Ozempic Lawsuit: 3 Years of Use Led to Gastroparesis Diagnosis

A recent Ozempic lawsuit has brought increased attention to the potential risks associated with this popular medication for weight loss and type 2 diabetes management. A patient’s claim of developing gastroparesis after three years of Ozempic use has sparked concern among healthcare professionals and patients alike. This complaint highlights the need for a closer examination of the long-term effects of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, a widely-used medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a brand-name subcutaneous injection approved by the FDA in 2017 for treating type 2 diabetes in adults. It belongs to the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists) drug class. Ozempic works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone, signaling the brain to feel full and slowing digestion, similar to the effects of bariatric surgery. Although Ozempic is only officially approved to treat diabetes, it is often prescribed off-label for weight loss management.

Potential Ozempic Gastrointestinal Side Effects

The most common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. Nausea is particularly prevalent, especially when starting treatment or increasing dosage. Other mild side effects may include headache, fatigue, and changes in taste perception. These effects often decrease or disappear with continued use.

Recent research has linked Ozempic to more serious complications, including an increased risk of severe gastrointestinal problems. These include pancreatitis, occurring in about 5 cases per 1,000 semaglutide users, and gastroparesis, affecting approximately 10 in 1,000 users. Bowel obstruction is another potential complication, though less common with semaglutide. While these severe side effects are rare, the widespread use of Ozempic means a significant number of people could potentially experience them.

Lawsuit Alleges Link Between Ozempic and Gastroparesis

In one of the latest Ozempic lawsuits against Novo Nordisk, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on July 30, 2024, plaintiff Robbie Lewis claims that he experienced severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and other complications as a result of using Ozempic, leading to a gastroparesis diagnosis. According to the complaint, Lewis was prescribed Ozempic and administered the injections from July 2020 until January 2023. The lawsuit contends that his use of Ozempic directly resulted in a diagnosis of gastroparesis, a condition that severely impairs stomach function and can lead to significant health complications.

Lewis’s legal action accuses Novo Nordisk of failing to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about the potential risks associated with Ozempic, particularly the risk of developing gastroparesis. The lawsuit asserts that the pharmaceutical company was aware, or should have been aware, of these risks but chose to conceal this critical information from the public. The complaint presents a variety of claims against Novo Nordisk, including:

• Strict liability
• Negligent failure to warn
• Breach of warranty
• Fraudulent concealment
• Fraudulent misrepresentation
• Negligent misrepresentation 

Lewis seeks both compensatory and punitive damages for the injuries he has suffered allegedly due to the side effects of Ozempic, emphasizing the need for accountability from the drug manufacturer.

Implications for Ozempic Users and Future Litigation

Long-term Ozempic use may lead to unforeseen side effects, particularly when used off-label for weight loss. The FDA has received over 14,000 reports of Ozempic side effects since 2018, with nearly 9,000 linked to gastrointestinal issues. Severe complications include gastroparesis, ileus, and intestinal blockages. 

The FDA has updated Ozempic’s label to include warnings about potential risks, emphasizing its approved use for type 2 diabetes management only. In September 2023, the FDA added warnings for intestinal blockage, obstruction, and ileus. The agency is also evaluating reports of hair loss, suicidal thoughts, and aspiration under sedation among users of Ozempic and similar medications.

Weighing the Potential Benefits and Risks of Ozempic Use

Mounting Ozempic lawsuits have brought to light the potential risks associated with the long-term use of this popular medication. The instance of a patient developing gastroparesis after three years of use has an impact on both healthcare professionals and patients, prompting a closer look at the long-term effects of semaglutide. This situation underscores the need to carefully weigh the benefits and risks of using Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonists to treat obesity and diabetes.