Ozempic

Everyone is talking about it and many are taking it.

You’ve seen the photos of celebrities that have had significant weight loss in a short period of time.

In some cases they look so different, almost unrecognizable even.

Did you know however that Ozempic was not a weight loss drug to begin with?

Ozempic was designed to fight Type 2 Diabetes and approved by the FDA in 2017 for that purpose.

Once Ozempic was provided for what it was originally intended, providers noticed that it provided weight loss as a side effect of the medication.

Ozempic is not approved by the FDA for the purpose of weight loss.

Providers have prescribed Ozempic off-label for weight loss, in some cases when people didn’t even have Type 2 Diabetes.

Doctors are able to do this because they can prescribe medication for a condition other than its FDA approved use, if they believe it is medically appropriate for the patient based on their clinical judgment.

Ozempic has made a name for itself as more of a weight loss drug than a drug to treat diabetes.

Since Ozempic was designed for one thing and is being used without restriction for another use, who knows what the side effects are or what could happen to people in the future.

These drugs are not tested for weight loss during drug trials.

They were tested for the use against diabetes, so one one actually knows the effects these drugs will have on someone who doesn’t have diabetes.

If you believe you suffered medical issues from taking Ozempic you should consult with a lawyer.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic or Semaglutide is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes.

• Increasing insulin production in the pancreas. Slowing down digestion, and reducing appetite.

• Ozempic can be used with other diabetes drugs or alone. It can also be used for weight management in adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

• Ozempic is injectable and can be administered under the skin, either on your stomach, thigh or upper arm.

• Ozempic mimics the naturally occurring hormone glucagon- like peptide or GLP-1 which helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. This tells the body that it is full after eating, leading to less food intake and potential weight loss.

Side Effects of Ozempic

All medications come with side effects.

At the end of every television commercial there is a list of side effects (either printed in very fast streaming or someone reads the list).

If you have had the pleasure of seeing these commercials, some drugs have a laundry list of things that sound dangerous.

Ozempic is no different than any other medication and has side effects that are rare in some cases, and more prone in others.

While short term side effects can cause minor discomfort for a time, it is the long term side effects that people should be aware of:

1. Gastrointestinal side effects include: Persistent nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, abdominal pain, gallbladder problems, including gallstones.

2. Endocrine side effects: The thyroid can grow tumors this is a rare but serious condition. The pancreas can become inflamed known as pancreatitis.

3. Cardiovascular side effects: People with heart issues can experience an increased rate of heart failure as a side effect of use of Ozempic.

4. Other side effects: Kidney problems, vision changes, joint pain and hair loss are some other side effects of Ozempic use.

Even though side effects are uncommon, it should be noted that anyone taking Ozempic should be aware of these side effects.

How Long Can You Take Ozempic?

Most drugs prescribed by a doctor have a limit either in time or the number of medications to take to get the desired results.

Ozempic however is considered a long term drug.

It is considered a life long treatment for weight loss in people who are obese or overweight.

It is also considered a long term drug for type 2 diabetes patients as long as both types of patients can tolerate the medication and don’t show any side effects.

How Much Does Ozempic Cost?

Taking Ozempic can be expensive and varies depending on many factors including whether or not you have insurance coverage and the strength of the medication.

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, may offer discounts and savings plans that can help reduce the cost.

The estimated costs range for Ozempic without insurance can be very expensive ranging from $850 to $1029 per month.

If you have insurance that will cover the medication it can still cost $100 per month out of pocket.

Not all insurance plans cover the cost of Ozempic so it can be expensive.

What To Do If You Feel Something Isn’t Right

If you have been prescribed Ozempic for either type 2 diabetes or for weight loss and are experiencing side effects you should first consult with your physician.

If the side effects persist and are causing other medical issues, speak with your doctor about stopping the medication if possible.

You should also speak with a lawyer specializing in pharmaceutical litigation.

There are some steps you need to take in order to be able to file a claim against the makers of Ozempic.

• Seek medical attention- If after taking Ozempic you suffer side effects that are severe and causing you to be sick and these side effects are interrupting your life. See your doctor for immediate medical attention if you suffer severe complications. Obviously seek medical attention before speaking with a lawyer for a potential claim. Keep very detailed medical records of any issues relating to Ozempic to give to your lawyer.

• Gather evidence- If you decide to pursue a claim, collect all relevant medical records, prescriptions, and any other details that pertain to your Ozempic use and the other medical issues related to that use.

Factors to Consider When Contacting a Lawyer

1. Severe side effects – Seek medical attention first, especially if you are experiencing serious issues like severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or intestinal blockage, as these could be signs of a potential pancreatitis or other potential issues that the company didn’t warn you about.

2. Off-label use- This means that doctors can prescribe medications for uses other than what they are made for if it can be shown that they show promise for another illness or issue. In this case even though Ozempic is a medication originally to be used for type 2 diabetes, it has been found to work for weight loss as well. Prescribing medication for off brand use can be risky since the future side effects are not yet known.

3. Failure to warn- If you have not been informed about the potential risks of Ozempic from your doctor or from the manufacturer you might have the right to file a claim.

4. Medical issues arise after taking Ozempic- If you require medical attention for the side effects you suffer from taking Ozempic then you might want to consult a lawyer.

File a Claim Against Ozempic

In Nevada you typically have two years to file a personal injury claim from the date of injury.

However there are exceptions to this rule depending on the circumstances of your case.

That’s why it’s so important to consult a personal injury lawyer at The Richard Harris Law Firm as soon as you think you have a claim.

Your lawyers can get your case going as soon as possible and make sure the claim is filed before the statute of limitations runs out.

Failing to file a claim within the statute of limitations can result in the loss of the right to recover any damages for your claim in the future.

Once the statute of limitations has expired you no longer have the right to file a claim.

The Richard Harris Law Firm Can Help

• Free legal consultations- When seeking a law firm to represent you may want to speak with more than one attorney to get a feeling of what each offers. The Richard Harris Law Firm offers potential clients free consultations to speak with a lawyer to determine if you have a claim or not.

• Decades of experience- The Richard Harris Law Firm has been representing clients in Nevada for over 40 years, holding large corporations responsible for their negligence.

• Results driven- The Richard Harris team has recovered over a Billion Dollars for our clients over the years.

• Offices in Reno and Las Vegas- The Richard Harris Law Firm has offices in both Reno and Las Vegas to help clients throughout Nevada.

• No financial risk- The Richard Harris Law Firm takes personal injury cases on a contingency basis, meaning there is no financial risk to you. We only get paid when we win your case.