Personal Injury Lawsuit Filed Against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly Over Alleged Side Effects of Diabetes Drugs
A law firm specializing in personal injury cases has filed a lawsuit against pharmaceutical giants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and Co. The lawsuit alleges that the companies’ diabetes drugs, Ozempic and Mounjaro, can cause a condition known as gastroparesis, which results in a paralysis of the stomach.
The law firm, Morgan & Morgan, announced the lawsuit during a news conference headed by attorneys Paul Pennock and Jonathan Sedgh. They cited a “failure to warn” as the basis of the lawsuit. Pennock stated that they believe there is sufficient evidence to prove that these drugs are causing the alleged problems and that they plan to file more cases in the future. The first case in the lawsuit involves a 44-year-old woman from Louisiana who had taken both Ozempic and Mounjaro.
According to Pennock, the woman experienced severe symptoms and had to visit the emergency room multiple times. Her symptoms were so extreme that she even lost teeth due to violent vomiting. While she has not been officially diagnosed with gastroparesis, she is seeking financial compensation.
The law firm also revealed that they are currently investigating 400 other inquiries from clients across 45 states regarding similar issues with these drugs.
Ozempic and Mounjaro, both administered once a week by injection, have gained popularity for their ability to aid in weight loss. Mounjaro is a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Another drug, Wegovy, also sold under the brand name Ozempic, is specifically FDA-approved for weight loss.
Gastroparesis, or delayed gastric emptying, is a condition that slows or stops the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine. While diabetes is a commonly known cause of gastroparesis, the lawsuit claims that these drugs can also lead to this condition.
Several individuals who have taken these drugs have reported severe complications. Brea Hand, who was not involved in the lawsuit, went to the hospital multiple times and was eventually admitted to intensive care while taking Ozempic. She described unbearable stomach pain and constant vomiting.
In response to the allegations, Novo Nordisk stated that gastrointestinal events are well-known side effects of the GLP-1 class, to which Ozempic and Mounjaro belong. Eli Lilly and Co. also emphasized their commitment to patient safety and monitoring the safety of their medicines.
While these drugs have been FDA-approved for diabetes and weight loss, doctors have cautioned about potential side effects and unknown long-term impacts.
The outcome of this lawsuit has yet to be determined, but it raises concerns about the potential risks associated with these widely-used drugs. Patients currently taking Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Wegovy are advised to consult their healthcare providers regarding any concerns or symptoms they may experience.
– Cara Korte and Janet Shamlian contributed to this report.