Lawsuit Filed Against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly Over Diabetes Drugs Linked to Gastroparesis
A personal injury law firm has recently filed a lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and Co. The lawsuit alleges that their diabetes drugs, Ozempic and Mounjaro, known for their popularity in aiding weight loss, can cause gastroparesis, a condition characterized by a paralysis of the stomach.
The law firm Morgan & Morgan is representing the plaintiffs in the case, with attorneys Paul Pennock and Jonathan Sedgh heading up the lawsuit. In a news conference held on Wednesday, Pennock stated that the basis of the lawsuit is a failure to warn about the potential risks associated with these drugs.
According to Pennock, evidence suggesting a link between the drugs and gastroparesis is sufficient to support the lawsuit. The first case filed involves a 44-year-old woman from Louisiana who has taken both Ozempic and Mounjaro under her doctor’s recommendation. She has experienced severe complications, including multiple visits to the emergency room and even tooth loss due to violent vomiting.
Pennock further revealed that his firm is currently investigating 400 other inquiries from clients across 45 states regarding similar concerns related to these drugs. The number of cases filed is expected to increase in the coming days and weeks.
The drugs in question, Mounjaro and Ozempic, are both administered once a week through injections. Mounjaro is categorized as a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, whereas Ozempic falls under the classification of a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Semaglutide, another drug sold under the brand name Wegovy, also belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonists category.
Gastroparesis, also known as delayed gastric emptying, is a disorder that affects the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine. It is a common condition associated with diabetes, and the National Institutes of Health has listed diabetes as the leading cause of gastroparesis.
Brea Hand, a patient who took Ozempic, shared her experience with CBS News, revealing that she had been hospitalized six times and eventually admitted to intensive care due to 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 of drugs. Eli Lilly and Co. emphasized their commitment to patient safety and stated that they actively monitor and report safety information for all their medications.
While Mounjaro and Ozempic have received FDA approval as diabetes medications, Wegovy has specifically been approved for weight loss purposes. These drugs were initially developed to manage Type 2 diabetes by regulating insulin and blood sugar levels. They also release a hormone that slows down digestion, resulting in weight loss. However, long-term effects and potential side effects are still not fully understood.
As the lawsuit progresses, it is anticipated to shed light on the risks associated with these diabetes drugs and their potential to cause gastroparesis. The outcome of the case may have significant implications for patients seeking weight loss treatments and medical professionals prescribing these medications.