe gastrointestinal issues, including losing teeth and internal damage. She has been hospitalized multiple times.

Bjorklund is also seeking punitive damages for the pain caused by the actions of Novo Nordisk, as well as compensation for court costs and attorney fees. Other lawsuits will likely claim similar damages.

What is the statute of limitations in Oklahoma City?

If you believe you have a claim against Ozempic, it’s important to remember the statute of limitations in your state. Here in Oklahoma, you only have two years to bring a personal injury claim. It’s important to act fast and get an attorney on your side as soon as possible so you don’t miss any deadlines. We can help.