Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus Injury Attorneys in Austin, Texas

Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus are popular drugs Novo Nordisk manufactured. They belong to a class of pharmaceuticals called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA), which share the same active ingredient: semaglutide.

Ozempic was approved by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for use by people with Type 2 diabetes and released on the U.S. market in December 2017. With evidence that Ozempic can induce weight loss, even for those without diabetes, in 2021, the FDA approved a higher-dose version of Ozempic, sold under the brand name Wegovy, to treat obesity and for weight management. Rybelsus is designed to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus, but the medication is not injected. Instead, it is taken daily as an oral tablet.

Promoted as innovative solutions for improving well-being, these drugs have become staples in millions of individuals’ daily routines, striving for better health.

A Gallup poll found that 6% of US adults, or 15.5 million people, have used or are using an injectable diabetes medication like Ozempic, with 3% using it for weight loss. A survey found that 22% of Americans have asked their doctor for an Ozempic prescription for weight loss.

Prescriptions for weight management in Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, and Mounjaro increased by 2,082% from 2019 to 2022. Prescription fills for semaglutide, the generic name for Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, increased by more than 400% between January 2021 and December 2023.

However, for some, the promise of relief has been overshadowed by severe and often irreversible injuries, including debilitating gastrointestinal complications. When a medication intended to enhance your quality of life instead causes lasting harm, the impact can be devastating.

Unfortunately, the manufacturer failed to warn its users about the potentially permanent side effects, including severe gastrointestinal problems that may impact its users’ quality of life. Now, Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus users are pursuing Novo Nordisk for failing to disclose the risks of severe gastrointestinal conditions and other injuries caused by its use.

If you were diagnosed with Gastroparesis, Stomach Paralysis, or Gastric Obstruction while taking the drug or within 30 days of stopping and require an ER visit or hospital admission, contact our skilled drug injury lawyers today for help.

How Do Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus Work?

Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus are part of a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). These drugs mimic a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1, crucial in regulating blood sugar levels, appetite, and digestion.

Here’s how they function:

• Regulating Blood Sugar Levels

GLP-1 RAs stimulate insulin production in response to meals while simultaneously suppressing the release of glucagon, a hormone that increases blood sugar levels. This dual action helps maintain better control over blood glucose levels, particularly in people with Type 2 diabetes.

• Slowing Digestion

These drugs slow the stomach’s emptying, which helps regulate blood sugar spikes after eating. This mechanism also contributes to a feeling of fullness, reducing overall food intake.

• Suppressing Appetite

By acting on areas of the brain responsible for appetite control, GLP-1 RAs help decrease hunger, making them practical tools for weight management and treating diabetes.

Despite their effectiveness, these drugs have been linked to severe gastrointestinal complications and other potential risks, underscoring the importance of fully understanding their effects.

What Types of Gastrointestinal Problems Are Caused by Ozempic/Wegovy/Rybelsus?

Studies in the Journal of Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism dating back to 2017 have shown that these products’ risk of gastrointestinal problems was higher when the drug was prescribed at higher doses, for longer durations, and weight loss.

Some of the most reported medical issues listed by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases associated with Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus include, but are not limited to:

• Bezoars, solid masses of food in the stomach, preventing digestion, which can cause blockages, internal bleeding, and ulcers; if a bezoar keeps food from moving to the small intestine, gastroparesis can be life-threatening.
• Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome.
• Dangerous Fluctuations in Blood Sugar Levels.
• Decreased Quality of Life.
• Gallbladder Disease.
• Gallstones.
• Low Calorie Intake.
• Malnutrition Stemming from Poor Nutrient Absorption.
• Nausea and Vomiting.
• Pancreatitis.
• Severe Dehydration.
• Stomach Paralysis, called Gastroparesis.

The primary legal issue is whether Novo Nordisk knew or should have known about the heightened risks for gastroparesis/stomach paralysis that these drugs posed to users and failed to warn doctors and patients of this risk.

