Rybelsus Lawsuit & Lawyers [2024]

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Rybelsus belongs to a class of drugs called Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists and contains an active ingredient, Semaglutide. Novo Nordisk received FDA-approval to manufacture it for treating type II diabetes, but doctors also prescribe it for weight loss and weight management.  

Rybelus, like its sister drugs Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy, is currently under fire for failing to warn consumers about the potentially severe side effects of using the drug although aware of them. 

Individuals who have used Rybelsus are reporting suffering from various side effects, including gastroparesis, stomach paralysis, ileus, gastrointestinal obstruction, and daily vomiting lasting at least three weeks. 

Anyone diagnosed with these conditions and can establish a causal relationship between Rybelsus usage and their medical condition is encouraged to file a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk. Over 400 plaintiffs across 50 states have laid complaints about gastrointestinal problems they experience while using Rybelsus, and the number keeps rising every day. 

If you or a loved one has suffered side effects from Rybelsus, Novo Nordisk might owe you some compensation. Read this article for everything you need to know about the Rybelsus lawsuit and how to file a lawsuit with the help of experienced personal injury lawyers. 

What is the Rybelsus Lawsuit?

The Rybelsus lawsuit consists of multiple individual lawsuits filed against the manufacturer of Rybelsus, Novo Nordisk, for failing to provide a comprehensive list of potential side effects of using the drug even though they were aware of it. 

Plaintiffs involved in the lawsuit are alleging that the non-injectable prescription treatment made them susceptible to a severe condition called gastroparesis.

Unlike the Ozempic and Mounjaro lawsuits, Rybelsus is not a class action, meaning all lawsuits are filed individually and handled in individual court districts. The plaintiffs are seeking financial compensation for emotional and monetary damages suffered. 

Rybelsus vs Ozempic vs Wegovy Lawsuits

Several lawsuits have been filed against Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Rybelsus, Ozempic, and Wegovy. The Rybelsus lawsuit, with plaintiffs alleging that Novo Nordisk downplayed and even outrightly hid the drug’s potential risks, is subject to a statute of limitation depending on the state it is filed in. 

The Ozempic lawsuit is a multidistrict class action lawsuit with up to 55 lawsuits. The plaintiffs claim to have suffered from alleged injuries similar to those of Rybelsus usage, especially gastroparesis. The first Ozempic lawsuit was filed in August 2023 by plaintiff Jaclyn Bjorklund and has continued for almost eight months. Ozempic lawsuit lawyers estimate that the number of lawsuits is expected to increase to 10,000. 

Wegovy (FDA-approved as a weight loss drug) contains double the Semaglutide in Ozempic, increasing the risk of gastroparesis. As of April 2024, dozens of Wegovy lawsuits have been filed against Novo Nordisk for the same reasons as Ozempic and Rybelsus. Like Rybelsus, Wegovy is not a class action, and lawsuits are legally being filed individually. 

What is Rybelsus?

According to its manufacturer, Rybelsus (the brand name for Semaglutide) is a 7mg or 14mg protein oral treatment for treating type II diabetes mellitus in adults. It is a non-insulin treatment that mimics the effects of a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor antagonist, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and appetite.

Rybelsus, when used along with proper exercise and diet, helps to improve blood glucose (by reducing glucagon secretion) and boost insulin production after meals. For patients taking the drug for weight loss, Rybelsus regulates appetite by delaying gastric emptying leaving patients feeling fuller longer. 

Is Rybelsus Safe for Use?

Although the FDA approves Rybelsus for the treatment of type II diabetes and it is effective, it is not completely safe for use. The manufacturers have included a warning on the product about possible side effects that patients may experience while using the drug. The warning also specifies who should and should not use Rybelsus and encourages patients to talk to a doctor immediately if they experience consistent side effects. 

It is quite common for patients to experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea when first starting Rybelsus or increasing the dosage. However, recent studies have been published linking drugs similar to Rybelsus to increased risk of severe gastrointestinal problems.

