Patients who suffered serious health complications from semaglutide medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus are filing lawsuits against manufacturer Novo Nordisk. These lawsuits allege the company failed to warn about severe side effects including gastroparesis, vision loss, intestinal blockages, and blood clots.
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What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and manage obesity. The drug works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone that:
- Increases insulin production
- Decreases blood sugar levels
- Slows stomach emptying
- Reduces appetite and increases feelings of fullness
The FDA has approved three brand-name forms of semaglutide, all manufactured by Novo Nordisk:
- Ozempic - Weekly injection for type 2 diabetes (approved 2017)
- Wegovy - Weekly injection for chronic weight management (approved 2021)
- Rybelsus - Daily oral tablet for type 2 diabetes (approved 2019)
Despite only Wegovy being FDA-approved for weight loss, physicians commonly prescribe Ozempic and Rybelsus off-label for weight management, contributing to widespread use beyond their approved indications.
Semaglutide Lawsuit Updates
December 2025: As of December 2025, there are 2,947 lawsuits pending in In re: Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 3094, with new cases continuing to be filed weekly.
December 15, 2025: The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) created a separate, new MDL specifically for vision loss (NAION) claims. This new MDL will also be overseen by Judge Karen Marston in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania but will proceed independently from the gastrointestinal injury cases in MDL 3094.
June 6, 2025: The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) safety committee officially concluded that semaglutide drugs may cause NAION, finding the risk more than doubled compared to other diabetes medications - the first official regulatory acknowledgment of the semaglutide-NAION link.
January 2025: A study published in Nature Medicine found “an increased risk of gastrointestinal disorders, hypotension, syncope, arthritic disorders, nephrolithiasis, interstitial nephritis and drug-induced pancreatitis” connected to GLP-1 RA drugs like semaglutide.
Key Facts About Semaglutide Lawsuits
- Widespread off-label use: Though only Wegovy is approved for weight loss, Ozempic and Rybelsus are frequently prescribed off-label for obesity management
- Severe unlabeled side effects: Patients have suffered gastroparesis, vision loss, intestinal blockages, and blood clots not disclosed on warning labels
- Federal MDL consolidation: Cases are consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania under MDL No. 3094
- Multiple manufacturers: While Novo Nordisk makes all semaglutide products, the MDL also includes similar GLP-1 drugs from Eli Lilly (Mounjaro, Trulicity, Zepbound)
- Growing litigation: Thousands of plaintiffs have joined the lawsuit, with numbers continuing to increase monthly
Semaglutide as a Weight Loss Medication
Semaglutide’s popularity exploded due to its effectiveness for weight loss. Clinical trials showed:
- Wegovy patients lost an average of 15% of their body weight
- Ozempic patients (in diabetes trials) experienced significant weight reduction as a secondary effect
- Weight loss results significantly exceeded older GLP-1 medications like Saxenda (5% average weight loss)
This dramatic effectiveness led to:
- Prescription surge: Ozempic prescriptions increased from 2 million (2019) to over 8 million (2021)
- Years-long drug shortages: Semaglutide drugs remained on FDA shortage lists from 2022-2025
- Widespread off-label prescribing: Many non-diabetic patients received Ozempic prescriptions for weight loss
- Celebrity endorsements: High-profile use further fueled demand
The FDA recommends patients supplement all semaglutide medications with diet and exercise changes for optimal results.
