Semaglutide is the generic component of news-making popular drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy. These medications’ potential for aiding weight loss has led to both extreme popularity and extreme notoriety.
Ozempic was created to treat type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy was intended for general weight loss. Semaglutide is the active ingredient in both drugs. Each of these medications works in a similar way to suppress appetite and control blood sugar levels.
With increased demand and the widespread adoption of semaglutide through brand-name drugs (Ozempic and Wegovy), there’s been an uptick in the number of reports of worrying health issues. Patients are citing stomach paralysis, pancreatic inflammation, intestinal paralysis, and obstruction.
Sadly, sometimes people take certain medications to improve one health issue only to gain another. That’s where the attorneys at Constant Legal Group come in.
Constant Legal Group is an experienced defective drug injury firm. We can help alleviate the stress of dealing with your injury by taking over your legal representation while you concentrate on healing.
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a drug manufactured by multiple drug companies. It’s used to help patients manage chronic weight issues. It is also the active ingredient in the Novo Nordisk’s leading blockbuster weight loss treatment, Wegovy, and type 2 diabetes medication Ozempic.
Wegovy users experience weight loss as semaglutide helps patients feel “fuller.” By prompting the body to produce more insulin (thereby reducing blood sugar), it works to decrease appetite. Semaglutide works similarly in Ozempic, but Ozempic comes in lower doses as the intended use is different.
Ozempic has recently been making headlines — and not for the best reasons. The made-for-diabetes drug is not approved for weight loss, but some physicians prescribe it off-brand to patients.
Why Is There a Semaglutide Lawsuit?
There is a dark side to semaglutide: Many civil lawsuits have been filed against Novo Nordisk. Former patients claim the drug manufacturer did not warn people about potential health complications. Some issues include gastroparesis, intestinal blockages, and obstructions. If the case is successful, financial payouts may also be issued to survivors or families of those who passed.
The first Ozempic lawsuit was filed in Louisiana on August 2, 2023 (Bjorklund v. Novo Nordisk A/S). This suit asserted a variety of health problems to the medication, including extreme gastrointestinal distress and vomiting so severe it caused teeth loss.
The U.S. District Judge James Cain Jr. largely rejected Novo Nordisk’s motion to dismiss, believing that Bjorklund’s case could have merit. The case continues in the Louisiana federal court.
The Ozempic litigation is in its early stages. At Constant Legal Group, we’re keeping a close eye on the litigation. We’re working to ensure that semaglutide victims get the representation and compensation they deserve.
Is Semaglutide FDA approved?
Yes, semaglutide is FDA-approved under three brand-name medications — Wegovy and Ozempic injections and Rybelsus tablets. Ozempic and Rybelsus are approved for treating type 2 diabetes. Additionally, FDA has approved Wegovy for chronic weight management.
Over time, some people started to experience adverse side effects. Importantly, sufferers claim they weren’t adequately warned of the risk of severe intestinal blockages and other adverse health conditions. With the semaglutide investigation and ongoing lawsuits, the FDA has added additional warnings to the drug labelsregarding ileus or blocked intestines.
Constant Legal Group is familiar with cases against the manufactures of bad drugs. We’re pursuing several similar cases involving a failure to warn.
Is There a Wegovy or Ozempic Class Action Lawsuit?
There is no semaglutide class action lawsuit in the United States. A class action is a legal avenue permitting one or more plaintiffs to file and prosecute a lawsuit on behalf of a larger group or “class.”
However semaglutid cases have been grouped into a Multi District Litigation (MDL). An MDL is a slightly different legal action, where plaintiffs still maintain the title of plaintiffs. All the cases are separate but heard in one court. MDLs are heard in federal court, whereas class actions can be in either state or federal court.
Similar medications to Wegovy and Ozempic are also under scrutiny. Namely, Eli Lilly & Company, an Indiana-based pharmaceutical company, faces legal claims similar to Novo Nordisk’s. Those cases center on rising complaints over Eli Lilly & Co.’s Mounjaro, a type 2 diabetes medication with similar side effects.
Patients who have used Mounjaro may wish to investigate legal options, too. Mounjaro users can keep an eye out for developing active cases so they might know when to take legal action. At Constant Legal Group, we aim to be a helpful legal resource on burgeoning defective drug lawsuits.
What Is an Ozempic or Wegovy Lawsuit Worth?
Injured parties suffering from Ozempic and Wegovy’s side effects might be entitled to compensation in a diabetes drug lawsuit. There is no “official” settlement amount. Payouts generally depend on how long a person took the medication and the severity of their health conditions.
Novo Nordisk is a $30.98 billion company. It doesn’t deserve to profit from other people and their loved ones’ pain and suffering from Ozempic or Wegovy. With their record-breaking profits, it’s possible victims could receive commiserate payouts. With such a wide range of legal and financial possibilities, anyone with a serious, life-changing, and expensive health condition should reach out to a five-star personal injury firm.
Novo Nordisk, with its strong financial reserves, has an equally strong team of lawyers to protect the company. You’ll need a defective medicine firm that is used to going toe-to-toe with such adversaries — like Constant Legal Group.
At Constant Legal Group, our extensive defective drug case experience has led to stellar wins for our clients. Here are a few more:
Why Hire Constant Legal Group?
Constant Legal Group has a finger on the pulse of the semaglutide MDL. We can act quickly on your behalf if you are dealing with a painful health condition due to Ozempic, Wegovy, or another semaglutide medication.
