Eli Lilly Received Approval for New Weight Loss Drug Zepbound

There has been a huge uptick in the demand for weight loss drugs and as a result of new drug approvals, the supply has been impacted. Last fall, the drug manufacturer Eli Lilly received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a new medication for chronic weight management. The drug is known as Zepbound, and at $1059.87 for a month’s supply, it is cheaper than Wegovy, which is manufactured by Eli Lilly’s competitor Novo Nordisk. However, much of the excitement of Zepbound and Wegovy fails to appreciate the risks associated with these drugs. If you are a patient who has been harmed by Zepbound, you should call the seasoned dangerous drug Chicago-based attorneys of Moll Law Group. We represent people harmed around the country and billions have been recovered in lawsuits with which we’ve had involvement.

Consult Moll Law Group About Your Weight Loss Drug Lawsuit

The use of diabetes drugs for weight loss has gained increasing public attention. Initially, the FDA wouldn’t allow Eli Lilly to market the diabetes drug Mounjaro for obesity, but late last year, it approved Zepbound, which is based on the same active ingredient. You should be aware, however, that there still questions about long-term health risks of using these drugs.

Zepbound, or tirzepatide, is given as an injection for chronic weight management in patients that are obese or overweight with an additional weight-related condition. Around 70% of adults around the country are obese or overweight; being able to lose 5%-10% of their weight has been linked to a reduced danger of suffering cardiovascular disease. The same drug is marketed under the trade name Mounjaro for use by adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to better their glucose levels. Mounjaro has been the subject of increasing numbers of product liability lawsuits brought by people who took the drug and allegedly experienced gallbladder and gastrointestinal complications necessitating further expensive medical treatment.

How does Zepbound work? To reduce a patient’s appetite and consumption of food, the drug activates the receptors that are released from the intestine and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. Patients administer the injection under their skin once a week; they increase their dose over a period of 4-20 weeks to get to a target dose; 15 mg once a week is the highest potentially appropriate dose.

It’s important to be aware that, like Mounjaro, Zepbound carries serious risks. Side effects may include GERD, hair loss, belching, fatigue, fever, rash, discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. Studies demonstrate that rats exposed to Zepbound develop thyroid C-cell tumors, but researchers don’t know whether the drug causes the same tumors in people. However, Zepbound is not supposed to be used in patients who have a known personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Zepbound comes with warnings for hypoglycemia, gallbladder problems, acute kidney injury, diabetic retinopathy, and suicidal behavior or thinking.

In connection with its manufacturing Mounjaro, Eli Lilly has been sued for failing to provide adequate warnings of gastroparesis or stomach paralysis that has led to patients suffering emergency harms. If you believe you’ve had a serious allergic reaction or developed injuries due to the drug Zepbound, you should seek medical care. However, it may also be necessary to seek compensation from the manufacturer by bringing a product liability lawsuit. Call the seasoned Chicago-based product liability lawyers of Moll Law Group if you’ve suffered injuries due to Zepbound or another diabetes drug used for weight loss. We are dedicated to helping consumers who have been injured across the nation. Complete our online form or call us at 312.462.1700.