Failure to Warn Claims with Ozempic Weight Loss Drug

Legal Action Over Undisclosed Risks and Off-Label Promotion

Ozempic (semaglutide) has become one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the United States—not just for type 2 diabetes, but increasingly for weight loss. As demand for GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy surges, so do reports of serious side effects. Thousands of patients have filed lawsuits alleging that Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, failed to adequately warn consumers and healthcare providers about the drug’s risks.

This article outlines the legal foundation of failure to warn claims, the types of injuries being reported, and the current status of litigation against Novo Nordisk.

What Is a Failure to Warn Claim?

Under product liability law, pharmaceutical manufacturers have a duty to:

Disclose known risks associated with their drugs
Update product labeling as new safety data emerges
Warn both prescribers and patients of serious side effects
Avoid misleading or incomplete marketing

A failure to warn claim alleges that the manufacturer breached these duties, resulting in preventable harm. In the case of Ozempic, plaintiffs argue that Novo Nordisk failed to provide adequate warnings about gastrointestinal injuries, vision loss, and other complications—especially when the drug is used off-label for weight loss.

Injuries Allegedly Linked to Ozempic

Patients filing lawsuits against Novo Nordisk report a range of serious injuries, including:

Gastroparesis (stomach paralysis)
Ileus and bowel obstruction
Gallbladder disease
Pancreatitis
Vision loss, including Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION)
Nutrient deficiencies and aspiration risks

Many of these conditions require hospitalization, surgical intervention, or long-term medical care. Plaintiffs argue that they were not warned about these risks prior to starting treatment.

Off-Label Promotion and Misleading Marketing

Although Ozempic was originally approved for type 2 diabetes, its use for weight loss has expanded rapidly. Plaintiffs allege that Novo Nordisk:

Promoted Ozempic for weight loss without FDA approval for that indication
Marketed the drug as a cosmetic solution for obesity and body image concerns
Failed to disclose the full scope of risks associated with off-label use
Created a perception that Ozempic was a “miracle drug” with minimal side effects

These allegations form the basis of failure to warn claims, as patients were prescribed Ozempic without being fully informed of its potential dangers.

Status of the Litigation

Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Novo Nordisk and other GLP-1 drug manufacturers. These cases have been consolidated into a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Plaintiffs are seeking compensation for:

Medical expenses
Lost wages and future earnings
Pain and suffering
Punitive damages for corporate misconduct

The litigation is currently in the discovery phase, with bellwether trials expected to begin in late 2025 or early 2026. Legal experts anticipate that failure to warn claims will play a central role in shaping settlement negotiations.

Example Allegations from Plaintiffs

In recent filings, plaintiffs allege that Novo Nordisk:

Knew or should have known about the risk of gastroparesis, ileus, and vision loss
Failed to update product labeling to reflect emerging safety data
Misled consumers through advertising and public statements
Did not provide adequate training or warnings to prescribing physicians

These allegations are consistent across individual lawsuits and class actions, suggesting a systemic failure to communicate known risks.

Who May Be Eligible to File a Claim

You may be eligible to file a failure to warn lawsuit if:

You were prescribed Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, or Mounjaro
You suffered serious side effects such as stomach paralysis, bowel obstruction, or vision loss
You were not warned about these risks prior to treatment
You required hospitalization, surgery, or long-term care

Family members may also file wrongful death claims if a loved one died due to complications linked to GLP-1 drugs.

Why Contact The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock

At The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C., we are actively investigating Ozempic lawsuit related injury claims, including those involving failure to warn. Our firm offers:

Decades of experience in pharmaceutical and product liability litigation
Strategic coordination with medical experts and national counsel
Compassionate, client-centered representation
A proven track record of securing substantial settlements

If you or a loved one suffered serious harm after taking Ozempic or a related GLP-1 drug, contact our San Diego office today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and pursue justice.