Unfortunately, Gastroparesis has no known cure. According to MedlinePlus, a trusted resource that compiles health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other reputable organizations, available treatments for the condition typically provide only temporary relief.

If you have suffered gastrointestinal injuries because of your Ozempic/Wegovy/Rybelsus use, contact our skilled personal injury attorneys in Texas today to learn more about your legal rights and options to pursue a claim.

Who Can File a Lawsuit for Gastroparesis/Stomach Paralysis After Taking Ozempic?

Our law firm is currently investigating cases on behalf of individuals who received Ozempic, Rybelsus, or Wegovy brand GLP-1 RA treatments (in pills or via injections) and:

• Are 75 years of age or younger; and
• Received a diagnosis of gastroparesis, stomach paralysis, or gastric obstruction while taking these drugs or within 30 days of stopping use; and
• Required an emergency room visit or hospital admission.

What Types of Compensation Can I Seek When Filing a Lawsuit for Injuries Associated with Ozempic, Rybelsus, or Wegovy Brand GLP-1 RA Treatments?

When filing a lawsuit for injuries associated with Ozempic, Rybelsus, or Wegovy, the types of compensation you can seek depend on the severity and impact of your injuries. These damages aim to address your condition’s tangible and intangible consequences, mainly if the injuries are permanent and will continue to affect your quality of life.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the potential compensation you may pursue:

Medical Expenses

• Past medical costs:Compensation for the expenses you’ve already incurred, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and specialist consultations.
• Future medical costs:If your injuries require ongoing care, rehabilitation, or lifelong treatment—especially for conditions like gastroparesis or stomach paralysis, which may be permanent—these projected expenses can be accounted for in your claim.

Lost Wages and Income

• Lost wages:Reimbursement for income lost while recovering from your injury or attending medical appointments.
• Loss of earning capacity:If your injury permanently impairs your ability to work, you may seek compensation for reduced earning potential, taking into account your career path, skill set, and future earning prospects.

Pain and Suffering

• Compensation for the physical discomfort, chronic pain, and emotional distress caused by your injuries. This includes the impact of permanent gastrointestinal conditions, which can significantly disrupt daily life.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

• Injuries that lead to a reduced quality of life—such as an inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed—may be factored into your claim. Permanent injuries that alter your lifestyle can lead to significant damages in this category.

Permanent Disability or Impairment

• For injuries that result in lasting conditions, such as gastroparesis or stomach paralysis, you can seek damages to account for the lifelong impact. This includes modifications to your home, assistive devices, or specialized care required to manage your condition.

Emotional and Psychological Distress

• Injuries caused by these medications can lead to anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, mainly if they result in a permanent condition. Compensation may address therapy, counseling, and emotional suffering.

Wrongful Death (if applicable)

• If a loved one suffered fatal injuries linked to these medications, surviving family members may pursue compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support the deceased would have provided.

Why Permanent Injuries Require Special Consideration

Permanent injuries, such as stomach paralysis or other severe gastrointestinal conditions, can have a profound and enduring impact on every aspect of your life. These injuries may require lifelong treatment, impose limitations on your diet and activities, and cause ongoing physical and emotional challenges. Because of their lasting nature, permanent injuries are often a significant factor in determining the total compensation you should seek.

To ensure these damages are fully accounted for, it’s critical to work with our experienced legal counsel, who can calculate your injury’s long-term costs and impacts, advocate for your rights, and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

If you’ve suffered injuries related to Ozempic, Rybelsus, or Wegovy, consult our knowledgeable drug injury attorney to help you build a strong case and secure justice for your losses.

Contact Our Skilled Drug Injury Lawyers Today for Help

Call our skilled Austin drug injury attorneys at (512) 883-0277 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation. With the help of our legal partners, we pursue dedicated, driven results for our clients, and there is never a charge to talk to an attorney.

We stand ready to help you.