This page will look at Saxenda cancer and gastroparesis lawsuits. Saxenda is a weight loss drug that is similar to Ozempic. Several years ago, Saxenda was linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Now, new evidence has emerged that indicates that Saxenda might also cause a serious condition called gastroparesis (stomach paralysis).
Our firm is currently investigating Saxenda cases from anyone who used Saxenda for at least 6 months and was subsequently diagnosed with gastroparesis. Contact us at 800-553-8082 for a free consultation or get a free case evaluation online.
Saxenda
Saxenda is a prescription medication containing liraglutide, which is used to help people lose weight by suppressing appetite. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which mimics a hormone in the body that regulates hunger and food intake. Saxenda is typically prescribed for people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Saxenda is administered as a once-daily injection, usually in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It works by slowing down the emptying of the stomach and helping people feel full sooner, thus reducing calorie intake.
Saxenda was developed the European pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. Saxenda was originally approved by the FDA back in 2010, so the original patent has expired and there are generic versions of the drug available. However, Novo Nordisk is still the primary manufacturer and supplier of both brand name and generic Saxenda in the U.S.
Saxenda History
On December 20, 2013, Novo Nordisk submitted a New Drug Application (NDA 206321) to the FDA seeking approval to market Saxenda (liraglutide 3 mg) as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater (obese), or 27 kg/m² or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbid condition.
Following the submission, Novo Nordisk provided 60 amendments to the original application throughout 2014. The FDA approved the NDA on December 23, 2014.
Concurrently, Novo Nordisk sought approval for Saxenda from health authorities worldwide. Health Canada approved Saxenda for chronic weight management in February 2015, and the European Commission authorized its marketing throughout the European Union in March 2015.
On April 26, 2017, the FDA approved an updated Saxenda label based on findings from the SCALE Obesity and Pre-diabetes 3-year trial.
On December 4, 2020, the FDA approved a supplemental NDA for Saxenda, extending its use to pediatric patients aged 12 years and older who are obese, defined by specific BMI cut-offs corresponding to a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher for adults and weighing more than 60 kg (132 pounds).
On April 20, 2023, a supplemental approval added ‘ileus’ as a gastrointestinal adverse reaction reported during post-approval use of liraglutide in the prescribing information.
Here is the problem: the defendants were aware of evidence suggesting an association between GLP-1 receptor agonists and conditions such as gastroparesis, ileus, intestinal obstruction, and their sequelae. Despite this, theypushed forward and did not warn doctor or patients about these potential adverse effects. The reason? Saxenda gastroparesis lawsuits allege the reason is that they had dollar signs in their eyes that clouded their vision.
As we talk about more in moment, there are many studies now showning that GLP-1 receptor agonists can delay gastric emptying, leading to gastrointestinal issues. For instance, a 2017 study found that liraglutide can cause persistent slowing of gastric emptying in some patients. Additionally, case reports and studies have documented instances of gastroparesis and intestinal obstruction associated with GLP-1 receptor agonist use.
Despite mounting evidence from clinical trials, medical literature, and adverse event reports, the defendants did not take necessary steps to re-analyze clinical trial data or update warnings to adequately inform patients and healthcare providers of these risks.
Saxenda vs. Ozempic
Ozempic and Saxenda are both injectable medications that contain different forms of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists, but they have different primary purposes and slightly different mechanisms of action.
Ozempic contains semaglutide, while Saxenda contains liraglutide. The both function in similar ways.
Saxenda is actually FDA approved for use as a weight loss medication. By contrast, Ozempic is only approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, Ozempic has proven to be more effective a producing weight loss compared to Saxenda. This has led to widespread off-label use of Ozempic as a weight loss medication.
Research Shows Saxenda Can Cause Gastroparesis
Recent evidence has shown that using drugs like Saxenda (as well as Ozempic and Wegovy) for weight loss, can significantly increase the risk of developing very serious gastrointestinal health problems. The most serious gastrointestinal health complication that has been linked to Saxenda is gastroparesis.
Gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) is a condition in which the stomach takes longer than normal to empty its contents into the small intestine. This happens because the muscles in the stomach, which are responsible for pushing food through the digestive tract, do not function properly. The result is delayed gastric emptying, leading to various gastrointestinal symptoms.
Gastroparesis can be a very serious, and potentially even life-threatening medical condition. Individuals with gastroparesis suffer chronic pain and discomfort and having a host of secondary health complications such as dehydration and malnutrition.
Individuals with gastroparesis often endure chronic pain and discomfort, along with secondary health complications such as dehydration and malnutrition. Currently, there is no definitive cure for gastroparesis. Treatment options typically begin with medications and dietary modifications. In more severe cases, interventions like gastric electrical stimulation, which involves surgically implanting a device to send electrical impulses to the stomach muscles, may be considered. In extreme situations, surgical procedures such as gastrectomy (partial or complete removal of the stomach) or gastric bypass might be necessary.
There is no definitive cure for gastroparesis. Treatment options for gastroparesis start with various medications and dietary changes. The next level of treatment involves gastric electrical stimulation (GES), which involves surgically implanting a device that sends electrical impulses to the stomach muscles. In extreme cases, procedures like gastrectomy (removal of part or all of the stomach) or gastric bypass may be considered.
Saxenda Gastroparesis Lawsuit
The new evidence linking Saxenda and similar medications such as Ozempic to gastroparesis has sparked a wave of product liability lawsuits against the drug manufacturer, Novo Nordisk. These lawsuits allege that Novo Nordisk negligently failed to adequately warn doctors and patients about the true level of gastroparesis risk associated with these drugs.
Much like with Ozempic, the warning label for Saxenda artfully sidesteps the issue of gastroparesis in a way that deprives doctors and patients of making informed decisions. The label refers to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation, all of which together can be symptoms of gastroparesis. However, there is no overt warning that the drug can potentially cause gastroparesis.
It also fails to include the reference to these side effects in the “Warnings and Precautions” section. The label does mention delayed gastric emptying in the context of drug interactions and describes a minor delay in gastric emptying as part of the drug’s mechanism, but it does not explicitly state gastroparesis as a risk or potential chronic condition.
Ozempic and Saxenda gastroparesis lawsuits have been getting filed across the country. The cases in federal courts have been consolidated into a class action MDL (multidistrict litigation) which is commonly referred to as the “Ozempic MDL.” The Ozempic MDL includes not just cases involving Ozempic, but also cases involving Saxenda, Wegovy and similar drugs.
Potential Settlement Value of Saxenda Lawsuits
Estimating the potential settlement value for new product liability cases, such as those involving Saxenda and gastroparesis, is challenging. The litigation is still in the very early stages and the strength of the scientific evidence supporting these cases remains uncertain. How this evidence will be received in court is a critical factor in any defective drug case.
If we assume that the scientific evidence will be admissible, we can make some predictions about potential payout values. our lawyers can offer an educated estimate based on certain assumptions regarding the strength of causation evidence.
Given these assumptions, we estimate that a successful Saxenda lawsuit could result in settlement compensation ranging from $400,000 to $700,000. This estimate applies to the most severe cases, such as those where the plaintiff suffered from severe gastroparesis or death.
The potential settlement value for a Saxenda gastroparesis case will likely be somewhat lower compared to an Ozempic case. This is because the scientific causation evidence is focused more on Ozempic and less on Saxenda.
Contact Us About a Saxenda Lawsuit
If you developed gastroparesis after taking Saxenda, contact our product liability lawyers to see if you qualify to file a Saxenda lawsuit. Call us at 800-553-8082 or contact us online.