Mounjaro Lawsuit

On Feb. 2, 2024, Mounjaro lawsuits were among 55 lawsuits targeting its drug class combined in a federal multidistrict litigation in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

As of November 2024, there are 1,221 pending lawsuits in the GLP-1 MDL. The lawsuits are in their initial stages, and no settlements or jury trials have been scheduled yet. The law firm Morgan & Morgan filed the first lawsuit on behalf of Jaclyn Bjorkland. The firm is now investigating several thousand claims, according to attorney Jonathan Sedgh.

The Bjorkland lawsuit and others claim Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Ozempic (semaglutide), another Type 2 diabetes drug, caused serious personal injury with symptoms ranging from severe vomiting to gastrointestinal burning. Several other Ozempic lawsuits make similar claims.

Although Eli Lilly and Company’s Mounjaro is FDA-approved to treat Type 2 diabetes, many doctors prescribe it off-label as a weight loss medication. Clinical studies have shown it to be more effective than semaglutide for weight loss and blood sugar control. However, it can cause serious health complications that require hospitalization for treatment.

So far, there are no Mounjaro class-action lawsuits, and the existing lawsuits are product liability cases.

Mounjaro can cause serious gastrointestinal side effects, including gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis. Severe gastroparesis can cause prolonged vomiting that lasts for at least four weeks and it’s a key qualifier for joining the ongoing Mounjaro lawsuits. Lawyers are also investigating cases for ileus and intestinal blockages or obstructions. Patients claim Eli Lilly failed to provide adequate warnings about the risks of severe side effects associated with using Mounjaro.

This relatively new Type 2 diabetes medication targets how the body digests food by activating the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. For some patients, it slows digestion and absorption to the point that the stomach no longer functions properly. Certain foods, such as those high in fat, can increase the likelihood of negative side effects with this class of medications.

Although there is no current FDA approval for the purpose, many doctors prescribe Mounjaro for weight loss. Some wellness centers and compounding pharmacies are also producing their own versions of the medication, potentially increasing the risk of side effects and patient harm.

What Is Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis is a disorder caused when food moves too slowly or stops moving from the stomach to the small intestine. It is a serious medical condition. It can contribute to malnutrition, dehydration and acute kidney disorders.

Symptoms of gastroparesis include bloating, early satiety, nausea, upper abdominal pain and vomiting that can last for weeks or months. If food remains in the stomach too long, it may form into masses called bezoars. These can contribute to additional gastrointestinal problems such as intestinal blockages and may have to be surgically removed.

Disordered stomach emptying is relatively common in patients with diabetes, but medications such as Mounjaro that affect digestion and stomach emptying can aggravate the condition. Additionally, GLP-1 receptors may trigger gastroparesis in some patients with no history of the condition.

Clinical trials of semaglutide and tirzepatide found an increased risk of this severe side effect. The FDA noted this in its approvals of the medications and manufacturers include it in patient warning information. In September 2023, the FDA added a warning for intestinal blockages to the Ozempic label.

In order to qualify for a Mounjaro lawsuit, people must have taken Mounjaro and suffered from prolonged vomiting, gastroparesis, ileus and intestinal obstruction or blockage. It is important to remember that not everyone who took Mounjaro and experienced side effects qualifies to file a lawsuit.

The best way to establish eligibility for joining ongoing litigation is to speak with an experienced attorney. During a consultation, they will review your case and determine if you qualify to file a claim seeking compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.

If you decide to seek compensation for injuries related to taking Mounjaro, consult with a knowledgeable attorney. A legal professional can determine how to proceed and guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit.

It’s important to decide whether you want to join a Mounjaro class-action lawsuit or file an individual injury claim. Class actions typically claim financial damages related to the purchase of the drug or faulty product. So far, there are no established class actions, and attorneys are only accepting gastroparesis claims.

Filing lawsuits against Mounjaro is a major undertaking that requires experience and subject matter knowledge. The firm you choose will represent you throughout the entire legal process. Therefore, finding the right attorney is critical to a successful claim.

Make sure you interview at least three law firms and pick the one that works best for you. Experience, a history of success in similar cases and good communication are three of the most important things to look for in an attorney.