The Symptoms of Gastroparesis You Should Know About

Your stomach is like a muscular sac, and its primary function is to churn and break down food. Now, if this sac starts to malfunction, all the food that should smoothly move into your intestines gets stuck instead. As a result, you’ll feel intense pain and a paralytic feeling. That’s what gastroparesis is.

An estimated 1.5 million Americans suffer with gastroparesis each year. Studies have shown an increased risk of gastroparesis in people taking Ozempic. One study found a risk 3.67 times higher than that of those not taking it.

If you’re suffering several symptoms, you can learn how Ozempic causes gastroparesis, and then contact your lawyer to join the list of people suffering from Novo Nordisk’s failure to warn about the side effects of Ozempic.

Symptoms of Gastroparesis

Here is a comprehensive list of the symptoms suffered by a person with gastroparesis:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Excessive belching
• Inability to eat more than a few bites
• Acid reflux
• Weight loss and malnutrition
• Changes in blood sugar levels
• Slow digestion
• Heartburn

How Ozempic Causes Gastroparesis

Ozempic is a medication that originally served as a prescription for type 2 diabetes. Over the years, however, it emerged as a weight-loss drug that also helped manage blood sugar.

Recently, it was found that this same Ozempic has a concerning side effect: Gastroparesis. Ozempic mimics a natural gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which slows down digestion. For some people, this effect might be too strong and might lead to an inability to pass out waste.

Some studies also suggest that Ozempic might affect the nerves that control stomach muscle movement. As a result, the individual may suffer symptoms like nausea and vomiting, which are core signs of gastroparesis.

The drug also triggers subtle inflammation in the digestive system, thereby worsening the symptoms of gastroparesis.

Why Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly Are Being Sued

Back in August of 2023, the manufacturers of Ozempic, Eli Lilly, and Novo Nordisk were slammed with a product liability lawsuit by a 44-year-old Louisiana plaintiff.

She developed a severe case of gastroparesis that led to tooth loss as a result of intense nausea and vomiting. More plaintiffs followed after the first, and as of February 2024, there were at least 55 lawsuits against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.

Patients who have developed gastroparesis after taking Ozempic are suing Novo Nordisk for several reasons:

Failure to warn

Lawsuits allege that Novo Nordisk did not adequately warn healthcare providers and patients about the potential risk of gastroparesis associated with Ozempic. As patients were not privy to this information, they were unable to make informed decisions about their treatment options.

Defective design

Some lawsuits claim that the inherent mechanism of Ozempic, despite its intended benefits, does have a design flaw that increases the risk of gastroparesis.

Negligence

These lawsuits allege that Novo Nordisk failed to conduct proper research or testing regarding the potential gastroparesis side effects of Ozempic.

What Kind of Damages You’ll Be Eligible for 

If you have developed gastroparesis after taking Ozempic and believe the medication is responsible, you might be eligible for various types of compensation through a lawsuit. Here are some that will be addressed:

• Past and future medical bills associated with diagnosing and treating gastroparesis caused by Ozempic.
• Lost wages if your gastroparesis prevents you from working or reduces your earning capacity
• Punitive damages to punish Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly for their alleged misconduct.
• Physical and emotional distress caused by gastroparesis symptoms and the impact on your quality of life.

Contact an Attorney Today

Pharmaceutical companies have a responsibility to prioritize the safety of their patients. When they fail in this regard, legal action is necessary to hold them accountable.

If you’ve suffered serious health complications after taking Ozempic, you don’t have to face this alone. You deserve to know your rights and explore potential legal options.

You need a lawyer who understands the complexities of pharmaceutical litigation and can fight for the compensation you deserve. Many law firms offer free consultations to assess your situation and the strength of your potential claim.

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