Consumers that have used the prescription drug Ozempic have been found to be at an increased risk to suffer from gallstones and consequently severe health complications. Ozempic, also known as Semaglutide and sold under the other names Wgovy and Rybelsus, is an antidiabetic medication used to manage blood sugar levels of people with type 2 diabetes and as an anti-obesity medication for weight management.
There have been over 10,000 adverse events tied to Ozempic reported to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Adverse Reporting System (FAERS) through the fourth quarter of 2021. Many of these adverse events involved gallbladder-related issues such as gallstones (cholelithiasis).
Patients prescribed Ozempic that have suffered gallbladder-related issues such as cholelithiases may be entitled to compensation through a defective drug lawsuit. Consider contacting the defective drug lawyers of Dolman Law Group today about scheduling a free consultation to determine whether you can seek damages for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering in an Ozempic lawsuit.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is the brand name of Semaglutide sold as an antidiabetic non-insulin medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and sometimes weight management as well through control of blood sugar levels.
The medication was developed by the Danish multinational pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk in 2012 and is the 129th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States with over 4 million prescriptions. Ozempic is not used for type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, or in people who’ve had pancreatitis.
How and Why is Ozempic Used?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Analog-Type drug. It mimics the action of the human incretin glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and increases insulin secretion and glycemic control so blood sugar metabolism increases.
In layman's terms, the drug helps the pancreas release more insulin upon detection of higher blood sugar levels and helps stop the liver from producing and releasing too much sugar to compensate for blood sugar regulation issues caused by type 2 diabetes.
The drug comes in a liquid form that is injected via a prefilled disposable pen. It is typically administered in one dose once a week in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Ozempic Tied To Gallbladder Health Issues
The Ozempic product label shows that gallstones were reported in 1.5% and 0.4% of 0.5mg and 1mg of Ozempic-treated patients in clinical trials. 0% of the patients given a placebo reported gallstones. 90% of the patients that reported gallstones in these Ozempic clinical trials reported their cholelithiases as a serious event that required cholecystectomy where the gallbladder is removed.
Several scientific studies published in a variety of peer-reviewed medical journals have shown connections between the use of drugs like Ozempic and an increased risk of gallbladder-related diseases.
JAMA Internal Medicine - Association of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Use With Risk of Gallbladder and Biliary Diseases
This study published in JAMA Internal Medicine provides a meta-analysis of the association between GLP-1-1 RA use with the risk of gallbladder or biliary diseases. This was accomplished by using randomized clinical trials to compare the use of GLP-1 RA drugs with a placebo or with non-GLP-1 RA drugs in adults.
Through the meta-analysis of the clinical trials, the study found an increased risk of cholelithiasis (RR 1.27; 95% CI 1.10-1.47) and cholecystitis (RR 1.36; 95% CI 1.14-1.62) with GLP-1 RAs compared to placebo or active comparator. Through this systematic review, the researchers concluded that the use of GLP-1 RAs was associated with an increased risk of gallbladder or biliary diseases with higher associated risk when used at higher doses, for longer durations, and for weight loss.
JAMA Internal Medicine - Association of Bile Duct and Gallbladder Diseases With the Use of Incretin-Based Drugs in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
JAMA Internal Medicine published another study that sought to determine whether the use of DPP-4 inhibitors and GLP-1 analogues is associated with an increased risk of incident bile duct and gallbladder disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. The comparative study found that 853 of 71,369 patients were hospitalized for bile duct and gallbladder disease, and researchers reported that the use of GLP-1 analogues was linked to an increased risk of these illnesses. GLP-1 analogues were also associated with an increased risk of cholecystectomy.
With this information, researchers concluded that there is an increased risk of bile duct and gallbladder disease from the use of GLP-1 analogues, researchers cautioned physicians to be aware of such risks when prescribing these drugs.
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice - Cholelithiasis in patients treated with Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor
In a meta-analysis published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, researchers updated existing associations between GLP1-RA and cholelithiasis after the publication of new trials. With their new analysis, the researchers identified an increased risk of cholelithiasis with GLP-1 RAs (MH-OR 1.28; 95% CI 1.11-1.48) including in sensitivity analysis with continuity correction (MH-OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.10-1.45) compared to placebo or active comparator.
Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism - Safety Issues With Glucagon-Like peptide-1 Receptor Agonists
In a meta-analysis published in Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism, researchers assessed the effect of GLP1-RA on pancreatitis, pancreatic cancers, and cholelithiasis while also including the data from recently published cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOT) with GLP1-RA.
