Ozempic (semaglutide), a popular GLP-1 receptor agonist prescribed for type 2 diabetes and weight loss, is now at the center of a growing wave of lawsuits alleging severe gastrointestinal injuries. Plaintiffs claim that the drug caused stomach paralysis, also known as gastroparesis, along with other debilitating side effects such as intestinal blockages, chronic vomiting, and malnutrition.
As of August 2025, more than 1,800 lawsuits have been consolidated into a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL), and legal experts expect that number to rise sharply. This article provides a comprehensive update on the litigation, including recent filings, medical allegations, MDL developments, and what injured patients can expect next.
What Is Ozempic and Why Is It Being Sued?
Ozempic is part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which also includes Wegovy, Rybelsus (both made by Novo Nordisk), and Mounjaro (made by Eli Lilly). These drugs mimic a hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite, making them effective for managing type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss.
However, recent studies and adverse event reports have linked GLP-1 drugs to serious gastrointestinal complications, including:
- Gastroparesis (stomach paralysis): A condition where the stomach muscles fail to contract properly, causing delayed gastric emptying
- Ileus: A form of intestinal blockage that can lead to emergency surgery
- Persistent vomiting and dehydration: Often requiring hospitalization and IV fluids
- Bowel obstruction and inflammation: In some cases, leading to feeding tube placement or surgical intervention
Plaintiffs allege that Novo Nordisk and other manufacturers failed to adequately warn patients and doctors about these risks, despite mounting evidence from clinical studies and post-market surveillance.
Timeline of Key Legal Developments
The legal battle over Ozempic and related GLP-1 drugs has accelerated over the past two years. Here’s a breakdown of major milestones:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug 2, 2023 | First lawsuit filed by Jaclyn Bjorklund, alleging gastroparesis after taking Ozempic and Mounjaro |
| Oct–Dec 2023 | Surge in filings across multiple states, including California, Texas, and Florida |
| Feb 2024 | MDL No. 3094 created: In Re: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Products Liability Litigation |
| Mar 14, 2024 | First status conference held in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania |
| Aug 2024 | Hill v. Novo Nordisk filed by Tennessee woman alleging bowel obstruction and stomach paralysis |
| Aug 2025 | Over 1,800 cases pending in MDL; discovery phase underway |
The MDL is overseen by Judge Karen Spencer Marston, who is currently managing pretrial motions, discovery protocols, and bellwether trial selection.
What Is an MDL and Why Does It Matter?
A multidistrict litigation (MDL) is a legal mechanism used to consolidate similar lawsuits filed in different federal courts. It streamlines the pretrial process by allowing one judge to oversee discovery, motions, and early test trials (called bellwether trials).
Benefits of the MDL process include:
- Efficiency: Reduces duplicative discovery and conflicting rulings
- Consistency: Ensures similar cases are treated uniformly
- Leverage for Settlement: Bellwether outcomes often influence global settlement negotiations
In the Ozempic MDL, plaintiffs are seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and—in some cases—punitive damages for alleged corporate misconduct.
Medical Evidence Supporting the Lawsuits
Several studies and adverse event reports have raised concerns about the gastrointestinal safety profile of GLP-1 drugs:
- A 2023 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that GLP-1 users had a significantly higher risk of developing gastroparesis compared to non-users
- The FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) has logged thousands of complaints involving nausea, vomiting, and delayed gastric emptying linked to semaglutide
- Gastroenterologists have reported an uptick in patients presenting with unexplained vomiting and bloating after starting Ozempic or Wegovy
While Novo Nordisk maintains that Ozempic is safe when used as directed, plaintiffs argue that the company downplayed the severity and frequency of these side effects in its marketing and labeling.
Who Is Eligible to File an Ozempic Lawsuit?
You may qualify to join the MDL or file an individual lawsuit if you meet any of the following Ozempic lawsuit criteria:
- You were prescribed Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, or Mounjaro
- You developed gastroparesis, ileus, bowel obstruction, or required hospitalization for vomiting and dehydration
- You have medical records confirming diagnosis and treatment
- You have not previously accepted compensation or signed a liability waiver
Even if your symptoms resolved after discontinuing the drug, you may still be eligible based on pain, suffering, and medical costs incurred during the episode.
What’s Next in the Litigation?
As of August 2025, the Ozempic MDL is in the discovery phase, with both sides exchanging documents, medical records, and expert reports. Key developments expected in the coming months include:
- Bellwether Trial Selection: Judge Marston is expected to choose representative cases for early trial by late 2025
- Expert Testimony: Medical experts will testify on causation, drug safety, and standard of care
- Settlement Talks: If bellwether trials favor plaintiffs, Novo Nordisk may enter negotiations to resolve claims globally
- MDL Expansion: New claims involving pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and vision loss are being evaluated for inclusion
Legal analysts predict that the first bellwether trials could begin in early 2026, potentially setting the tone for future settlements.
Intake Tips for Law Firms and Claimants
For law firms handling Ozempic claims, here are key intake questions to ask:
- What GLP-1 drug were you prescribed, and when?
- What symptoms did you experience, and when did they begin?
- Were you hospitalized, treated in the ER, or given a feeding tube?
- Do you have medical records confirming gastroparesis or bowel obstruction?
- Have you spoken to another attorney or signed any legal documents?
For claimants, it’s important to:
- Preserve all medical records and pharmacy receipts
- Document symptoms, treatments, and missed work
- Avoid signing any releases or accepting compensation without legal advice
Why Choose The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock for Your Ozempic Claim
At The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, we are actively investigating claims involving Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs linked to stomach paralysis, bowel obstruction, and other serious gastrointestinal injuries. Our firm offers:
- Decades of experience in complex pharmaceutical litigation and product liability
- Aggressive representation against drug manufacturers like Novo Nordisk
- A proven track record of securing substantial settlements for injured patients
If you or a loved one suffered gastroparesis, ileus, or related complications after taking Ozempic, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact our San Diego office today for a free consultation, and let us help you hold the manufacturer accountable.
References
- King Law. (2024). Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit [2025 Update]. Retrieved from https://www.robertkinglawfirm.com/personal-injury/ozempic-lawsuit/ozempic-stomach-paralysis-lawsuit/
- TruLaw. (2025). Lawsuit Against Ozempic for Stomach Paralysis [2025 Update]. Retrieved from https://trulaw.com/ozempic-lawsuit/lawsuit-against-ozempic-for-stomach-paralysis/
- Lawsuit Tracker. (2025). Ozempic Lawsuit – August 2025 Update. Retrieved from https://lawsuittracker.org/dangerous-drugs/ozempic-lawsuit/