Dangerous Side Effects of Semaglutide
Patients taking Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus have reported severe complications beyond those listed on warning labels:
Gastrointestinal Injuries
Gastroparesis (Stomach Paralysis) - Not on warning label
- Chronic inability to digest food properly
- Persistent nausea, vomiting, and severe pain
- Can be permanent even after stopping medication
- May require feeding tube for nutrition
Intestinal Obstruction - Not on warning label
- Complete or partial bowel blockage
- Requires emergency surgery
- Can lead to bowel perforation and sepsis
Ileus - Added to label September 2023
- Intestines stop moving waste through the body
- Causes severe bloating and inability to pass gas or stool
- Medical emergency requiring hospitalization
Gastroenteritis - Not on warning label
- Severe inflammation of stomach and intestines
- Persistent diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration
Necrotizing Pancreatitis - Not on warning label
- Life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas
- Can cause tissue death and multi-organ failure
Gallbladder Disease - Added to label March 2022
- Gallstones and inflammation
- Often requires surgical gallbladder removal
Vision Loss
NAION (Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy) - Not on warning label
- Sudden, permanent vision loss in one or both eyes
- Caused by loss of blood flow to optic nerve
- July 2024 study found strong association with semaglutide
- No treatment or cure currently available
Diabetic Retinopathy - Limited warnings
- Worsening of existing diabetic eye disease
- Can lead to blindness
Cardiovascular Complications
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) - Not on warning label
- Blood clots in deep veins, typically legs
- Can break off and travel to lungs (pulmonary embolism)
- Potentially fatal
Pulmonary Embolism (PE) - Not on warning label
- Blood clot in lungs
- Medical emergency requiring immediate treatment
Surgical Complications
Intraoperative Pulmonary Aspiration - Added to label November 2024
- Inhaling stomach contents during surgery
- Can cause severe lung damage or death
- Occurs even after following standard fasting instructions
- Due to semaglutide’s stomach-emptying effects
Other Serious Effects
- Malnutrition from chronic digestive problems
- Severe dehydration
- Acute kidney injury
- Suicidal thoughts (under FDA investigation)
Critical: Many of these side effects were not listed on medication labels when patients were prescribed semaglutide, depriving them of informed consent.
Current Semaglutide Lawsuits
Federal Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)
MDL No. 3094 - Gastrointestinal Injuries In re: Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) Products Liability Litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Current Status:
- 2,947 pending cases as of December 2025, with 100+ new cases added monthly
- Judge Karen Spencer Marston presiding (appointed June 2024)
- Master complaint filed November 2024
- Science Day held September 2024 to establish medical facts
- Expert witness admissibility hearing scheduled May 14, 2025 (Daubert/Rule 702)
- Evidentiary hearing on key legal issues scheduled May 20, 2025
- Bellwether trial selection expected mid-2026
- Case management orders in place for coordinated discovery
Focus: Gastrointestinal injuries including gastroparesis, intestinal obstruction, ileus, gastroenteritis
Important requirement: As of August 2025, gastroparesis plaintiffs must provide objective diagnostic testing (gastric emptying study, scintigraphy, breath testing, or wireless motility capsule) confirming delayed gastric emptying at time of diagnosis.
NEW: Separate Vision Loss MDL (December 2025) In re: Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Products Liability Litigation
Current Status:
- Created December 15, 2025 by JPML
- Also overseen by Judge Karen Marston in Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- Separate from MDL 3094 but allows coordinated approach
- Will consolidate dozens of NAION (vision loss) cases
- Early stages of litigation—discovery and case management structure being established
Focus: Vision loss specifically related to NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy) and other optic nerve injuries
Why a separate MDL? The JPML recognized that NAION claims involve distinct medical issues, different expert witnesses, and separate causation questions from gastrointestinal injuries, warranting focused judicial review.
Defendants:
- Novo Nordisk (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Saxenda, Victoza)
- Eli Lilly (Mounjaro, Zepbound, Trulicity) - included in MDL 3094 for their GLP-1 medications
Claims Against Novo Nordisk:
- Failure to warn about severe gastrointestinal complications
- Failure to warn about vision loss risks (NAION)
- Failure to warn about cardiovascular complications
- Inadequate testing and post-market surveillance
- Design defect (unreasonably dangerous)
- Negligence in drug development and marketing
- Fraudulent concealment of known risks
State Court Litigation
New Jersey Multicounty Litigation (MCL) - Pending Twenty-one plaintiffs requested consolidation of NAION-related lawsuits in New Jersey state court, similar to federal MDL approach. This would provide additional forum for vision loss claims at state level.
Individual Lawsuits vs. Class Action
There is NO class action lawsuit against Novo Nordisk for semaglutide as of December 2025.