Common Rybelsus Side Effects

The warning label on Rybelsus informs consumers of common side effects such as:

• Possible thyroid tumors and cancers: patients may experience trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, lump or swelling in the neck, and hoarseness.  
• Changes in vision
• Low blood sugar 
• Kidney failure 
• Gallbladder problems 
• Serious allergic reactions
• Gas/bloating 
• Malnutrition
• Nausea, etc.

However, there are alleged undisclosed severe side effects of Ryelbsus, like gastroparesis. Others include: 

• Chronic vomiting
• Esophageal injury
• Ileus
• Bowel or intestinal obstructions,
• Intraoperative pulmonary aspiration 

Does Rybelsus Cause Gastroparesis?

Rybelsus can potentially cause gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), which is a condition where the stomach muscles are too weak to process food and push it to the small intestine, leading to poor digestion and immense pain. 

In addition to published research establishing a connection between Rybelsus usage and gastroparesis, many plaintiffs have come forward, alleging they are now suffering from gastroparesis after using Rybelsus and other semaglutide like Wegovy and Ozempic. 

Rybelsus Lawsuit: Everything You Need to Know

Here’s up-to-date information on the Rybelsus lawsuit:

Rybelsus Lawsuit Updates 2024

March 10, 2024: A first status conference was held to determine what drugs would be part of the lawsuit, with lawyers expecting Rybelsus, Ozempic, and Wegovy to be included in the lawsuit as they contain Semaglutide. Following this, the first Rybelsus lawsuit was held, and the judge (Judge Pratter) requested that the parties involved participate in a Science Day. The defendant’s lawyer also filed an early motion for a summary judgment date. 

March 22, 2024: Lawyers of the plaintiffs filed an important motion requesting Judge Pratter to appoint several leadership positions to lawyers in the Rybelsus lawsuit against the defendant. This gives lawyers the authority to request documents from the defendant and set discovery schedules. 

April 1, 2024: The plaintiff’s lawyers filed a motion for a group of lawyers to work collaboratively as lead attorneys for the case. It is expected that the application for a group of almost 24 lawyers will be approved soon. In addition, a Rybelsus case was filed in the New Jersey state court.

Rybelsus Lawsuit Updates 2023

January 2023: The FDA approved a label update for Rybelsus tablets to be used as a treatment for type II diabetes

September 2023: The FDA required Novo Nordisk to add a warning to Ozempic (sister drug to Rybelsus) that usage may expose patients to serious gastrointestinal issues. 

Who Can File a Rybelsus Lawsuit? 

Anyone prescribed Rybelsus and who has suffered from gastroparesis and other alleged side effects is eligible to file a Rybelsus lawsuit. However, eligibility is subject to many factors, including evidence that shows a timeline correlation between your injuries and Rybelsus usage. 

Evidence that may strengthen your eligibility for compensation includes medical records, proof of prescription, documentation of missed work, etc. It is best to contact a personal injury lawyer to ascertain eligibility. 

Statute of Limitations for Filing a Rybelsus Lawsuit

In civil law systems, all personal injury lawsuits are subject to a statute of limitations, a prescriptive period specified by the court to set the maximum time after an event occurs within which plaintiffs can file a case. In this case, the statute of limitation countdown starts as soon as you know you suffer side effects from taking Rybelsus. 

The statute of limitation for filing a Rybelsus lawsuit depends on the state you live or file in, and if you miss the deadline, your lawsuit may be immediately dismissed. Most personal injury lawsuits have 1-3 years limitations. If you’ve missed the deadline, speak to a personal injury lawyer to determine if there are any applicable exceptions to the statute of limitation of the Rybelsus lawsuit. 

Rybelsus Lawsuit Settlement Amounts

Plaintiffs in the Rybelsus lawsuit can seek compensation for legal damages, including medical expenses incurred from hospitalization or trips to the ER, emotional distress, pain, lost wages, disability, and other proven complications. The estimated settlement amount as of January 2024 is between $400,000 and $700,000, but the actual amounts to be received vary and largely depend on the extent of damages suffered by each plaintiff. 

