Makers of Ozempic and Mounjaro Sued on Stomach Paralysis Claims

Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly face lawsuit over Ozempic and Mounjaro, accused of failing to warn about severe stomach problems like Stomach Paralysis gastroparesis

Makers of Ozempic and Mounjaro Sued on Stomach Paralysis Claims
Makers of Ozempic and Mounjaro Sued on Stomach Paralysis Claims (NBC News)

Ozempic ,Mounjaro Sued on Stomach Paralysis Claims

In a recent lawsuit, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, the drugmakers behind the blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Mounjaro, are facing allegations of failing to adequately warn patients about potential severe stomach problems associated with their medications.

The 26-page lawsuit, filed on behalf of a Louisiana woman, claims that these diabetes drugs can cause gastrointestinal injuries, including severe gastroparesis, commonly known as stomach paralysis, and persistent vomiting.

Let’s delve into the details of the lawsuit and the concerns surrounding these drugs.

Ozempic and Mounjaro – Managing Diabetes and Off-Label Use

Ozempic and Mounjaro belong to a class of medications known as GLP-1 agonists, designed to help individuals with Type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels effectively.

Additionally, these drugs have been prescribed off-label for weight loss due to their ability to make individuals feel fuller for longer by slowing down the movement of food through the stomach.

The Lawsuit and Accusations

Jaclyn Bjorklund, a 44-year-old from Louisiana, claims to have suffered severe injuries after taking Ozempic and Mounjaro. She alleges that the drugmakers failed to disclose other health issues caused by the medications, including gastroparesis and persistent vomiting.

Her attorney, Paul Pennock from Morgan & Morgan, asserted that the drugmakers did not provide adequate warnings about potential gastrointestinal problems.

Understanding Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a condition characterized by slow or halted movement of food from the stomach to the small intestines. It is often referred to as “delayed gastric emptying” and can result from various medical conditions, with diabetes being one of the more common causes.

Certain medications, such as narcotics and antidepressants, can also contribute to its development.

Medication Labels and Absorption

While the terms “gastroparesis” do not specifically appear on the prescribing information for Ozempic and Mounjaro, their labels do mention “delays gastric emptying.” This reference is due to the impact of these drugs on the absorption of other medications by the body.

The FDA’s Response

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declined to comment directly on the lawsuit. A spokesperson for the agency stated that it is currently unclear whether GLP-1 medications contribute to the occurrence of gastroparesis.

The FDA, however, continues to monitor potential adverse events related to these drugs.

Drugmakers’ Response

Eli Lilly’s spokesperson did not respond immediately to the lawsuit, while Novo Nordisk’s spokesperson, Natalia Salomao, stated that the company was unaware of the lawsuit as of Wednesday morning.

Salomao emphasized that gastroparesis is a known risk for individuals with diabetes and urged patients to take these medications only for their approved indications under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Growing Number of Lawsuits

According to attorney Paul Pennock, approximately 400 individuals have come forward claiming gastrointestinal injuries caused by Ozempic and Mounjaro.

He expects the number of cases to grow into thousands in the future.

Jaclyn Bjorklund’s Experience

Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2017, Jaclyn had initially been prescribed Ozempic before later switching to Mounjaro.

She alleges that she experienced severe injuries from the medications and had to visit the emergency room multiple times due to stomach problems, including violent vomiting that resulted in tooth loss.

A Specialist’s Perspective

Dr. Shauna Levy, a specialist in obesity medicine and the medical director of the Tulane Bariatric Center in New Orleans, expressed surprise at the lawsuit.

While acknowledging the potential of these medications to cause gastroparesis, she also noted that the condition could be due to other underlying medical issues or exacerbated by the patient’s diabetes.

Conclusion

The lawsuit against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly highlights concerns about the lack of adequate warnings regarding severe stomach problems associated with Ozempic and Mounjaro.

While the link between GLP-1 agonists and gastroparesis remains under scrutiny, patients are advised to use these medications for approved indications and under medical supervision.

As the number of cases grows, it is essential for drugmakers and regulators to address these concerns and prioritize patient safety.

FAQs

What are Ozempic and Mounjaro used for?

Ozempic and Mounjaro are medications used to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. They are also prescribed off-label for weight loss due to their impact on making individuals feel fuller for longer.

What is gastroparesis The delayed gastric emptying?

Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach slows down or halts the movement of food into the small intestines. It is often referred to as “delayed gastric emptying.”

Can GLP-1 agonists cause gastrointestinal issues?

Yes, GLP-1 agonists, including Ozempic and Mounjaro, can cause gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

How many cases of gastrointestinal injuries have been reported?

Approximately 400 individuals have reported gastrointestinal injuries caused by Ozempic and Mounjaro, with expectations of more cases in the future.

Are the drugmakers aware of the lawsuit?

Eli Lilly’s spokesperson did not respond immediately, while Novo Nordisk claimed to be unaware of the lawsuit as of Wednesday morning.

What does the FDA say about the link between GLP-1 medications and gastroparesis?

The FDA has not directly commented on the link. It continues to monitor potential adverse events related to these drugs.


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