Ozempic Lawsuit: Serious Side Effects, Ongoing Litigation, and Who May Qualify

Ozempic (semaglutide) has become one of the most talked-about medications in recent years—first as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes and more recently as a widely prescribed weight-loss drug. While many patients have benefited, a rapidly growing number of individuals report severe and life-altering side effects they believe were not adequately disclosed by the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk. This has given rise to a wave of lawsuits nationwide.

In this article, we’ll walk through what these lawsuits allege, the side effects involved, how the litigation works, what victims may be entitled to, and what steps you can take if you or a loved one has been harmed.

What Is Ozempic and Why Has It Become So Popular?

Ozempic is a prescription medication in a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It was originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help people with Type 2 diabetes manage blood sugar levels. Because it also often triggers weight loss by reducing appetite and slowing digestion, it has become widely used “off-label” for weight management—even among people without diabetes.

The active ingredient, semaglutide, works by mimicking a hormone that slows how quickly food leaves your stomach and helps regulate blood sugar. This mechanism can have powerful metabolic effects, but it also has been linked to serious problems in some patients.

Common vs. Severe Side Effects: What Patients Reported

It’s important to distinguish between common side effects that are well-known and severe issues now at the heart of litigation.

Common Side Effects

Most patients experience mild side effects, especially when first starting Ozempic, such as:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Abdominal discomfort

• Headache

• Mild fatigue

Many of these go away with time or dose adjustments.

Serious and Rare Side Effects

The lawsuits are focused on severe, sometimes permanent, conditions that plaintiffs claim were not adequately disclosed. These include:

• Gastroparesis (Stomach Paralysis)

Perhaps the most significant and common claim is that Ozempic can cause gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach fails to empty properly. This leads to:

• Severe nausea and vomiting

• Bloating and pain

• Inability to eat normally

• Hospitalizations for dehydration or malnutrition

Gastroparesis can be chronic and require lifelong management. Many lawsuits allege the risk was downplayed or not clearly explained.

• Bowel Obstruction and Ileus

Some users have reportedly developed ileus—a condition where the intestines stop moving food entirely—which can be life-threatening and may require surgery.

• Vision Loss

Separate litigation has emerged alleging that Ozempic and similar drugs can cause a rare but devastating eye condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), leading to partial or complete blindness.

• Pancreatitis and Other Organ Issues

There are reports of pancreatitis and gallbladder problems linked to semaglutide use.

These severe side effects, although rare compared to milder issues, are the core focus of the lawsuits.

Why Are Ozempic Lawsuits Being Filed?

Patients and their attorneys typically allege one or more of the following in lawsuits against Novo Nordisk:

• Failure to Warn

Many claims argue that the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings about the risk of severe gastrointestinal injuries like gastroparesis and intestinal obstruction. They contend that warning labels only mention delayed gastric emptying—a term plaintiffs say doesn’t fully describe the risk of chronic stomach paralysis.

• Misrepresentation of Safety

Some lawsuits assert that marketing and promotional materials misrepresented the safety profile of Ozempic, especially when used for weight loss rather than diabetes management.

• Negligence and Defective Design

Other claims allege that the drug was defectively designed or that the manufacturer failed in its duty to ensure product safety.

• Fraudulent Concealment

Several plaintiffs say Novo Nordisk knowingly hid evidence of severe side effects from healthcare providers and patients.

To make these claims stick, lawyers must show that a side effect actually occurred and that the lack of warnings played a role in that harm.

Litigation Status: MDL and Current Court Actions

Because so many people have similar claims, federal courts have centralized most Ozempic lawsuits into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. As of 2025, nearly 2,000 cases were consolidated, with potential liability estimates exceeding $2 billion.

An MDL doesn’t mean all cases are merged into one; rather, it allows pretrial procedures like discovery and expert testimony to be coordinated. Future bellwether trials (test cases) will help both sides gauge how juries might rule and influence settlement negotiations.

Recent legal developments include ongoing debates over how to prove causation, what expert evidence is admissible, and whether more claims can move forward beyond failure-to-warn allegations.

Who May Qualify to File a Lawsuit?

You might be eligible for an Ozempic lawsuit if you:

• Took Ozempic (or a related GLP-1 drug like Wegovy or Rybelsus)

• Developed serious side effects such as gastroparesis, ileus, bowel obstruction, or vision loss afterward

• Required medical treatment, hospitalization, or surgery because of these effects

Documentation is crucial, including:

• Medical records showing diagnosis of a severe condition

• Proof of Ozempic usage (prescriptions and pharmacy records)

• Evidence linking the condition to the drug

An attorney can evaluate whether your experience fits the claims being pursued in the MDL.

What Compensation Could Be Available?

If your case is successful, compensation may include:

• Medical Expenses

This covers past and future medical bills related to the side effects you suffered, including hospital stays, surgeries, specialist care, and ongoing treatments.

• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

If the injury prevented you from working or reduced your ability to earn in the future, you may recover those losses.

• Pain and Suffering

Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.

• Punitive Damages

In some cases, courts award punitive damages to punish egregious conduct by a manufacturer.

The exact amount depends on the severity of your injury, documentation, jurisdiction, and how the defendant responds in litigation.

What Should Patients Do Next?

If you believe you’ve suffered serious complications from Ozempic:

1. Talk to Your Doctor right away to document your health issues.

2. Collect Your Medical Records, prescriptions, imaging, and treatment summaries.

3. Consult a Qualified Mass Tort Attorney who specializes in pharmaceutical litigation.

4. Act Quickly—there are legal time limits (statutes of limitation) for filing claims.

Most attorneys handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you get compensation.

Final Thoughts

The Ozempic lawsuit is one of the most significant legal developments tied to popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs in recent years. With thousands of plaintiffs, billions in potential liability, and evolving science linking GLP-1 drugs to serious side effects, these cases may shape how such medications are marketed and prescribed in the future.

If you or someone you know has experienced severe gastrointestinal problems, vision loss, or other serious conditions after taking Ozempic, getting legal advice today could protect your rights and help you pursue fair compensation.