Wegovy is a weight management drug approved by the FDA in 2021. It’s an injectable drug that’s taken once a week. Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that suppresses appetite by imitating a hormone in the brain that controls hunger. In 2017, Wegovy manufacturer Novo Nordisk put Wegovy’s sister medication, Ozempic, on the market. Ozempic was created to manage type 2 diabetes. Once reports came out that many people lost weight while taking Ozempic, however, doctors started prescribing it for weight management. Novo Nordisk then formed a concentrated, injectable version of Ozempic called Wegovy, using the same active ingredient (semaglutide). In addition to weight management, Wegovy has also been approved for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases like stroke, heart attacks, and heart disease for those who are obese. Just like Ozempic, Wegovy lawsuits have been filed for causing serious side effects for patients who took the drug without being adequately warned about the risks. Learn more about Wegovy, its side effects, and current litigation below.
How Does Wegovy Work?
Wegovy is used for weight management and appetite suppression. The drug works by imitating naturally occurring hormones that regulate hunger and appetite. When taking the drug as prescribed, patients experience reduced appetites and decreased calorie intake, which promotes weight loss.
Who is Prescribed Wegovy?
Wegovy is prescribed to overweight and obese adults who suffer from at least one obesity-related disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, or high cholesterol. Wegovy can also be prescribed to children 12 years or older who are in the 95th percentile for their weight and height.
Side Effects of Using Wegovy
Temporary side effects when using Wegovy include diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and abdominal pain. However, several serious, irreversible side effects have been associated with using Wegovy, including:
Gallbladder Problems
Recent scientific research and clinical studies have shown that using Wegovy and Ozempic can cause gallbladder issues like gallstones and gallbladder disease.
Thyroid Issues
Thyroid issues associated with Wegovy usage include thyroid nodules, tumors, and thyroid cancer.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, has also been reported by patients prescribed Wegovy.
Hypoglycemia
Wegovy usage is associated with low blood sugar, which can lead to dizziness, fainting, or seizures.
Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis, is one of the most severe side effects of taking Wegovy. This disease makes digesting food extremely difficult and prevents the stomach from emptying completely.
Kidney and Liver Failure
This life-threatening condition happens when the liver and kidneys, which filter toxins in the body and produce needed proteins, don’t function properly.
Wegovy Lawsuit Overview
Novo Nordisk failed to warn patients about the increased risk of gastrointestinal issues such as gallstones, gallbladder disease, and gastroparesis when Wegovy was first put on the market. In March 2022, Wegovy’s product information was updated to include a warning about potential gallbladder issues. However, patients who were prescribed Wegovy before this and suffered from certain gastrointestinal problems could be eligible to file a Wegovy lawsuit for compensation for their medical expenses and other damages.
In February 2024, Wegovy lawsuits were consolidated into Multidistrict Litigation with other GLP-1 receptor drugs. As of June 2024, there are over 100 lawsuits against Wegovy’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, from patients who suffered from gallbladder disease, gallstones, and gastroparesis after taking Wegoy.
How to File a Claim For Wegovy Injuries
If you were prescribed Wegovy before March 2022 and suffered gastrointestinal issues like gallbladder disease or gastroparesis, you could be eligible to file a Wegovy lawsuit to receive compensation for your injuries. You must have taken the drug for a significant period (at least a few months) to be eligible. If you believe you may be owed compensation from Wegovy’s manufacturer for failing to warn you about the dangers of taking the drug, contact our team at the Michael Brady Lynch Law Firm. We can help you determine whether you have a valid claim against Novo Nordisk and will help you get the compensation you’re entitled to receive.
Call us at 888-585-9570 to learn more.