Ozempic Mass Tort Lawsuit
Ozempic lawsuits alleging severe side effects continue to mount. So far, over 50 lawsuits have already been filed over injuries like pancreatitis, kidney failure, and thyroid cancer allegedly caused by Ozempic and other similar diabetes drugs containing the active ingredient semaglutide. Legal complaints cite evidence that Ozempic can cause serious pancreatic inflammation, resulting in tissue damage or internal bleeding. Additional alleged side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as acute kidney injury potentially leading to renal failure.
With 13 federal court cases recently consolidated in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, national multidistrict litigation is ramping up. Lawyers estimate over 40 more federal cases could soon join the multidistrict litigation as awareness spreads. While the federal lawsuits are now consolidated, plaintiffs also have the option to file personal injury claims in state courts.
As more potential cases emerge and the litigation grows more complex, this mass tort is poised to intensify in the coming months and years. Partner with an experienced marketing firm to secure leads for this massive litigation.
Basis of the Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjouro Lawsuit
Ozempic contains the active pharmaceutical ingredient semaglutide and belongs to the newer class of type 2 diabetes drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
GLP-1 drugs help lower blood glucose by triggering pancreas cells to release more insulin and curb appetite by inducing feelings of fullness. Other GLP-1 agonists include:
- Byetta (exenatide): the first GLP-1 drug, approved in 2005
- Victoza (liraglutide): Approved in 2010
- Trulicity (dulaglutide): Approved in 2014
- Adlyxin (lixisenatide): Approved in 2016
- Saxenda (liraglutide): Higher dose of Victoza, approved in 2014
- Rybelsus (semaglutide tablets): Oral semaglutide option, approved 2019
- Wegovy (semaglutide): Higher dose for weight loss, approved 2021
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide): New option approved in 2022
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration originally approved Ozempic in December 2017 as an additional treatment option for improving blood sugar control along with diet and exercise in adult patients with type 2 diabetes. It is administered via a once-weekly subcutaneous injection using a prefilled, single-patient-use pen device.
Ozempic is currently only available under the brand-name version manufactured by the global pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk for adults with type 2 diabetes. The same company produces Wegovy, another semaglutide medication. However, unlike Ozempic, Wegovy is expressly prescribed for weight management in obese and overweight adults. No generic form of the injectable semaglutide medication is available.
Other major pharmaceutical corporations have developed similar glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists for type 2 diabetes. Most notably, Eli Lilly—another key defendant included in the consolidated federal multidistrict Ozempic litigation—has an FDA-approved semaglutide product under the brand name Mounjaro.
While there is no generic Ozempic, other brand-name variants containing the key ingredient semaglutide have emerged in recent years as treatment options for managing high blood sugar in diabetic patients. However, concerns over serious side effects like pancreatitis and thyroid cancer remain prevalent.
Ozempic has been used for more than just diabetes management in recent years, partly due to social media influence and celebrity popularity. Ozempic became so popular that the FDA added it to its drug shortage list in 2022. Now, multiple product liability lawsuits are rising to the surface after the drug harmed consumers.
Injuries Described in Ozempic Lawsuits
Lawsuits filed over Ozempic allege use of the drug can lead to severe complications, including the following:
- Pancreatitis, including hemorrhagic pancreatitis
- Severe gastrointestinal problems like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Acute kidney injury and renal failure
- Malnutrition-related disorders
- Esophageal injury
- Ileus, which is when the body is unable to contract and pass waste
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Medullary thyroid cancer
- Gastroparesis
Based on early lawsuits, some of the most common alleged side effects include the following:
- Pancreatitis that causes inflammation, tissue damage, or internal bleeding
- GI issues like chronic nausea, vomiting, gallbladder disease
- Kidney damage marked by fatigue, nausea, confusion, chest pain
- Diabetic ketoacidosis, resulting in breath that smells fruity
In addition to these injuries, lawsuits cite damages like lost income, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
Ozempic Personal Injury Lawsuit Timeline
In February 2024, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ordered the consolidation of the first 13 federal Ozempic lawsuits for pretrial proceedings in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania under U.S. District Judge Gene E. K. Pratter.
At least 55 cases have been filed over alleged side effects. Lawsuits filed so far include the following:
- February 2023: The first lawsuit was filed in California alleging pancreatitis.
- March 2023: A second lawsuit was filed over alleged pancreatitis.
- May 2023: A lawsuit was filed alleging Ozempic caused chronic pancreatitis.
- July 2023: A case was filed claiming Ozempic caused pancreatitis and kidney failure.
- August 2023: An Ozempic gastroparesis lawsuit was filed alleging the drug causes “stomach paralysis.”
- November 2023: The first New Jersey suits were filed over alleged kidney damage.
While the federal cases have now been consolidated, plaintiffs can also file lawsuits in state courts. Lawyers estimate that over 40 more federal cases are likely to join the multidistrict litigation.
Ozempic (Semaglutide) Legal History in the United States
In addition to personal injury litigation, Ozempic has faced other legal issues:
- October 2022: Novo Nordisk paid $100 million to settle allegations it illegally promoted Ozempic for weight loss.
- September 2021: Novo Nordisk paid $56.8 million to settle similar off-label marketing allegations.
The FDA has also urged Novo Nordisk to address affordability concerns regarding Ozempic.
However, the growing Ozempic mass tort litigation regarding severe side effects poses the most significant legal threat currently facing Ozempic. Well over 50 potential cases have already been identified. At least 13 lawsuits have already been filed in federal court, forming Ozempic multidistrict litigation to allow for efficient pretrial proceedings.
Ozempic Lawsuit Marketing Services
Mass tort litigation often unfolds over many years before settlement. An expert marketing partner is crucial to help fuel your Ozempic practice with qualified leads from the start.
An experienced agency understands the importance of being aggressive and strategic from day one when an emerging mass tort opportunity presents itself. CAMG can specifically help law firms hit the ground running with the following services:
- 24/7 intake call center services to capture leads
- Medical record retrieval services to quickly secure documentation
- Omnichannel marketing, combining digital ads, TV, radio, and more to reach clients across media
- Creative content and compliance expertise informed by experience
By partnering with CAMG from the outset, your firm can focus on litigation with a pipeline of quality leads for Ozempic injury cases. We have years of marketing experience in multiple legal areas, including mass torts.
The Importance of Early Lead Flow in Emerging Mass Torts
Early lead flow is critical to mass tort success for many reasons, including the following:
- The firms that end up as leaders in litigation often aggressively marketed the practice area from the very outset before awareness was widespread.
- Capturing clients early when side effects first emerge is crucial, as there is far less competition. Handling intake and immediately retrieving medical records allows firms to prepare compelling initial filings.
- A steady intake apparatus constantly funneling leads provides regular opportunities to uncover severe bellwether cases that capture attention once litigation grows.
- A strong lead flow early cements positioning as a leader before the space becomes oversaturated. An agency like CAMG handles ongoing lead procurement so your team can focus on preparing litigation.
Are you looking for qualified Ozempic leads? Get started marketing your law firm for Ozempic cases by booking a strategy session with us. Talk to our team today to learn more.
THE NATION’S LARGEST FULLY INTEGRATED
Marketing Agency Dedicated to Law Firms
- Television
- Radio
- Public Relations
- Medical Record Retrieval & Review
- Search Engine Optimization
- Paid Digital
- Out of Home
- Intake & Contracting Services