Thousands of people in the US are suing Novo Nordisk for failing to warn them about the severe side effects of Ozempic, which they’re now suffering from. It’s quickly becoming one of the largest pharmaceutical legal battles in recent years. Some of the side effects named in the lawsuits include stomach paralysis, organ failure, and death.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist manufactured by Novo Nordisk that was originally approved by the FDA in 2017 for the management of type 2 diabetes. It quickly gained popularity in recent years for its off-label use: weight loss.
This rise in its use is highly driven by media coverage. Ozempic (also sold under brands like Wegovy and Rybelsus) became incredibly popular as a weight loss drug, including among celebrities. It suppresses the appetite, helps regulate blood sugar, and can aid in fat loss.
But by the end of 2025, thousands of people not only suffered serious side effects — they decided to take action.
There are currently over 3,600 active lawsuits filed in US federal and state courts. Analysts estimate that the total liability could exceed $2 billion, making it one of the costliest drug safety disputes in history. And this figure could grow if more patients join in on the lawsuit.
The plaintiffs allege that Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn them and their healthcare providers about the risk of severe complications, especially when GLP-1s began being widely used for weight loss.
Court filings list a range of serious health problems linked to Ozempic. Some of these side effects include vision loss, stomach paralysis, pancreatitis, gallbladder and kidney disease, organ failure, and even death.
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Many Recent Studies Back These Claims
According to the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), thousands of adverse event reports have been filed linking GLP-1 receptor agonists to gastrointestinal and ocular complications.
Neuro-ophthalmologists also noticed a cluster of sudden vision loss cases, a condition called NAION, among patients taking semaglutide. This prompted a 2024 JAMA Ophthalmology study confirming a potential association. The study found that semaglutide users were nearly twice as likely as non-users to develop NAION.
A full list of the side effects that have been reported so far includes:
- Alopecia
- Mild GI symptoms (nausea, bloating, temporary discomfort)
- Intestinal blockages
- Persistent vomiting
- Gallstones
- Gastroparesis (stomach paralysis)
- Bowel obstruction
- Sudden vision loss (NAION)
- Organ damage and failure
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder disease
- Acute kidney failure
- Aspiration
- Suicidal ideation
- Death
Novo Nordisk Strongly Denies Negligence Claims
The company says Ozempic is safe when used as prescribed and that all medications carry some risk.
However, they do admit that Ozempic may cause serious side effects, like possible thyroid tumors or cancer, pancreatitis, changes in vision, hypoglycemia, dehydration leading to kidney problems, gallbladder problems, severe stomach problems, and allergic reactions.
The projected settlement amounts will vary based on the type and severity of the injury. For example:
- Mild GI symptoms range from an estimated $5,000 to $50,000
- Moderate gastroparesis that requires feeding tubes or hospitalization ranges from $100,00 to $300,00
- Pancreatitis or gallbladder removal is $100,000 to $250,000
- Kidney injury resulting in dialysis or hospitalization is $150,00 to $400,000
- Severe gastroparesis that requires surgery or permanent damages is $400,000 to $700,000
- Partial or full vision loss can be anywhere from $500,000 to $1,000,000
- Wrongful death can extend over $2,000,000
Additional Factors Determine Potential Compensation
Other factors will determine each plaintiff’s potential compensation, like medical documentation directly linking Ozempic to the diagnosis, testimony from medical experts, documented income loss, the impact on quality of life, and proof that Novo Nordisk failed to warn about known risks.
People who filed lawsuits early may also receive higher settlements. This is because their cases help establish precedent and legal standards for future claims, and defendants are frequently more willing to offer favorable terms to early filers to manage litigation risk.
The anticipated compensation covers medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and, for cases that show evidence of corporate concealment or egregious conduct, punitive damages.
Settlement values in pharmaceuticals are typically established after bellwether trial outcomes lay the groundwork for negotiations. This issue is currently in the case filing and consolidation phase, with the trial expected to begin in 18-30 months and settlement negotiations in 24-36 months.
How Can Someone File a Lawsuit Against Ozempic if Necessary?
You may qualify to file a lawsuit against Ozempic if you:
- Were prescribed Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, or another semaglutide medication for diabetes management or weight loss (like Eli Lilly’s drug Mounjaro)
- Developed serious side effects
- Have medical records documenting your semaglutide use and subsequent diagnosis
- Experienced significant damages including medical expenses, hospitalization, lost wages, or permanent disability
If you decide to pursue compensation, here are your next steps:
- Receive medical attention for your symptoms. A documented diagnosis linking your condition to Ozempic is the foundation of your claim.
- Hold on to or contact your pharmacy for prescription records. Documentation should include your Ozempic prescription, prescription dates, dosage levels, and treatment duration.
- Gather all medical records showing your diagnosis, treatment, hospitalizations, surgeries, and any specialist consultations.
- Include detailed records of your damages, including medical bills, prescription costs, lost wages, and how the injury affects your daily life, ability to work, and overall quality of life.
- Consult an experienced pharmaceutical litigation attorney to evaluate your case, determine whether you qualify, and guide you through the filing process. Most pharmaceutical injury attorneys won’t charge you anything unless you receive compensation.
- File as early as possible. Not only does this preserve crucial evidence and position your case more favorably, but statutes of limitations vary by state, typically ranging from 1-3 years from the date of your injury.
Educate Yourself Before Taking Any Medication
While these lawsuits are a big deal, many patients may still benefit from GLP-1 drugs under careful medical supervision.
Anyone using Ozempic or similar drugs should watch closely for side effects and other serious symptoms, and seek medical care immediately. Always discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare provider before starting or stopping these medications.
What this legal fight boils down to is changing the way drug companies warn about risks, how regulators address off-label use, and how much responsibility manufacturers bear when medicines become widely used beyond their original purpose.
Featured image by Chemist4U, via Flickr Creative Commons, license 2.0