A young Asian Woman clutches her stomach as she suffers side effects of Ozempic for non diabetics.

Ozempic Side Effects If You Don't Have Diabetes

By Levin Simes
September 5, 2024
If Ozempic was prescribed to you without proper warning of its potential risks, or if your healthcare provider failed to monitor your condition adequately, you might have grounds for a product liability claim. Reach out to us at (415) 426-3000 to discuss your claim.

Dozens of lawsuits have been filed against drugmakers in connection with diabetes and weight loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and other products. 

The suits allege that the companies failed to warn people about the dangerous side effects associated with the use of their products — namely gastroparesis — a serious type of stomach ailment.

Injured patients may struggle with hospital bills, missed work, and increased expenses. To remedy these losses, many are filing lawsuits against the manufacturers of these diabetes and weight loss drugs.

Levin Simes has a team of highly skilled attorneys who have experience successfully taking on product liability cases. We hold negligent parties accountable and secure clients their rightful compensation. Our team understands the complexities of proving product liability, and we have a proven track record of obtaining significant settlements and verdicts for our clients in cases involving defective drugs.

We understand the impact that these injuries can have on your life. And we are dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you need to move forward. Our attorneys can guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring you are informed and empowered to make the best decisions for your case.

“Thank you all for all the work that you put into this case. I also want to thank you for taking the initiative to apply the necessary pressure on these companies at a level that most individuals would be unable to inflict. I truly hope that it will serve as a lever for changing [unsafe] company policies.

So many of the world’s ills could be tempered by changing incentive structures. Your law firm clearly gets this, and you all are heroes in my book. There are no words to express my gratitude, so I’ll leave it here with a simple “thank you” and please, please keep it up.”

A.D

Side Effects of Ozempic for Non-Diabetics

Side effects of Ozempic for non-diabetics depend on the frequency and longevity of use. In the short term, many non-diabetic users of Ozempic experience rapid weight loss, which can improve self-esteem and reduce obesity-related health risks. 

However, the potential long-term effects of Ozempic are not understood. Prolonged use of Ozempic in non-diabetics could lead to serious health complications, including gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, and even an increased risk of cardiovascular events. 

This uncertainty makes it important for patients to stay informed and for healthcare providers to monitor their patients closely.

The Dangers of Taking Ozempic for Weight Loss Without Diabetes

If you or one of your loved ones were injured by Ozempic, Wegovy, or other similar drugs, you may need immediate legal assistance. Contact the lawyers at Levin Simes at (415) 426-3000 to set up a free consultation to discuss your case. Read on to learn more about Ozempic lawsuits and what you can do to pursue your claim.

Driven by its effectiveness in appetite suppression and weight reduction, Ozempic usage in individuals without diabetes is common. However, this off-label use comes with both medical and legal liabilities.

Off-label use means prescribing medication for a reason that it wasn’t officially approved for by organizations like the FDA. While legal, off-label prescriptions can expose healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies to legal risks, particularly if the patient experiences serious side effects.

In the case of Ozempic, prescribing it to non-diabetic patients for weight loss could lead to allegations of negligence if the patient is not adequately informed about the potential risks. 

You could hold your doctor legally responsible if they don’t clearly explain the possible side effects of a treatment. If they downplay these effects, it might lead to a lawsuit based on informed consent and duty of care violations.

Can Ozempic Cause Diabetes if You Don't Have It?

One major concern for non-diabetic individuals using Ozempic for weight loss is whether the drug could, paradoxically, increase the risk of diabetes. While Ozempic is intended to manage blood sugar in those already diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, its impact on non-diabetic individuals remains less clear. This is leading many to ask: is Ozempic dangerous for non-diabetics?

Currently, there is limited scientific evidence directly linking Ozempic use in non-diabetic individuals to the development of diabetes. However, the drug’s powerful influence on insulin production and glucose metabolism raises questions about its long-term effects on non-diabetic users. 

Is Ozempic Dangerous For Non-Diabetics?

Some studies suggest that altering insulin levels in a non-diabetic body could potentially disrupt natural metabolic processes, possibly leading to insulin resistance over time. 

One such long-term side effect includes gastroparesis–a medical condition causing delays in gastric emptying–– meaning that the stomach takes longer than normal to empty its contents.

Normally, the stomach muscles' movement, or motility, allows food to move through the gastrointestinal system. However, gastroparesis, or gastric stasis, the stomach's ability to process food to slow or stop completely.

