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Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, the manufacturers of Mounjaro and Ozempic, are currently facing dozens of lawsuits related to their products. The lawsuits are regarding the weekly injectable medications approved to help manage type 2 diabetes while also supporting weight loss. As of December 2023, there are more than 10,000 legal claims from patients and dozens of pending lawsuits.
These drug manufacturers are facing legal action from patients who claimed they were not properly warned about the side effects of the medication — some of which were so severe the patients developed long-term conditions or were hospitalized.
It’s important for anyone considering Mounjaro or Ozempic to be aware of possible side effects to protect their health. Learn more about these lawsuits and what they could mean for future patients.
What Is the Ozempic and Mounjaro Lawsuit?
Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, the manufacturers of Ozempic and Mounjaro, are accused of failing to disclose potential health risks associated with these drugs. Victims claim they developed gastroparesis, which is also known as stomach paralysis.
Medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro work by slowing digestion and delaying gastric emptying. This means food stays in the stomach longer, making you feel full. Gastroparesis occurs when your digestive system stops moving entirely, even though there isn’t a blockage or anything preventing food from moving forward.
The first lawsuit was filed by Jaclyn Bjorklund of Louisiana in August 2023 against Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk (2:23-cv-01020-JDC-KK). It claims that the drug manufacturer downplayed the severity of the side effects, making Bjorklund think the medication was safe. She is suing Novo Nordisk after suffering severe gastrointestinal events, resulting in “sustained severe and permanent personal injuries, pain, suffering, and emotional distress, and incurred medical expenses.”
In the wake of Bjorklund’s claim, others have followed. As of February 2024, there are 55 active lawsuits against the makers of Ozempic and Mounjaro. Because this is an ongoing lawsuit, the number of claims is expected to increase.
Real-Life Examples of Mounjaro and Ozempic Lawsuits
Bjorklund was one of the first victims to file claims against the makers of Ozempic, but there are a few other notable cases to review. These are the experiences of other patients who suffered while taking these injectable drugs.
- Paulsen Bronston was prescribed Ozempic to lower his blood sugar. He experienced severe diarrhea that worsened until he needed his gallbladder removed. Bronston joined one of many class action suits against Novo Nordisk.
- Jenny Bryant is suing Novo Nordisk for “negligence, failure to warn, defective design, and deceptive and unfair marketing practices” for Ozempic and Wegovy. She took Ozempic and experienced severe side effects and injuries from the injections.
- Shawn Derrick filed a complaint against Novo Nordisk for downplaying the risk of gastroparesis and necrotizing pancreatitis — an inflamed pancreas — in its marketing materials after he took the medication and experienced both of those conditions.
These lawsuits are still pending, but they may set a precedent for future cases. This means legal teams can use the arguments made by the plaintiffs to support their own clients during the trial.
Potential Side Effects of Mounjaro and Ozempic
Mounjaro and Ozempic are designed to support patients with type 2 diabetes. They specifically help patients better manage their blood sugar levels so they can live healthier, happier lives. However, these medications come with a variety of side effects that range from mild to severe, depending on the patient.
Some people without type 2 diabetes also use these medications as weight-loss drugs, which is known as taking them off-label. Taking off-label drugs can also have unwanted reactions.
Here are some of the common side effects that people experience.
Mounjaro Side Effects
Eli Lilly lists several common side effects that patients might experience while taking Mounjaro. These include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion, and decreased appetite. These symptoms can get worse shortly after a dosage increase; however, they often fade over time as the patient’s body gets used to the medication.
Some patients may experience rare side effects that are severe or even life-threatening. These include pancreatitis, kidney injury or failure, gallbladder problems, and severe stomach issues. Patients can also experience changes in their vision and allergic reactions to the medication that makes it hard to breathe.
Mounjaro can also have interactions with other medications that make them less effective. This is particularly true for oral pills that don’t get absorbed in the stomach because the medication affects the digestion process. For example, the FDA states that oral birth control pills may not be as effective while on Mounjaro, and patients should switch to non-oral methods and use barrier birth control like condoms.
Ozempic Side Effects
Ozempic has similar side effects as Mounjaro. The most common side effects for patients on Ozempic include nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, and constipation. The team at Novo Nordisk encourages people who experience nausea and other symptoms to eat more slowly, stick to a bland diet, and drink water and other clear drinks.
Some of the more serious and rare side effects of taking Ozempic include possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. The makers of Ozempic encourage patients to seek medical treatment if they experience swelling in their necks or a lump forms. Other symptoms of thyroid issues include hoarseness, trouble swallowing, and shortness of breath. Patients can also develop kidney problems, gallbladder issues, and pancreatitis while taking Ozempic.
Some of the most dangerous side effects of Ozempic, including gastroparesis, could lead to hospitalization or long-term digestive complications. Many of the plaintiffs in the Ozempic lawsuits mentioned above are seeking compensation for medical bills from hospital stays and are still recovering from the conditions caused by Ozempic.
Pursuing a Lawsuit Against Mounjaro and Ozempic
If your doctor prescribed Mounjaro, Ozempic, or Wegovy and you experienced severe side effects, you might be able to file a claim against Novo Nordisk or Eli Lilly. The number of lawsuits against these companies is growing each day as more patients join class action lawsuits and mass torts.
In a class action lawsuit, one plaintiff represents a group of people who were harmed. With a mass tort, each plaintiff is represented individually. By joining a mass tort, you can bring your evidence to the court and seek specific damages based on how these companies hurt you.
The first step towards seeking justice is to hire a trusted law firm that has experience with these types of cases. Your legal team can help you gather evidence like medical records that prove there is a connection between your Ozempic or Mounjaro use and unwanted side effects. They will then help you join a mass tort so you can get the compensation you deserve.