The law firm Siskinds has filed a class action lawsuit in British Columbia against the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. He claims that his weight-loss medications, such as Ozempic, were sold without properly informing consumers of the risks.
Although the application was filed in British Columbia, it affects “all Canadians” who have “suffered from serious health problems” after taking this type of medication, summarizes Me James Boyd, the lawyer in charge of the case.
In particular, their consumption can lead to stomach paralysis and gallbladder diseases, which require surgical intervention, the company’s request states.
The lawsuit, filed in early October, was filed on behalf of Suzanne Talbot, a 57-year-old British Columbia resident who was prescribed Ozempic for the first time in 2021.
Ms Talbot then suffered from diarrhoea, heartburn and difficulty breathing. In August 2023, she was taken to the hospital where she was diagnosed with biliary stasis. We can read about a problem that the hospital staff “associated” with his use of Ozempic in the request.
Also for losing weight
The application does not specify whether Ms. Talbot’s prescription was for diabetes treatment or weight loss. Me Boyd points out that the class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of all people who have suffered problems due to the drug, regardless of the reasons that led them to take the drug.
His company accuses Novo Nordisk of failing to inform consumers about the “significant risks” associated with taking its medications Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy.
In recent months, the use of Ozempic for weight loss has become so widespread that some countries – including Canada – feared there could be a shortage of Ozempic in patients with type 2 diabetes. In Quebec, the drug is also not covered by health insurance if people take it to lose weight.
The company says it is already in contact with “dozens” of potential victims, but Mr Boyd believes it can find many more. “It’s one of the most commonly prescribed medications in Canada,” he says.
In 2022, more than 3.5 million prescriptions for Ozempic were filled in Canada. This corresponds to sales of 1.2 billion US dollars, the claim emphasizes.
Lawyers must now wait to see whether or not the Supreme Court of British Columbia will agree to hear their case. A decision that may not be made for a year or more due to the current waiting period.
This is the first lawsuit against Ozempic in Canada, but several legal actions have been taken in the United States.