Ozempic is a popular drug prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes. Controversially, this semaglutide antidiabetic drug has also become popular for off-label weight loss and management. Many patients experience serious side effects, including gallbladder complications.
If you have taken Ozempic or a similar semaglutide and have been diagnosed with gallbladder disease, you may be eligible to file a semaglutide lawsuit against the product’s manufacturer. Our West Virginia personal injury lawyers can review your case and determine your eligibility to file a lawsuit seeking the full and fair compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call (304) 345-6789 for a free consultation.
Ozempic Linked to Gallbladder Disease
Ozempic users have reported gallbladder complications, including gallstones (cholelithiasis) and inflammation (cholecystitis). In March 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ordered a major change to Ozempic product labels, incorporating a warning that the drug may lead to acute gallbladder disease. Customers were not previously warned about the risk of gallbladder-related complications, exposing Ozempic’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, to product liability lawsuits.
More than 10,000 semaglutide-related adverse incidents were reported through the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) in the last three months of 2021. The following semaglutide pharmaceuticals were linked to gallbladder-related disorders:
- Ozempic – 75.29 percent (7,583 events)
- Rybelsus – 12.14 percent (1,223 events)
- Wegovy – 5.6 percent (564 events)
Injuries and Side Effects of Ozempic
Patients who took Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy have reported various complications from using these semaglutide drugs. In addition to side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, patients have been warned of possible pancreatitis, diabetes retinopathy complications, hypoglycemia, and acute kidney injury. Semaglutide prescriptions, including Ozempic, have also been linked to other health issues, including:
- Thyroid tumors
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Acute kidney injury
- Increased heart rate
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
- Agitation, irritability, and other abnormal behaviors
- Stomach paralysis and other gastrointestinal conditions
Gallstones
The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver, which aids in digestion. Cholelithiasis, also known as gallstones, are hard, pebble-sized bits of material that can form within the gallbladder. They can be as small as a grain of sand and as large as a golf ball. Gallstones can be painful and lead to serious complications without treatment.
Inflammation of the Gallbladder
Cholecystitis refers to inflammation of the gallbladder. This condition is usually caused by gallstones blocking the entrance of the gallbladder. If left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening complications and may even require surgical removal of the gallbladder.
Do You Qualify to File a Semaglutide Lawsuit?
If you have taken a semaglutide product and have been diagnosed with gallbladder complications, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. These claims are normally bought as product liability lawsuits alleging the manufacturer failed to adequately warn customers about the dangerous side effects of their pharmaceuticals.
To qualify for a lawsuit, you must have taken a semaglutide drug like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus for enough time to have caused a harmful complication, such as:
- Acute gallbladder disease
- Pancreatic cancer
- Intestinal injuries
Our legal team can help you determine whether you qualify for an Ozempic gallbladder lawsuit. We will evaluate your case, determine how much it may be worth, and help you figure out the best path forward. You can count on us to vigorously advocate for you every step of the way, allowing you to focus on your health while we focus on securing the full and fair compensation you deserve.
How to File an Ozempic Lawsuit in West Virginia
Product liability lawsuits brought against Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, and Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Trulicity and Mounjaro, have been consolidated for multidistrict litigation in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. This legal process is meant to streamline cases alleging that the defendants’ pharmaceuticals harmed patients. The results of the consolidated cases will be influential in claims filed after.
Prescription drug manufacturers have aggressively fought allegations implicating their semaglutide products. Our attorneys have what it takes to push back against pharmaceutical companies when they refuse to compensate our clients fairly for the harm they suffered.
While you focus on your recovery, our attorneys will leverage our skills and resources to build the strongest case possible on your behalf. In addition to providing a free, no-obligation consultation and a no-win, no-fee guarantee, you can count on us to:
- Gather and organize evidence to substantiate your claim, including medical records.
- Obtain expert testimony from doctors and other specialists.
- File your case with the appropriate court before the statute of limitations deadline passes.
- Negotiate a fair settlement with the defendants, if possible.
- Fiercely represent you in court if a fair out-of-court settlement is not reached.
You may be entitled to significant legal compensation from the drug manufacturer responsible for your gallbladder complications. Among other things, compensable damages may include medical expenses, physical pain, psychological suffering, and lost wages. Our skilled attorneys will evaluate your legal options and develop a strong case strategy uniquely tailored to your case.
Contact Our Attorneys for Help with Your Semaglutide Injuries Today
Our full-service personal injury firm has helped hundreds of clients throughout West Virginia and surrounding areas. Founding partner Bobby Warner was born and raised in the state. From our main office in Charleston, he has dedicated his career to providing high-quality legal services to communities throughout West Virginia. Over the years, we have collected millions of dollars for our clients.
With decades of experience under our belts and a proven track record of success, our attorneys are ready to fiercely advocate on your behalf and help you secure the best outcome possible in your case. If you have been harmed by Ozempic, do not wait to take legal action. Contact us online or call (304) 345-6789 to discuss your eligibility for an Ozempic gallbladder lawsuit in a free, no-obligation consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide. It mimics GLP-1 hormones responsible for prompting insulin production in the body, which regulates blood sugar. Additionally, semaglutide can reduce appetite by making the stomach feel full, which has made it both popular and controversial as a weight loss drug. The result is similar to that of bariatric surgery.
Ozempic is administered as a long-term weekly injection. Weight loss can plateau as your body adjusts to the drug. If you stop taking it, weight loss may be reversed. The drug is also associated with numerous health complications, including in the gallbladder.
No, Ozempic has not been approved by the FDA for weight loss, though it has been approved to “lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, in addition to diet and exercise.” Further, “Ozempic is also approved to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and known heart disease.”
By contrast, the FDA has approved Wegovy injections to help adults and children over 12 years old lose weight, along with diet and exercise. Ozempic and Wegovy are both semaglutide drugs. Novo Nordisk manufactures both products.
The FDA is investigating reports of counterfeit semaglutide products, including Ozempic, being sold in the United States. Remember, semaglutide drugs should only be obtained from licensed professionals. Patients are encouraged to report adverse side effects, suspected counterfeit, and other issues to the FDA.