Weight Loss Drug Lawsuits in Texas

What You Need to Know About Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Your Legal Options

If you’re using Mounjaro or Wegovy and dealing with serious side effects, you’re not alone. These weight loss drugs, which contain semaglutide, have become widely popular for their ability to help people shed pounds and manage type 2 diabetes. But many people didn’t expect the potentially life-altering side effects—and now, lawsuits are piling up against the manufacturers.

If you’re experiencing severe health issues, you might be wondering if you have grounds for a lawsuit. Let’s break down the critical information: the risks associated with Mounjaro and Wegovy, why lawsuits are being filed, and what you can do if you’re affected.

Understanding Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Semaglutide

What Are Mounjaro and Wegovy?

Mounjaro and Wegovy are weight loss drugs that use semaglutide, a type of medication originally designed to help manage type 2 diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels. These drugs also work for weight loss because they make you feel full, leading to reduced appetite and fewer calories consumed.

They’ve helped many people achieve their weight loss goals. But some patients are now facing serious side effects—ones they weren’t fully warned about.

How Do These Drugs Work?

Semaglutide mimics a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar by triggering insulin production. This also slows digestion, keeping you feeling full longer. Sounds great, right? But slowing digestion can also cause major issues for some people—issues that could land you in the hospital.

Why Are People Filing Lawsuits?

Lawsuits are being filed against the makers of Mounjaro, Wegovy, and similar drugs because users claim they weren’t properly warned about the serious risks. If you’ve been affected, you might be entitled to compensation, too.

What Kind of Injuries Are Involved?

Here are some of the key health problems leading to lawsuits:

• Gastroparesis (Stomach Paralysis): Some people develop a condition where the stomach muscles can’t move food properly, causing extreme nausea, vomiting, and even the need for hospitalization.
• Gallbladder Issues: Patients have reported needing gallbladder removal surgery after developing gallstones or other gallbladder-related complications.
• Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome and Bowel Obstruction: Some patients have experienced intense vomiting episodes or blockages in their intestines, requiring emergency treatment.
• Sudden Vision Loss (NAION): A type of stroke affecting the eye called NAION has been linked to these drugs, causing sudden and sometimes permanent blindness.
• Blood Clots (DVT): Some users have suffered from deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a dangerous condition where blood clots form in deep veins, potentially causing life-threatening complications.

If you’ve experienced any of these conditions—or anything else severe—you could have a case.

What Are the Lawsuits Claiming?

The main argument in these lawsuits is that drug manufacturers didn’t do enough to warn people about the severe risks involved. While there are warnings about common side effects like nausea or diarrhea, more serious conditions like gastroparesis, gallbladder issues, and vision loss weren’t highlighted enough on the labels.

That’s a big deal because doctors and patients can’t make fully informed decisions when they don’t know all the risks. If they’d known, they might have chosen a different treatment or been more closely monitored.

How These Lawsuits Are Being Handled

If you’ve been injured by Mounjaro or Wegovy, your lawsuit may fall under a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL), which was created in February 2024. This means that your case will be part of a large group of similar cases handled together in one federal court.

Here’s how it works:

• Efficiency: Instead of each case going through the court system separately, the MDL process brings all the lawsuits together for pretrial steps like discovery (gathering evidence) and legal arguments. This makes things faster and more efficient.
• Coordination: Lawyers for all the plaintiffs work together, which increases the chances of a settlement or quicker resolution. It’s a way to hold these large companies accountable without drawn-out individual trials.

The cases in the MDL focus on semaglutide-based drugs like Mounjaro, Wegovy, and others, all linked to serious health risks.

What Side Weight Loss Drug Effects Should You Be Watching For?

If you’re taking Mounjaro or Wegovy or recently stopped taking them, it’s important to pay attention to your body. Some side effects are more than unpleasant—they can be dangerous. Here’s a rundown of what to look out for.

Gastrointestinal Issues

• Nausea and Vomiting: While common at the start, persistent vomiting could be a sign of something more serious, like gastroparesis or cyclic vomiting syndrome.
• Abdominal Pain: If you’re experiencing sharp, severe stomach pain, it could indicate problems like a bowel obstruction, which can require immediate surgery.
• Gallbladder Problems: Pain in your upper right abdomen could mean you’re dealing with gallstones or other gallbladder issues.

Vision and Circulation Problems

• Sudden Vision Loss: If you notice sudden changes in your vision, especially loss of sight in one eye, you could be facing NAION, a condition linked to these drugs. Seek immediate medical attention.
• Swelling or Pain in Your Legs: These are warning signs of DVT, a condition where blood clots form, and they can travel to your lungs, causing life-threatening complications.

Mental Health Changes

• Mood Swings or Suicidal Thoughts: There’s emerging research suggesting a potential link between semaglutide and psychiatric side effects, especially when combined with antidepressants. If you notice any changes in mood or mental health, let your doctor know.

What You Can Do to Manage and Reduce Side Effects

If you’re still taking Mounjaro or Wegovy, there are steps you can take to manage and reduce your risk of severe side effects. Here’s what you can do:

• Talk to Your Doctor About Dosage: It is key to start at a lower dose and increase gradually. If the dosage is carefully monitored, many side effects, like nausea, can be managed.
• Monitor Your Health Closely: Watch for any unusual symptoms, especially those related to your stomach, gallbladder, or vision. Don’t wait to get help if something feels off.
• Ask About Nausea Medications: If nausea is disrupting your life, medications can help relieve it. Talk to your healthcare provider about what options are safe for you.

When Should You Seek Medical Help?

Don’t ignore severe symptoms. If you experience things like:

• Uncontrollable vomiting
• Sharp stomach pain
• Sudden vision changes
• If you experience leg pain or swelling, seek medical attention immediately. These can be signs of a serious condition that requires immediate care.

Considering a Weight Loss Drug Lawsuit? Here’s What to Do Next

If you’re suffering from severe side effects after taking Mounjaro, Wegovy, or a similar drug, you might have a case. Here’s what to do next:

1. Document Your Experience: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms and any hospital visits, surgeries, or medical treatments related to these drugs. This documentation will be crucial in building a strong case.
2. Talk to a Lawyer: Many law firms offer free consultations for cases like this. A lawyer can help you understand whether you have grounds for a lawsuit and what kind of compensation you could be entitled to. Compensation could cover:
   • Medical expenses
   • Lost wages
   • Pain and suffering
   • Punitive damages (in cases where companies acted negligently)
3. Join the MDL: By filing a lawsuit, your case may be added to the MDL. Your claim will be part of a larger, coordinated effort to hold drug manufacturers accountable, potentially leading to faster settlements or verdicts.

How Much Could You Be Compensated?

The amount you could receive in compensation depends on the severity of your injuries and how they have impacted your life. If you’ve suffered serious health complications due to Mounjaro or Wegovy, such as hospitalization, long-term medical treatment, or permanent damage, your compensation could cover medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

Each case is unique, and the compensation will reflect the extent of your injuries and how these medications have disrupted your life. By filing a lawsuit, you could secure the financial support needed to recover, both physically and financially, and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Wait to Take Action

If you’ve experienced serious side effects from Mounjaro, Wegovy, or any other weight loss drug, you may be entitled to compensation. The Law Office of Joel Levine is here to help you navigate your legal options and fight for the justice you deserve. Our experienced legal team understands the impact these drugs can have on your health and life, and we’re committed to holding the responsible parties accountable.

Call us today at (512) 982-1510 for a free consultation. Don’t wait—take action now to protect your rights and get the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and more.