How to File a Rybelsus Lawsuit 

If you’ve decided to file a Rybelsus lawsuit but don’t know where to start, here are three quick steps to take:

1. Contact a Rybelsus Attorney 

The first thing you need to do is contact a personal injury lawyer with a background in medical law and experience handling mass tort bad drug lawsuits, dangerous drug lawsuits, and pharmaceutical litigation. It’s advisable to contact a lawyer specializing in cases like the Rybelsus lawsuit and similar ones like Ozempic and Wegovy. 

It’s important to contact a Rybelsus attorney from the start of the lawsuit process so that they can help you investigate and consolidate evidence and file important deadlines or paperwork. 

You can find the best Rybelsus attorney for your case on Injury Lawyer’s Connect, which provides access to a network of reputable expert lawyers with experience handling cases like the Rybelsus lawsuit. The lawyers are the best in the industry and are vetted based on real-world data like the monetary value of cases they’ve won, years in business and aggressive approach towards handling personal injury lawsuits. 

2. Collect Evidence for Your Rybelsus Case

You must build and present a foolproof case, and the best way to do this is to collect as much evidence as possible, including testimonies, medical records, journals detailing timelines, and visits to the hospital or ER. Specific evidence to collect are: 

• Proof of purchase: Submit proof that you purchased Rybelsus. A pharmacy bill/receipt or doctor’s prescription would suffice.
• Evidence of injuries: Submit proof such as diagnostic test results that establish a causal relationship between your injuries and using Rybelsus.
• Medical expenses: Submit proof of all expenses incurred from treating the side effects you suffer. This could be lab invoices or medical bills. 

3. File the Rybelsus Claim

Once you have a Rybelsus attorney and complete paperwork, you should immediately file your paperwork in court before legal deadlines. After filing the claim, your attorney will keep you updated on the lawsuit’s progress, deadlines, and the status of your claim. Your attorney would be prepared to present your Rybelsus case in a court trial, but it is also possible to secure an out-of-court settlement. 

If you need an experienced attorney to handle your Rybelsus lawsuit, visit Injury Lawyers Connect to find an attorney closest to you. 

More about Rybelsus Lawsuits 

Here’s more information on the Rybelsus lawsuit: 

Is There a Rybelsus Class Action Lawsuit?

Although multiple Rybelsus lawsuits have been filed, they have not been consolidated into a class action at this time. If you want to file one, you’ll have to file it individually, facing the possibility that your case may take longer as class action lawsuits tend to move faster through the legal system.

What is the Rybelsus controversy?

Families nationwide have filed lawsuits against the manufacturers of Rybelsus because patients prescribed Rybelsus for weight loss are now suffering from gastroparesis and experiencing various side effects that the manufacturers failed to warn about. 

Despite this, Rybelsus has not been recalled from the market. The FDA has issued a statement expressing concerns over  compounded products using  salt forms of semaglutide as an active ingredient and warning against taking off-brand versions of Rybelsus.

Is Rybelsus a high-risk medication?

Rybelsus carries a black box warning due to the potentially severe adverse reactions patients might experience when using the drug. The FDA requires product manufacturers to include black box warnings to indicate a medication is high-risk. 

On the label, it is indicated that Semaglutide (Rybelsus active) caused thyroid cancers in lab animals during clinical studies. Patients with a history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) are at a higher risk of developing thyroid tumors and should avoid using Rybelsus. 

Hire the Best Rybelsus Lawyer

Hiring an experienced Rybelsus lawyer is the best option for your personal injury case. You can rest assured that your lawsuit is handled properly while you focus on your health. Your lawyer will handle all communications with the opposing counsel and court while filing major deadlines and paperwork. 

If you’re wondering where to find the best Rybelsus lawyer, check out the lawyers on Injury Lawyers Connect. Injury Lawyers Connect will connect you to lawyers with over 20 years of experience who have recovered millions of dollars for individuals with personal injury cases. The lawyers have an outstanding record of success at the trial and appellate level, fueled by specialized expertise, aggressive advocacy, and extensive case preparation. 

Ready to have your Rybelsus lawsuit handled by the best lawyers?

Connect with a lawyer on Injury Lawyer Connect today!

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