A Leading Firm With Stellar Results
The better a personal injury firm’s reputation and previous successful case results, the better the firm and potential outcome. Constant Legal Group is a personal injury firm skilled in maneuvering defective drug cases. Our qualified legal team has hands-on experience with litigation, dangerous drugs, devices, and toxic minerals and a record of proven wins.
Ryan Cavanaugh, for example, has devoted his career to being a plaintiff’s attorney and representing clients harmed by dangerous drugs and devices. He has negotiated millions of dollars in settlements. Constantine Venizelos has helped thousands of clients obtain compensation in asbestos product liability cases.
In everything we do as a firm, our collective goal is to help people fight back and recover fair compensation for their injuries.
Top Lawyers in the Country
Our firm’s attorneys boast impressive victories that have helped hundreds of people recover from life-altering injuries caused by neglectful people and companies.
Ryan Cavanaugh is admitted to practice law in several state and federal courts, including Ohio and Louisiana. He has extensive experience in every aspect of litigation.
Ryan has worked on numerous mass torts for defective drugs and devices, with a proven case history of recovering millions of dollars in settlements. For example, when challenging American chemical company Union Carbide Corporation, Ryan won a $8,291,000 verdict for his client.
Constantine “Dean” Venizelos has fought for victims of asbestos, helping them secure the compensation they deserved from the asbestos bankruptcy trusts. Previously an attorney for the United States Department of Justice, Dean is also an expert in pharmaceutical litigation, mass tort cases, and more.
Edward Kelley, a Cleveland law school alum, is a top 40 under 40 trial lawyer. He has helped negotiate millions of dollars for victims of dangerous drugs and devices. He routinely handles cases around harmful carcinogen exposure, dangerous medical devices and medications, and minor sex abuse suits.
Experts in MDLs and Medical Class Action Lawsuits
The team at Constant Legal Group is well-respected by legal colleagues, receiving positions in critical lawsuits to represent victims of harmful medical devices. and medications
Most recently, Ryan Cavanaugh, Constant Legal Group partner, was appointed to the leadership committee for the ongoing Bard PowerPort multidistrict litigation suit. His expertise in working on complex drug manufacturing cases and class action lawsuits made him the clear choice for this prestigious leadership position.
Do I Qualify to File a Semaglutide Lawsuit?
The basics of a semaglutide claim should include:
- An injury was sustained in connection with the drug
- The drug was defective due to improper design or manufacturing. Or, it could be that the drug manufacturer didn’t warn patients of specific side effects
Eligible injuries in a lawsuit include:
- Persistent vomiting for four weeks or more, requiring at least one overnight stay in a medical facility.
- Hospitalization for vomiting or gastric injuries while taking the drug or within 60 days of stopping.
- Diagnosis involving ileus, gastroparesis, or pulmonary aspiration associated with anesthesia and surgery; stomach paralysis, or pancreatic cancer. These can occur while taking the medication or within six months of stopping.
It’s essential to note that the wrongful death statute of limitations applies in these cases. The statute of limitations is how long after an event a person can pursue a case; the statute of limitations can vary from state to state. For instance, the statute of limitations in Ohio is two years from when the cause of action accrues and within two years of the deceased in a wrongful death case.
However, some exemptions exist for minors, those with mental impairments, and more. It’s essential to talk to a personal injury lawyer to discuss your unique case’s details.
Talk to Constant Legal About Filing a Semaglutide Lawsuit
Constant Legal Group is a savvy and resourceful personal injury firm with defective drug expertise. We have a proven track record of helping injured parties recover significant financial settlements from irresponsible drug makers, device manufacturers, and more. With our bench-strength, legal knowledge, and strategic approach, big pharma is no match.
We work to give our customers an advantage in their cases, and we fight drug makers who prioritize profits over people. Our clients would tell you they value our communication style and honest but assertive approach to handling delicate legal issues.
When you need someone in your corner, contact Constant Legal Group for a free consultation and fair assessment of your case.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Semaglutide is FDA-approved for use in weight loss and diabetes drugs, but the medicine can cause significant health problems.
For instance, semaglutide may increase the risk of:
Thyroid tumors
Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)
Gallbladder disease
Intestinal blockages
And more
Some people are more susceptible to side effects than others.
Semaglutide may increase the risk of developing tumors of the thyroid gland, including medullary thyroid carcinoma or a type of thyroid cancer.
Some studies show lab animals given semaglutide developed tumors. However, it’s unknown if the medication can increase the risk of tumors in people.
Evidence surrounding these sought-after diabetes and weight loss drugs suggests users might be more susceptible to serious digestive problems, from pancreatic inflammation to pancreatitis to bowel obstructions to stomach paralysis.
While rare compared with other side effects, tens of millions of people take the drugs worldwide: This may amount to thousands of lawsuits regardless.
Gallstones, redness, and swelling of the gallbladder are possibilities with Ozempic use. Ozempic patients who use the drug for diabetes management or weight loss have developed gallbladder disease and gallstones. Some had to have their gallbladders surgically removed.
Reasons to Choose
Our attorneys at Constant Legal Group are backed by 18+ years of experience and education. Not only are we qualified to take on your case, but we care deeply about making sure you feel in the know and confident about your situation.
- Free Consultations
- You Don’t Pay Unless We Win
- Board Certified Lawyers
- 24/7 Call Center