Zepbound® Lawsuit

Zepbound’s manufacturer, Eli Lilly, listed gastrointestinal side effects on the drug label. However, lawsuits claim the manufacturer downplayed the severity of gastrointestinal effects Zepbound users were at risk of developing. 

People who have used Zepbound have reported serious side effects, including gastroparesis and gastroenteritis. Gastroparesis is a dangerous medical condition that can interfere with a person’s digestion. It can cause abdominal pain, severe dehydration and a decreased quality of life because there is no cure for the condition.

Gastroenteritis occurs when the stomach and intestines are inflamed. This condition can be caused by ingesting medications like Zepbound, and some people may develop severe symptoms, such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Vomiting and nausea can result in dehydration, which is a significant concern because it can lead to complications, including death.

Several Zepbound users have reported being hospitalized because of these conditions. As a result of using the drug, they suffered severe injuries and endured pain and suffering. The hospitalization caused them to incur significant medical expenses.

No — there is currently no class action suit involving Zepbound side effects. However, lawsuits are proceeding in a multidistrict litigation (MDL) docket in federal court. The MDL, which is often incorrectly confused with a class action, includes claims against Zepbound and its sister drug, Mounjaro. Mounjaro is used to treat type 2 diabetes, while Zepbound is used for weight management. 

The MDL addresses injuries that arise from using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). Medications involved in this MDL include the Novo Nordisk drugs Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus, and the Eli Lilly and Company drugs Trulicity, Zepbound and Mounjaro.  

As of December 2, there were 1,300 actions pending in the federal MDL.

Zepbound is an injectable prescription medication. In 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zepbound injections to treat adults who are overweight or obese. Patients must also have at least one weight-related condition, which can include high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol. Patients are advised to use the medication along with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity for the greatest effect.

Zepbound is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA). Zepbound works by stimulating hormone receptors in your intestines. This action suppresses a person’s appetite and reduces food intake by creating a feeling of fullness.

Patients typically administer an injection under the skin once per week. Doctors gradually increase the dosage over the course of four to 20 weeks to achieve the highest dosage prescribed for the patient. The maximum dosage an adult can take is 15mg once a week.

Zepbound reduces a person’s appetite by activating two hormone receptors, glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Activating these hormone receptors causes a person to feel fuller longer and the stomach to empty more slowly. Eating less can lead to weight loss.

GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the GLP-1 hormone. Like the hormone it mimics, GLP-1 triggers the pancreas to release insulin into the gastrointestinal tract when a person eats. Insulin helps move glucose from the bloodstream into the body’s cells where it’s used for energy. 

When a person has Type 2 diabetes, their cells resist the insulin, or the body doesn’t produce enough insulin. GLP-1 agonists step up and stimulate the pancreas, releasing insulin and preventing another hormone called glucagon from being released. This action helps control blood sugar levels. 

A GIP agonist mimics the action of the GIP hormone to enhance insulin secretion when a person has elevated blood glucose levels. This helps the body lower its blood sugar. This agonist also can decrease a person’s appetite. 

In medications like Zepbound, a dual agonist approach with GIP and GLP-1 can provide a more comprehensive approach to managing blood sugar and weight.

Zepbound, Ozempic and Wegovy are all weight loss drugs. However, research shows the active ingredient in Zepbound, tirzepatide, leads to more weight loss than the active ingredient semaglutide found in Ozempic and Wegovy. 

A published study found that patients who took the highest dose of Zepbound for more than 72 weeks lost about 21% of their body weight. Patients who took Wegovy for 68 weeks lost about 15% of their body weight.