Instead, patients are filing individual lawsuits that are consolidated for pre-trial proceedings in the MDL. This means:
- Each plaintiff maintains their own case
- Discovery and expert evidence are shared to reduce costs
- Settlement amounts are individualized based on specific injuries
- Some cases may go to individual trials (bellwether trials)
This approach typically results in higher compensation than class actions, as damages are calculated based on your specific medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering.
Excluded Injuries
Note: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and blood clot cases were excluded from the GLP-1 MDL in December 2024. However, patients who suffered these injuries can still pursue separate individual lawsuits outside the MDL.
Compounded Semaglutide: Different Risks, Not Part of Lawsuits
During the semaglutide shortage (2022-2025), many patients turned to compounded semaglutide—custom-mixed versions made by compounding pharmacies.
Important Distinctions
Compounded semaglutide is:
- Legal but not FDA-approved
- Made by individual pharmacies, not pharmaceutical manufacturers
- Often uses semaglutide salts (acetate or sodium) instead of FDA-approved formulations
- NOT eligible for inclusion in current GLP-1 lawsuits against Novo Nordisk
Risks of Compounded Semaglutide
The FDA has issued warnings about compounded versions. Reported adverse effects include:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Extreme fatigue and weakness
- Headaches
- Anorexia
- Symptoms lasting days after administration
FDA Concerns
In letters to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, the FDA warned:
- Semaglutide acetate and semaglutide sodium have not been evaluated for safety or efficacy
- Use of semaglutide salts may violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
- Quality control varies significantly between compounding pharmacies
Now that semaglutide is off the FDA shortage list (as of February 2025), compounding authorization is essentially revoked. Patients using compounded versions may need to transition to FDA-approved medications.
If you’re experiencing adverse reactions from compounded semaglutide:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Do NOT stop medication without consulting your doctor
- Report adverse events to the FDA MedWatch program
- Understand that current lawsuits target branded medication manufacturers, not compounding pharmacies
Do You Qualify for a Semaglutide Lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file a lawsuit if:
Medication Requirements:
- You took Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus (not compounded versions)
- You took the medication for diabetes management or weight loss
- You have medical records documenting your prescriptions
Injury Requirements:
- You suffered severe side effects such as:
- Gastroparesis or chronic digestive problems
- Intestinal obstruction or ileus
- Vision loss or NAION
- Gallbladder disease requiring surgery
- Blood clots (DVT/PE) - separate claim outside MDL
- Severe complications requiring hospitalization
- Your injuries occurred while taking or shortly after stopping semaglutide
- You were not adequately warned about these specific risks before taking the medication
Documentation Needed:
- Prescription records
- Medical records showing diagnosis and treatment
- Hospitalization records (if applicable)
- Ongoing treatment documentation
Why Work With an Attorney Who Understands Both Sides
Successfully navigating GLP-1 litigation requires more than general personal injury experience - it demands deep knowledge of pharmaceutical regulation, FDA approval processes, and corporate decision-making at major drug companies.
Insider Pharmaceutical Industry Experience
Before representing injured patients, I worked in-house for a multi-national pharmaceutical company specializing in diabetes treatment, handling:
- Regulatory compliance with FDA requirements
- Drug approval processes
- Corporate legal matters and risk assessment
- Safety data evaluation
This insider experience gives me unique insight into:
- How pharmaceutical companies evaluate safety signals
- Corporate decision-making regarding label warnings
- Litigation defense strategies employed by drug manufacturers
- Industry standards for adequate warnings
Federal MDL Experience
Combined with over a decade *of *experience in complex multidistrict litigation (MDL) in federal courts, I know how to:
- Anticipate defense arguments before they’re made
- Build cases that withstand aggressive challenges from elite defense firms
- Navigate the unique procedural requirements of MDL proceedings
- Maximize efficiency while preparing for individual trials
National Resources with Personal Service
I work in partnership with one of the largest plaintiff law firms in the nation, giving you access to:
- Extensive financial resources for expert witnesses
- Medical experts specializing in gastroenterology, endocrinology, and pharmacology
- Cutting-edge litigation technology and support staff
- Coordinated national litigation strategy
But you’re not just a case number. You work directly with me throughout your case, receiving personalized attention and responsive communication.
