Legal Advisory Concerning Diabetes and Weight Loss Medication Semaglutide: Guidance Under Washington State Law

For residents of Washington State who have been prescribed Wegovy (semaglutide) for the treatment of obesity or diabetes management and are facing adverse health effects, be aware that you are not navigating these challenges in isolation. Numerous individuals in other states, including Texas, have expressed concerns about complications associated with the drug. Our dedicated cadre of attorneys, specialized in pharmaceutical liability, is poised to provide you with tailored legal support in addressing your specific circumstances.

Wegovy contains semaglutide, an FDA-approved active ingredient primarily used for treating obesity. The drug operates by mimicking a hormone that engages with specialized areas of the brain to regulate appetite. Wegovy falls under the category of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and is also commonly prescribed for the management of diabetes.

It is noteworthy that medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus, Trulicity, Mounjaro, and Saxenda, originally formulated for diabetes management, have been widely acknowledged for their utility in weight loss. However, concerns are mounting over the use of these drugs for weight loss purposes by individuals who are not clinically obese. The rise in reported adverse events related to Wegovy has precipitated legal actions both within Washington and nationwide.

Legal Remedies in Washington State Against the Manufacturers of Wegovy

Novo Nordisk, a Denmark-based company, manufactures Wegovy and may be subject to legal action for any negative health outcomes associated with semaglutide. Under Washington State law, potential causes of action could include, but are not limited to, negligence, failure to disclose risks adequately, defects in manufacturing, or other relevant legal theories. We offer a free case evaluation, fill out the form below if you are considering filing a lawsuit against the manufacture of Wegovy:

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
    Estimate date if insure

Individual Litigation vs. Class Action: Strategic Choices Under Washington Law

Joining a class action against Wegovy may be appropriate for some individuals. However, for those with more severe adverse effects, pursuing an individual lawsuit might be more advantageous under Washington State legal frameworks. An individual action could potentially accelerate the settlement process and may result in a larger compensation award.

Health Risks and Potential Side Effects of Wegovy

If you experience consistent digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain while taking Wegovy, immediate medical consultation is advised to rule out conditions such as gastric paralysis or delayed gastric emptying. The FDA has flagged multiple significant health risks related to the use of Wegovy (semaglutide), including:

  • Gastroparesis: A condition impeding the stomach’s ability to process food efficiently.
  • Pancreatitis: Rare but severe inflammation of the pancreas.
  • Gallbladder Issues: Elevated risks of gallstones or gallbladder inflammation.
  • Renal Complications: Documented cases linking semaglutide to kidney problems.
  • Hypoglycemia: Particularly in diabetics using other glucose-modifying medications, the risk of dangerously low blood sugar levels exists.
  • Allergic Reactions: Potential for severe allergic events, including skin rashes and respiratory difficulties.
  • Thyroid Tumors: An increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma.
  • Exacerbation of Diabetic Retinopathy: Possibility of worsening existing diabetic eye conditions.
  • Vision Abnormalities: Particularly relevant for individuals with a history of diabetic retinopathy.

Washington Hospitals:

Hospital Name City
Providence Holy Family Hospital Spokane
Astria Toppenish Hospital Toppenish
Cascade Valley Hospital Arlington
Central Washington Hospital Wenatchee
EvergreenHealth Kirkland Kirkland
EvergreenHealth Monroe Monroe
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Seattle
Harbor Regional Health Aberdeen
Harborview Medical Center Seattle
Island Hospital Anacortes
Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center Walla Walla
Kadlec Regional Medical Center Richland
Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center Vancouver
Madigan Army Medical Center Tacoma
Multicare Allenmore Hospital Tacoma
Multicare Auburn Medical Center Auburn
MultiCare Capital Medical Center Olympia
MultiCare Covington Medical Center Covington
MultiCare Deaconess Hospital Spokane
MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital Puyallup
Multicare Tacoma General Hospital Tacoma
MultiCare Valley Hospital Spokane Valley
MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital Yakima
Naval Hospital Bremerton Bremerton
Naval Hospital Oak Harbor Oak Harbor
Olympic Memorial Hospital Port Angeles
Overlake Medical Center Bellevue
Pavilion for Women and Children Providence Regional Medical Center Everett
PeaceHealth Saint Joseph Medical Center Bellingham
Providence Centralia Hospital Centralia
Providence Regional Medical Center Everett
Providence Regional Medical Center Everett – Pacific Campus Everett
Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center Spokane
Providence Saint Mary Medical Center Walla Walla
Providence Saint Peter Hospital Olympia
Saint John Medical Center Longview
Samaritan Hospital Moses Lake
Seattle VA Medical Center Seattle
Skagit Valley Hospital Mount Vernon
Southwest Medical Center Vancouver
Spokane VA Medical Center Spokane
St. Anne Hospital Burien
St. Anthony Hospital Gig Harbor
St. Clare Hospital Lakewood
St. Francis Hospital Federal Way
St. Joseph Medical Center Tacoma
St. Michael Medical Center Silverdale
Swedish Ballard Campus Seattle
Swedish Cherry Hill Campus Seattle
Swedish Edmonds Campus Edmonds
Swedish First Hill Campus Seattle
Swedish Issaquah Campus Issaquah
Trios Southridge Hospital Kennewick
Trios Women’s and Children’s Hospital Kennewick
UW Medical Center – Montlake Seattle
UW Medical Center – Northwest Seattle
Valley Medical Center Renton
Virginia Mason Hospital and Seattle Medical Center Seattle
Washington State Penitentiary Hospital Walla Walla
Wenatchee Valley Hospital and Clinics Wenatchee