Weight loss drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Trulicity and others have become popular in recent years. These injectable drugs include semaglutide, a synthetic hormone that slows the digestive process. Weight loss drugs containing semaglutide have recently been linked to negative side effects that seriously compromise the health and safety of some users. Affected patients have reported severe gastrointestinal (GI) issues even after discontinuing the medication. Others have reported vision loss and suicidal thoughts related to these medications.
If you suffered physical or psychological health issues after taking a weight loss drug containing semaglutide, you may have grounds to sue for compensation. Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC works with experienced Wegovy and Ozempic attorneys who can help you file a weight loss drug lawsuit and represent you during proceedings.
What Are the Health Issues Associated With Weight Loss Drugs?
A 2023 study published in JAMA found that patients who took weight loss drugs with synthetic glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists like semaglutide were at greater risk of conditions like pancreatitis, gastroparesis, and bowel obstruction. The risks are not necessarily the same for those who use the drugs to control diabetes.
Each type of weight loss drug can put patients at risk of health concerns. Some other side effects of these various medications, while rare, may include:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Pulmonary embolism
- Allergy induced angioedema
- Acute kidney injury
- Medullary thyroid cancer
- Precancerous findings in the pancreas
- Worsening diabetes-related retinopathy
Another study in JAMA Ophthalmology showed a link between semaglutide-containing weight loss drugs and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a condition that causes sudden vision loss due to lack of blood circulation in the eye.
Semaglutide has also been linked to suicidal thoughts and ideation, as indicated by a recent study published in Nature Medicine.
Understanding Semaglutide and GLP-1 Agonists
Semaglutide is a synthetic drug in the class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists. These medications are used to manage blood sugar by mimicking natural GLP-1. Designed as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes patients, GLP-1 agonists also slow digestion and reduce appetite, which has led to their off-label use as a weight loss drug.
Why Are People Suing Pharmaceutical Manufacturers of Weight Loss Drugs?
Lawsuits allege that the manufacturers of Wegovy, Ozempic, and other semaglutide weight loss drugs did not provide sufficient warning about the drug’s potential health risks. They further indicate that the manufacturers did not conduct adequate testing or review to ensure their product would not harm users.
The negative effects of these drugs have been widespread enough that hundreds of lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies Novo Nordisk and Eli Lily have been consolidated in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania under multidistrict litigation (MDL 3094). Preliminary bellwether trials are ongoing and will inform the legal process for the remaining cases.
Additionally, a 2024 study published in JAMA Network Open showed that unregulated semaglutide products are also being sold without a prescription, putting users at risk. Because of shortages of these drugs, patients may receive compounded versions of a GLP-1 drug, which can mean patients are not receiving medications that have not been reviewed by the FDA.
How Much Can I Recover in a Weight Loss Drug Lawsuit?
Every case is unique, so it is impossible to predict the outcome of your claim. Typically, people with more significant injuries receive higher settlements or awards. Depending on the extent and severity of your weight loss drug side effects and complications, you could recover:
- Medical expenses, including costs of diagnostics, imaging, surgery, current and future treatment, medication, and rehabilitation
- Lost income due to your weight loss drug injuries
- Diminished future income if you are disabled due to weight loss drug side effects
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment
Our team will evaluate your situation and connect you with mass torts attorneys who can thoroughly investigate your claim to understand all the ways the drug’s side effects harmed you. These weight loss drug attorneys can help determine how the drug’s side effects have impacted you and discuss potential legal strategies.
How Does a Weight Loss Drug Lawsuit Work?
Most personal injury cases against weight loss drug manufacturers are currently being consolidated into MDL 3094. If your case is markedly different from those already filed, we may recommend you file a separate personal injury claim. Otherwise, we file a formal complaint for you to join the existing lawsuit.
Determining Eligibility
To join the lawsuit, your lawyer must have evidence to prove that you took a GLP-1 RA product and suffered gastroparesis, gastrointestinal injuries, or other injuries as a result. Some important forms of evidence they could seek include:
- Doctor’s notes and medical history
- Diagnostic tests and lab results
- Hospitalization records
- Prescriptions and pharmacy records
- Expert testimony from medical professionals and regulatory experts
- FDA publications
- Your own testimony about your symptoms and the side effects you are suffering from
Your legal team will thoroughly investigate your medical history and records to ensure you have a valid claim before we file on your behalf.
Filing a Formal Claim
Your legal team submits the appropriate legal forms and documentation to formally file the lawsuit. Once filed, your case then becomes part of the larger ongoing litigation. You typically have a limited time to file a claim, so reach out to a product liability attorney as soon as possible to learn which deadlines may apply to your claim.
Achieving a Final Settlement or Verdict
If a fair settlement is not reached during negotiations, the case may proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will determine compensation.
How Long Does it Take to Receive a Weight Loss Drug Settlement?
The time frame for mass torts litigation like the Wegovy lawsuit depends on several factors, including:
- The number of plaintiffs who filed claims in the MDL
- How long the bellwether trials take
- How willing the parties are to negotiate a settlement
- Whether the defendants want to avoid a prolonged trial and the associated publicity
- If the plaintiffs or defendants appeal the final resolution
Depending on these factors, it can take months or years for the plaintiffs to receive compensation from their final settlement or verdict.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Weight Loss Drug Attorney Today
Taking care of your health should not come with severe consequences, but manufacturer negligence could mean serious consequences for you, your family, and people all over the country . You deserve justice and compensation for your struggles.
If you suffered gastrointestinal issues or other health problems related to Wegovy, Ozempic, or other GLP-1 class drugs, you could recover compensation for your losses. Contact us today to speak with a member of our legal team.