Bilingual Legal Services
I provide legal consultations and services in Mandarin Chinese (中文) for clients who prefer to discuss their case in their native language.
How We Investigate Your Semaglutide Lawsuit
If you believe a semaglutide medication caused your injuries, our investigation includes:
Medication/Device Review
- Identify the specific drug and dosage you took
- Determine when you started and stopped taking the medication
- Verify FDA approval status at time of prescription
- Research adverse event reports filed with FDA
- Confirm you took branded semaglutide (not compounded version)
Medical Causation Analysis
- Review your complete medical records
- Consult with medical experts in relevant specialties (gastroenterology, ophthalmology, endocrinology)
- Establish clear timeline linking semaglutide use to your injuries
- Rule out pre-existing conditions or alternative causes
- Document severity and permanence of injuries
Regulatory Compliance Investigation
- Examine Novo Nordisk’s compliance with FDA regulations
- Review clinical trial data and safety studies
- Investigate adverse event reports submitted to FDA FAERS database
- Analyze when manufacturer knew or should have known about risks
- Compare label warnings over time to identify delayed disclosures
Warning Adequacy Assessment
- Determine exactly what warnings were on the label when you were prescribed semaglutide
- Evaluate whether warnings were adequate under legal standards
- Compare against medical literature available at the time
- Investigate marketing materials for misrepresentation or minimization of risks
- Assess whether off-label promotion influenced your prescription
Liability Analysis
- Identify all potentially liable parties (Novo Nordisk, prescribing physician, pharmacy)
- Assess strength of failure-to-warn claims
- Evaluate design defect claims
- Calculate full extent of damages
- Determine optimal litigation strategy (MDL participation vs. separate filing for DVT/blood clot claims)
Compensation Available in Semaglutide Lawsuits
If you suffered injuries from Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus, you may recover:
Economic Damages:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Hospital and emergency room costs
- Surgical procedures and ongoing treatment
- Prescription medications
- Medical devices (feeding tubes, etc.)
- Lost wages and income
- Loss of earning capacity if permanently disabled
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Diminished quality of life
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Loss of consortium (impact on relationships)
Punitive Damages:
- In cases where Novo Nordisk’s conduct was particularly egregious
- Designed to punish and deter corporate misconduct
- May be awarded if evidence shows knowing concealment of risks
No Upfront Costs
Semaglutide lawsuits are handled on contingency fee basis:
- No fees unless we recover compensation
- Free initial case evaluation
- No out-of-pocket expenses
- We advance all litigation costs
- You only pay if we win your case
Take Action: Free Case Evaluation
If you’ve suffered serious side effects from Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus, time may be limited to file your claim. Statutes of limitations vary by state, typically 1-3 years from injury discovery.
Contact me today for a free, confidential case evaluation. We’ll discuss your situation honestly and determine the best path forward—with no obligation and no upfront costs.
Mandarin Chinese services available
Semaglutide Lawsuit Timeline
2025
December 22, 2025 - FDA Approved First Oral Semaglutide for Weight Loss FDA approved the first-ever oral GLP-1 pill for obesity from Novo Nordisk, providing an alternative to injections. The medication will launch in early 2026 with starting doses available for $149 per month through select providers.
December 15, 2025 - JPML Created Separate MDL for Vision Loss Claims The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation announced creation of a new, separate MDL specifically for NAION (vision loss) claims: In re: Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Products Liability Litigation. This new MDL will be overseen by Judge Karen Marston in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, separate from the existing gastrointestinal injury MDL 3094. This allows vision loss cases to proceed with focused attention and separate discovery.
December 2025 - MDL 3094 Reaches Nearly 3,000 Cases As of December 2025, there are 2,947 lawsuits pending in MDL 3094 (gastrointestinal injuries). The litigation continues to grow with 100+ new cases filed monthly.
November 2025 - New Jersey MCL for Vision Loss Cases Requested Twenty-one plaintiffs in New Jersey requested consolidation of NAION-related lawsuits into a multicounty litigation (MCL), similar to the federal MDL approach used for gastroparesis cases.