The meta-analysis concluded that data confirmed the safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists for pancreatitis but also associated these drugs with an increased risk of cholelithiasis.
Injuries Caused by Ozempic Use
These studies of drugs in the same classification as Ozempic have indicated a high risk of gallbladder problems. The most common of these issues is cholelithiasis also known as gallstones which can be extremely painful and potentially cause severe complications.
What is Cholelithiasis (Gallstones)?
Ozempic has shown an increased risk of cholesterol and bilirubin in the gallbladder hardening into what are known as gallstones. The gallbladder stores the bile produced by the liver and while you can live without one, gallbladder issues such as gallstones can impact your general health.
These gallstones can range in size and block ducts in the gallbladder which creates a buildup of bile that causes sudden pain. This sudden pain is called a gallbladder attack and requires treatment as soon as possible which often will consist of a cholecystectomy. Symptoms of Cholelithiasis include:
- Sudden pain in the upper right or the center of the abdomen, or shoulders
- Nausea
- Vomiting
What is Cholecystitis?
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder that can be caused by gallstones blocking bile ducts. The gallbladder holds digestive fluids, bile, and more that can inflame the gallbladder when they build up. If not treated promptly, complications can arise like gallbladder rupture. Cholecystitis is often treated through gallbladder removal. Cholecystitis symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Back and shoulder pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
How Much Is My Ozempic Lawsuit Worth?
There is no simple answer to the common question of how much any given lawsuit is worth. What it comes down to is the damages suffered by the plaintiff which vary from case to case. Ultimately, your ability to effectively quantify and qualify the losses you have suffered as a result of an injury such as gallstones is a primary factor in how your case is valued. The goal of a personal injury lawsuit is to make the plaintiff whole again after the losses they suffered because of their injuries.
Gallbladder issues caused by Ozempic can vary but the bottom line is that they can cause expensive medical bills, cause those affected to miss work and potential wages, possibly lose their job, and other financial losses depending on the circumstances of the case.
Ozempic-related injuries can also inflict intense pain and suffering that while intangible can be considered a damage as well worth compensation. A personal injury attorney is an essential component in effectively determining what damages you have suffered that can be a part of your claim. With their assistance in calculating your damages you can effectively maximize the value of your Ozempic lawsuit and potentially uncover damages you would not have even considered yourself.
Why Consider Dolman Law for Your Ozempic Lawsuit?
Consumers that use prescription drugs are not strangers to the fact that many medications come with risks but they deserve to be properly warned of these risks so they can make informed decisions. Ozempic should have disclosed the risk of gallbladder illnesses such as gallstones to consumers but failed to do so resulting in severe damages to many uninformed patients.
Dolman Law Group is a personal injury law firm that specializes in cases involving defective drugs that have harmed consumers. Our product liability lawyers have experience handling high-profile lawsuits involving everything from over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol and Zantac to prescription opioids and Elmiron lawsuits.
The Ozempic lawyers at Dolman Law Group have a proven track record of success in representing harmed consumers in lawsuits against major pharmaceutical companies. These pharmaceutical companies do not hold back in attaining the best legal representation possible and neither should you. Dolman Law offers legal representation that brings over 100 years of combined legal experience and diligence to the table while making sure that your voice is heard.
Dolman Law Group Has a Long History of Successful Litigation
Dolman Law Group prides itself on its excellent record of successful cases. Our team of award-winning personal injury lawyers has assisted thousands of clients with difficult legal situations and gotten them satisfactory compensation so that they can recover from damages that changed the course of their lives.
- $400+ Million in Settlements
- 400+ Settlements That Have Beaten Pre-Trial Offer
- 40,000+ Clients Helped
- 120+ Combined Years of Experience
Contact Dolman Law Group for Help With Your Ozempic Lawsuit
Ozempic can potentially cause severe damages in the form of medical bills, lost wages, lost earning potential, and mental anguish that can be compensated in an Ozempic lawsuit. The lawyers of Dolman Law are nationally recognized and have a sterling reputation proven by client testimonials that speak to our ability to help you in this difficult time.
Contact Dolman Law to schedule a free consultation with our Ozempic attorneys today to learn how we can help you recover damages after suffering from cholelithiasis or cholecystitis related to Ozempic use.