Ozempic, a diabetes drug widely used for weight loss, has become the target of one of the largest pharmaceutical lawsuits in recent years. Plaintiffs have filed nearly 2,000 lawsuits and estimate potential damages at more than $2 billion.
Plaintiffs report severe side effects, including stomach paralysis, intestinal blockage, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, kidney damage, and sudden vision loss linked to NAION. They say Novo Nordisk did not fully warn users and healthcare providers, violating the company’s duty to provide accurate risk information.
The main injury cited is gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis. Patients describe constant nausea, violent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and significant weight loss. Some require feeding tubes for proper nutrition. Lawyers argue the drug’s warning labels mention mild side effects but do not prepare users for the severity or permanence of these conditions.
Ozempic, along with Wegovy and Rybelsus, belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class. These drugs slow digestion to control blood sugar and reduce appetite. Plaintiffs say this effect can go too far, shutting down stomach function in some patients. The lawsuits focus on whether users received adequate information, not on banning the drug.
Medical studies support the claims. A 2023 study in JAMA Internal Medicine linked GLP-1 drugs to gastroparesis, and ophthalmologists report rising NAION cases. FDA adverse event reports document thousands of gastrointestinal and eye-related complaints. Novo Nordisk says the drug remains safe when patients follow directions.
Potential plaintiffs should keep detailed records of symptoms, medical visits, prescriptions, and communications with doctors. Anyone who used Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, or Mounjaro and developed severe side effects may seek compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
Attorneys now review medical records and take testimony from company employees, medical experts, and affected patients. Legal experts warn that state statutes of limitations can limit the time to file a claim, so potential plaintiffs should act quickly.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.