November 2025 - Swedish Study Links Semaglutide to Retinal Vein Occlusion Observational study analyzing insurance data from over 800,000 diabetic patients found GLP-1 users had 1.6 times higher risk of retinal vein occlusion (RVO), another serious vision condition causing sudden vision loss.
October 2, 2025 - Tirzepatide Removed from FDA Shortage List FDA announced end of tirzepatide shortage that began in 2022, confirming Eli Lilly’s production capacity now meets national demand.
September 11, 2025 - Eli Lilly Filed Motion to Centralize NAION Cases Eli Lilly filed motion seeking centralization of all federal NAION lawsuits, requesting either incorporation into MDL 3094 or creation of new MDL under Judge Marston’s oversight—an unusual move for a defendant.
September 6, 2025 - Judge Clarified Eligible Claims in MDL 3094 Judge Marston issued ruling clarifying plaintiffs may proceed with: (1) Vision injuries including NAION, and (2) Gastroparesis confirmed through objective diagnostic tests (scintigraphy, breath testing, or wireless motility capsule studies).
September 2, 2025 - MDL Reaches 2,676 Cases JPML reported 2,676 actions pending in MDL 3094, representing significant growth.
August 19, 2025 - Court Required Objective Testing for Gastroparesis Claims Judge Marston ruled that gastroparesis plaintiffs must provide evidence of gastric emptying study performed at time of diagnosis confirming delayed emptying. This threshold requirement could exclude claims without objective diagnostic testing.
August 1, 2025 - MDL Passes 2,190 Cases JPML reported 2,190 cases pending in MDL 3094.
July 1, 2025 - MDL Approaches 2,000 Cases 1,997 lawsuits pending in GLP-1 RA multidistrict litigation.
June 6, 2025 - European Medicines Agency Confirmed NAION Link EMA’s safety committee concluded that semaglutide-containing drugs (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus) may cause NAION. Review found risk of NAION more than doubled in semaglutide patients compared to other diabetes medications, with estimated frequency up to 1 in 10,000. This marked first official regulatory link between semaglutide and NAION.
June 2025 - JAMA Ophthalmology Study Links Additional Vision Injuries Study published linking semaglutide to vision injuries beyond NAION, including increased risk of retinal complications.
June 2, 2025 - MDL Reaches 1,882 Cases JPML reported 1,882 cases pending in MDL 3094.
May 20, 2025 - Evidentiary Hearing on Key Legal Issues Scheduled Court scheduled evidentiary hearing to address early discovery and motion practice on preemption, adequacy of warning labels, and gastroparesis diagnostic testing standards—issues that may influence which claims proceed.
May 14, 2025 - Expert Witness Admissibility Hearing (Daubert/Rule 702) Judge Marston scheduled critical hearing to determine admissibility of expert witness testimony regarding causation. Plaintiffs must prove GLP-1 drugs can cause gastroparesis and related conditions. This pivotal hearing may define fate of many claims.
April 2025 - MDL Grows to 1,685 Cases Total claims in MDL 3094 increased to 1,685 as of April 2025.
March 2025 - Plaintiff Attorneys Project Tens of Thousands of Future Cases During MDL status conference, plaintiff attorneys projected litigation could eventually include tens of thousands of cases. Internal poll revealed approximately 7,000 potential cases under active investigation by plaintiff firms.
March 18, 2025 - Status Conference Held Court held status conference to discuss MDL progress and upcoming procedures.
February 24, 2025 - Status Conference on Next Steps Parties met to discuss next steps in active litigation, including discovery disputes and case management.
February 21, 2025 - FDA Removed Semaglutide from Drug Shortage List Semaglutide injections removed from FDA Drug Shortages List after being listed since 2022. End of shortage revokes compounding pharmacy authorization to make semaglutide alternatives.
February 20, 2025 - New NAION Analysis in Diabetic Patients Analysis of 37.1 million adults with type 2 diabetes across 14 databases found “further evidence of an association between semaglutide and NAION,” strengthening the link between the drug and vision loss.