Zepbound differs from Ozempic and Wegovy in several other ways, including the following:

• Dual- vs. single-agonist drugs: In addition to the differences in active ingredients, Zepbound targets two hormone receptors as a dual-agonist drug. Wegovy and Ozempic are single-agonist drugs, only mimicking the natural GLP-1 hormone.
• Manufacturers: U.S.-based Eli Lilly manufactures Zepbound and Mounjaro. Denmark-based Novo Nordisk manufactures Wegovy and Ozempic.
• Age groups: Zepbound is not approved for use in children, but Ozempic and Wegovy can be prescribed to patients 12 and older for Type 2 diabetes management.
• Dosing schedules and amounts: Zepbound has a starting dosage of 2.5 mg and can be increased to 5 mg once a week with the maximum dosage of 15 mg. Ozempic begins with 0.25 mg and can increase to 0.5 mg once weekly up to 2 mg.

Although Zepbound, Wegovy and Ozempic have different side effects, many of the side effects of these drugs are similar. Similarities include digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea and abdominal pain and discomfort. Studies have also linked gastroenteritis and gastroparesis to Wegovy, Ozempic and Zepbound.

Taking Zepbound for extended periods of time can cause several side effects. Some are more common than others and some can pose a serious risk to a person’s health. Common listed Zepbound side effects include:

• Allergic reactions
• Belching
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Injection site reactions
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain

However, additional serious side effects are associated with Zepbound, including:

• Changes in vision in people with Type 2 diabetes
• Depression or thoughts of suicide
• Gallbladder problems
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) 
• Kidney problems caused by dehydration
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if patients take medications that cause low blood sugar like sulfonylurea or insulin
• Serious allergic reactions including problems breathing or swallowing
• Severe stomach problems 

Research has shown that Zepbound causes thyroid C-cell tumors in rats. It isn’t known whether Zepbound has the same effect in humans. If prescribed Zepbound, watch for thyroid cancer symptoms like a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing or shortness of breath.

If you experience any of these side effects, it’s important to call your healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention.

If you’ve experienced a major adverse event from taking Zepbound, seek medical attention right away. Serious side effects of Zepbound may include allergic reactions, diarrhea, stomach pain, depression, gallbladder problems, pancreatitis, kidney issues and low blood sugar.

Even if side effects aren’t severe, it’s still important to see a doctor. You’ll need to ensure any effects you are experiencing are properly managed and to prevent potential complications.

If you’ve suffered harm after using Zepbound, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit to receive compensation for your injuries. A settlement or verdict from a Zepbound lawsuit could help pay for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.

People who have been prescribed Zepbound and have experienced an unlisted or severe health issue may be eligible to file a Zepbound lawsuit. You might qualify for a case if you:

• Were prescribed Zepbound
• Followed your doctor’s instructions as directed
• Developed a serious side effect that wasn’t listed on the label as a risk at the time

You are eligible to file a Zepbound lawsuit even if you took it for an off-label use as long as the medication was prescribed by a doctor and manufactured by Eli Lilly. Motley Rice is actively filing Zepbound lawsuits for those who are eligible.

Lawsuits against Eli Lilly for Zepbound are in the beginning stages. A Zepbound attorney can help you review your options and prepare your case by:

• Setting up an initial consultation to review your case
• Gathering evidence to prove you took Zepbound for weight loss and developed a related, serious health condition
• Filing your case with the appropriate court

As you prepare to file a Zepbound lawsuit, gather any paperwork or evidence that is relevant to your case. This may include medical records, prescription details, proof of purchase, documentation of side effects and any correspondence with healthcare providers or the manufacturer.

Our prescription drug and device attorneys at Motley Rice have represented thousands of patients harmed by dangerous prescription and over-the-counter drugs. If you believe a weight loss medication like Zepbound hurt you or someone you love, our attorneys may be able to help. Our attorneys will:

• Investigate whether Zepbound or another weight loss medication may be the cause of your medical issues
• Review if the manufacturer neglected to warn you about dangerous side effects
• Identify other issues that could impact your claim

Our medical attorneys are committed to helping you get the justice you and your loved ones deserve.

Learn more about our medical drug experience here.

Do not stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor's advice can result in injury or death. Zepbound, Mounjaro, Trulicity, Rybelsus, Wegovy and Ozempic remain approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.