Criminal Defense Lawyers

Ozempic Gallstone Lawsuit

Ozempic Users File Gallstone Lawsuits After Suffering Severe Side Effects

Ozempic (semaglutide) has exploded in popularity as a weight loss drug, but many patients are developing painful gallstones and other gallbladder problems after using it. As of December 2023, there are no Ozempic class action lawsuits yet, but legal experts expect lawsuits to ramp up in 2024 as more patients come forward. Patients who have had to get their gallbladder removed after using Ozempic may have a strong case for compensation.

The Link Between Ozempic and Gallstones

Ozempic helps people lose weight by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 that makes you feel fuller. But it also causes the gallbladder to contract more, which can lead to gallstone formation. Gallstones are hard deposits that form in the gallbladder and can cause excruciating pain in the abdomen.In March 2022, Ozempic’s maker Novo Nordisk added warnings to the drug label about the risk of gallstones and cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation). This came after the FDA received dozens of adverse event reports linking Ozempic to these side effects. However, many patients claim Novo Nordisk knew about the risks long before adding the warning.

Lawsuits Allege Failure to Warn About Gallbladder Risks

The first Ozempic lawsuits were filed in late 2022 by patients who developed gallstones and had to have gallbladder removal surgery after taking Ozempic or Wegovy. These lawsuits accuse Novo Nordisk of failing to adequately warn doctors and patients about the increased risks.For example, according to one lawsuit filed in Louisiana in August 2022:

“Despite having knowledge of the link between its semaglutide products and the increased risk of gallbladder related injuries, Novo Nordisk failed to warn consumers or healthcare providers of this known risk in an effort to maximize sales and profits.”

Other lawsuits similarly allege that Novo Nordisk deliberately downplayed the risks of gallstones, cholecystitis, and other gallbladder problems to sell more Ozempic. Lawyers argue Novo Nordisk had a duty to proactively warn patients about these potential adverse effects.

Damages Sought in Ozempic Gallstone Lawsuits

Patients who file Ozempic gallstone lawsuits are seeking compensation for:

• Medical expenses related to gallbladder treatment and surgery
• Lost wages from missing work
• Pain, suffering and emotional distress
• Permanent injuries or disability

One law firm estimates Ozempic gallbladder settlements could be worth $400,000 or more for patients who had their gallbladders removed. However, every case is different, and it remains to be seen what juries may award patients.According to attorneys, some of the strongest Ozempic lawsuits would be ones where patients suffered:

• Gallbladder removal surgery
• Hospitalization
• Long recovery periods
• Ongoing digestive issues

Patients with less severe gallstones may still have a case, but potential settlements may be lower.

Key Legal Questions in Ozempic Lawsuits

Some of the key legal questions these lawsuits aim to answer include:

• Did Novo Nordisk have early knowledge that Ozempic could cause gallstones and hide or downplay the risk?
• Should Novo Nordisk have warned patients and doctors about the gallbladder risks sooner?
• Was the March 2022 label change too late to prevent injuries?
• Did Novo Nordisk adequately test Ozempic’s side effects before launch?
• Is Novo Nordisk liable for injuries caused by off-label use for weight loss?

The outcome of these cases could come down to what Novo Nordisk executives and scientists knew about gallstone risks, and when they knew it. Lawyers will be seeking internal company documents, communications, and test data to try to prove Novo Nordisk was aware of the dangers.

No Ozempic Class Action Yet, But Lawyers Expect Litigation Wave

So far there is no Ozempic class action lawsuit combining multiple plaintiffs together. However, legal experts anticipate many more lawsuits targeting Novo Nordisk over gallbladder injuries.According to drug safety advocates:

“With more than 4 million Ozempic prescriptions issued in one recent year alone, we expect many more users will be injured and more Ozempic gallstone lawsuits will be filed.”

If enough cases are filed nationwide, it’s likely a class action could be formed. This would allow patients from around the U.S. to pursue claims together in federal court. However, legal experts say each patient’s case facts would still be evaluated individually.Until then, it’s expected patients will continue filing individual Ozempic gallstone lawsuits in various state courts. Novo Nordisk will likely push to get the cases consolidated in one federal court through multidistrict litigation (MDL) proceedings. This could happen in 2024 if litigation ramps up substantially.

Check Eligibility for an Ozempic Gallstone Lawsuit

You may be eligible to pursue an Ozempic lawsuit if you:

• Took Ozempic or Wegovy before March 2022
• Developed gallstones or other gallbladder problems
• Had to be hospitalized or have gallbladder removal surgery

It’s recommended you contact an Ozempic attorney to discuss your legal options. An experienced defective drug lawyer can review your case and help determine if you have a claim. They can also answer any questions you have about the litigation process.

Key Takeaways

• Multiple lawsuits allege Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk failed to warn about the risk of gallstones.
• Patients claim they developed severe gallbladder problems after taking Ozempic for weight loss.
• Lawsuits are seeking substantial damages for patients who had gallbladder removal surgery.
• Legal experts expect many more Ozempic gallstone lawsuits in the coming year.
• Contact an Ozempic lawyer to explore your legal options if you’ve suffered gallbladder injuries.

The Ozempic litigation is still emerging, but lawyers are gearing up for an expected swell of gallstone cases nationwide. As more patients come forward, the potential damages Novo Nordisk faces over the alleged failure to warn could ramp up quickly. Those affected should seek legal counsel sooner rather than later.