January 30, 2025 - Study Found Three Eye Diseases in Semaglutide Patients Small study of nine participants taking semaglutide and tirzepatide found:
- Seven developed NAION (vision loss)
- One developed retinal stroke (paracentral acute middle maculopathy)
- One developed bilateral optic nerve swelling (bilateral papillitis)
January 2025 - Nature Medicine Study Linked GLP-1s to Multiple Disorders Study published in Nature Medicine found increased risk of gastrointestinal disorders, hypotension, syncope, arthritic disorders, kidney stones, interstitial nephritis, and drug-induced pancreatitis connected to GLP-1 RA drugs.
January 2025 - JPML Declined to Add NAION and Blood Clots to MDL 3094 JPML decided to add Saxenda to existing MDL but did not add NAION (vision loss) or DVT/blood clot injuries to MDL 3094. Patients with these injuries can still file separate lawsuits and may form their own MDL.
2024
December 1, 2024 - DVT and Blood Clot Cases Excluded from MDL Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism cases were excluded from the GLP-1 RA MDL. Patients who suffered these injuries can still pursue separate individual lawsuits.
November 1, 2024 - Master Complaint Filed in Ozempic MDL Patients who took Ozempic filed a master complaint alleging Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly failed to warn about severe gastrointestinal, vision, and cardiovascular risks.
November 1, 2024 - FDA Added Pulmonary Aspiration Warning to Ozempic Label The FDA required Novo Nordisk to add warning about increased risk of pulmonary aspiration during general anesthesia or deep sedation, even after following preoperative fasting instructions.
October 2, 2024 - Semaglutide Remained in Short Supply Semaglutide drugs remained on FDA Drug Shortage Database due to overwhelming demand. Tirzepatide drugs (Mounjaro, Zepbound) were removed from shortage list.
September 5, 2024 - Senate Questioned Novo Nordisk CEO About Pricing Novo Nordisk CEO appeared before U.S. Senate committee to address concerns about significantly higher U.S. prices for Ozempic and Wegovy compared to other countries.
September 4, 2024 - Science Day Held in MDL Science Day established medical and scientific facts regarding GLP-1 drugs, research findings, and relationships between medications and claimed injuries.
August 1, 2024 - Case Management Order Issued Judge Karen Spencer Marston issued Case Management Order No. 17 establishing guidelines for cost-sharing among plaintiff attorneys performing MDL-related work.
July 1, 2024 - Landmark Study Linked Ozempic to Vision Loss Study published linking semaglutide drugs to non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), causing permanent vision loss and blindness. Research found significant association between semaglutide use and NAION risk.
June 1, 2024 - Judge Karen Marston Appointed to Lead MDL Judge Karen Spencer Marston was appointed to oversee the GLP-1 RA MDL following Judge Pratter’s death. One of her first acts was requesting status conference with leadership.
May 1, 2024 - Judge Overseeing MDL Passed Away Judge Gene E.K. Pratter, who had been overseeing the GLP-1 RA litigation, passed away at age 78.
March 14, 2024 - First MDL Status Conference Held Status conference addressed procedural details, leadership structure, and fact establishment for the litigation.
March 2024 - Wegovy Approved for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction FDA approved Wegovy to reduce risk of cardiovascular events (heart attack and stroke) in overweight and obese patients with cardiovascular disease.
2023
December 31, 2023 - Nearly 6,500 Adverse Events Reported FDA received 6,487 adverse event reports for GLP-1 medications in 2023, including 89 deaths.
December 2023 - GLP-1 Lawsuits Consolidated into Louisiana MDL Plaintiff lawyers petitioned court to consolidate nine GLP-1 lawsuits into multidistrict litigation in Louisiana.
December 2023 - Novo Nordisk Motion to Dismiss Denied Judge James Cain, Jr. denied Novo Nordisk’s motion to dismiss the Bjorklund lawsuit, granted dismissal of express warranty claims but denied dismissal of failure-to-warn claims.