This can be dangerous, as solid masses can form in the stomach. It can also lead to other symptoms like pain, vomiting, and nausea. 

Serious health complications and side effects can result from gastroparesis. These may include: 

  • Malnutrition–– caused by an inability to absorb critical nutrients.
  • Dehydration due to excessive vomiting.
  • Difficulty in managing blood sugar levels.
  • Poor appetite.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Bloating and discomfort.
  • Acid reflux.
  • Feeling too full after a meal or feeling full for too long.
  • Feeling full after only a few bites.
  • Uncontrolled weight loss.

These symptoms and side effects may require immediate medical attention or surgery. In some instances, gastroparesis patients have had to miss extended periods of work due to their condition. Currently, there is no clearly defined treatment or cure for gastroparesis.

These risks show the need for caution and further research. Patients using Ozempic off-label should remain fully informed and healthcare providers must carefully monitor their metabolic health throughout the treatment.

How Can I File a Product Liability Claim Against Ozempic?

Filing a product liability suit against Ozempic involves careful planning and documentation, especially when the drug has been prescribed off-label for weight loss in non-diabetic individuals. Here are the first steps to take:

Determine Eligibility for a Product Liability Claim

The first step in filing a product liability lawsuit is determining whether you have a valid claim. To be eligible, several key factors must be present:

  • Documented Harm: You must have experienced significant and documented harm or injury from taking Ozempic. This harm could range from severe gastrointestinal issues to more serious conditions like pancreatitis, cardiovascular complications, or even gastroparesis. Documentation is crucial as it forms the foundation of your claim.
  • Extensive Records: Medical records should document injuries that can provide evidence that links the drug to your pain and suffering. Things like medical bills and statements, pay stubs to show lost wages, or any surgeries needed to correct the damage done by the drug are valuable to have.
  • Direct Link: It's important to demonstrate a direct link between the negligence of the healthcare provider and the harm you suffered. This means showing that the injuries or complications were a direct result of taking Ozempic as prescribed.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence is the foundation for a strong product liability case. The evidence you collect is the backbone of your claim––making precision important for a win. Here's what you should focus on:

  • Medical Records: Obtain comprehensive medical records, including the prescription, doctor’s notes, diagnostic tests, and any follow-up care you received. These records should detail your health before and after taking the medication, helping to establish a timeline of events that supports your claim.
  • Expert Testimony: Product liability cases often require expert testimony. This testimony is provided by another healthcare professional who can attest that your provider’s care fell below the accepted standard. Levin Simes works with medical experts to review your case, provide crucial testimony, and strengthen your claim by explaining how the provider's negligence directly led to your injury.
  • Personal Documentation: Keep detailed personal records of how the side effects of Ozempic have impacted your daily life. This includes symptoms, medical appointments, expenses related to your injury, any loss of income due to your inability to work, and the emotional and psychological tolls of the injury.

Consult with Levin Simes: Experienced Product Liability Attorney

Once you have determined that you may have a claim and gathered initial evidence, it’s time to consult with an experienced product liability attorney. This is a crucial step, as navigating the complexities of a product liability lawsuit on your own can be overwhelming and legally challenging.

  • Choosing the Right Law Firm: It’s important to select a law firm with a proven track record in product liability and pharmaceutical litigation. Levin Simes is known for its esxperience in handling cases involving dangerous drugs, including those prescribed off-label.
  • Free Case Review: During your initial consultation with Levin Simes, we can assess the details of your case, review the evidence you have gathered, and discuss the potential legal strategies available to you. This consultation is free of charge and provides a clear understanding of your legal standing and the next steps in pursuing your claim.
  • Building Your Case: If you decide to move forward, we begin building a strong case on your behalf to hold the responsible parties accountable and work toward the compensation you deserve.

We’ve got ample experience as drug-device and cancer lawyers taking down negligent companies and the doctors that serve them. 

Levin Simes' history of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients is a testament to our ability to fight for justice in complex cases, including the largest mesothelioma jury verdict in California history, securing $200 million for a single plaintiff and an $830 million settlement with Endo Pharmaceuticals to resolve the damages caused by their products. 

So don’t hesitate to reach out. You’re not alone. Levin Simes is ready and willing to support you through your claim. Reach out at (415) 426-3000 or online via our contact form

Related Resources

If you found this medical negligence content helpful, please view the related topics below:

Contact us if you have specific questions on the matter or if you’d like to schedule a free consultation.

Ready For Your Free Consultation?