November 2023 - Novo Nordisk Filed Motion to Dismiss Novo Nordisk filed motion to dismiss the Bjorklund lawsuit, one of the first semaglutide injury lawsuits.
September 2023 - Ozempic Label Updated to Include Ileus Warning Novo Nordisk added warning for ileus (bowel obstruction) to Ozempic label in postmarketing experiences section—years after drug approval.
2022
March 2022 - Gallbladder Disease Warning Added to Label Novo Nordisk added gallbladder disease warning to semaglutide medication labels.
2022 - Semaglutide Added to FDA Drug Shortage List Explosive demand for off-label weight loss use created severe shortages of semaglutide medications, affecting diabetic patients’ access to prescribed treatment.
Earlier History
June 2021 - Wegovy Approved for Weight Loss FDA approved Wegovy (higher-dose semaglutide) specifically for chronic weight management in adults.
December 2020 - Saxenda Approved for Teens FDA approved Saxenda (liraglutide) for obesity treatment in teens aged 12-17.
2019 - Rybelsus Approved FDA approved Rybelsus, the first oral GLP-1 medication for type 2 diabetes treatment.
December 2017 - Ozempic Approved for Diabetes FDA approved Ozempic (semaglutide injection) for treatment of type 2 diabetes. Drug was not approved for weight loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I file a lawsuit if I took compounded semaglutide?
A: No. Current lawsuits target Novo Nordisk’s FDA-approved branded medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus). Compounded versions are made by individual pharmacies and are not part of this litigation.
Q: What if I only took Ozempic for a short time?
A: You may still qualify if you developed serious side effects. Even short-term use has been linked to gastroparesis and other complications. Contact us to evaluate your case.
Q: Can I file a lawsuit if I suffered vision loss from semaglutide?
A: Yes. A new, separate MDL specifically for NAION (vision loss) claims was created in December 2025. Vision loss cases now proceed independently from gastrointestinal injury cases, with their own discovery and expert witnesses.
Q: What’s the difference between the two MDLs?
A: MDL 3094 handles gastrointestinal injuries (gastroparesis, intestinal blockage, etc.), while the new NAION MDL handles vision loss claims. Both are overseen by Judge Marston but proceed separately because they involve different medical issues and causation questions.
Q: Can I still file if I’m no longer taking semaglutide?
A: Yes. Many injuries (like gastroparesis) persist long after stopping the medication. The key factor is whether you suffered serious injuries that were not adequately disclosed.
Q: What if I signed a consent form before taking the medication?
A: Consent forms don’t waive your right to sue if you weren’t adequately warned about known risks. The issue is whether Novo Nordisk provided sufficient warnings, not whether you signed paperwork.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a semaglutide lawsuit attorney?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, which means we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. All case evaluation, investigation, and litigation costs are advanced by our firm.
Q: I suffered a blood clot (DVT). Can I still file?
A: Yes, but DVT/blood clot cases were excluded from the main MDL in December 2024. You can still pursue a separate individual lawsuit. We can help evaluate your claim.
Q: What is the deadline to file a semaglutide lawsuit?
A: Statutes of limitations vary by state, typically 1-3 years from when you discovered your injury (or should have discovered it). Contact us immediately to protect your rights - waiting could bar your claim.
Q: How long do semaglutide lawsuits take?
A: MDL cases typically take 2-4 years. Some cases may settle sooner through negotiation; others may proceed to individual trials. Early settlement is possible but not guaranteed.
Q: Will I have to go to court?
A: Most cases settle without trial. If your case does go to trial, we’ll prepare you thoroughly. As part of an MDL, your case benefits from shared discovery and coordinated strategy.
Q: What if my doctor prescribed Ozempic off-label for weight loss?
A: Off-label prescribing is legal and common. The lawsuit focuses on whether Novo Nordisk adequately warned doctors and patients about risks—not whether your prescription was appropriate.
Last Updated: Janaury 2026
Disclaimer: This website provides general information about semaglutide lawsuits and does not constitute legal or medical advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this content or submitting a contact form. Do not stop taking prescribed medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Each legal case is unique and evaluated on its individual merits. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
