As the popularity of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro continues to surge, so do concerns about their safety. While these drugs have helped millions manage type 2 diabetes and obesity, recent reports suggest a troubling rise in serious adverse events—including hospitalizations and deaths. This article examines the latest death statistics linked to GLP-1 drugs and what they mean for patients, providers, and legal professionals.
What Are GLP-1 Drugs?
GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of injectable medications that mimic the glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone. They help regulate blood sugar, suppress appetite, and slow gastric emptying. Common GLP-1 drugs include:
- Ozempic (semaglutide)
- Wegovy (semaglutide, higher dose for weight loss)
- Rybelsus (oral semaglutide)
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
- Saxenda and Victoza (liraglutide)
These medications are FDA-approved for diabetes and weight management, but off-label use and compounded versions have raised safety concerns.
Deaths Linked to GLP-1 Drugs: What the Data Shows
United Kingdom Data
According to the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), as of January 31, 2025:
- 82 deaths were linked to GLP-1 drugs overall
- 22 deaths involved patients using the drugs for weight loss
- 60 deaths were associated with use for type 2 diabetes
- Specific drug breakdown:
- Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus): 29 deaths
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro): 18 deaths
- Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza): 35 deaths
These figures come from adverse event reports submitted to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme, which collects data on suspected drug-related harm (Clun, 2025; BMJ, 2025).
Compounded Semaglutide in the U.S.
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, has warned that compounded versions of semaglutide—often sold by unauthorized pharmacies—have been linked to:
- At least 100 hospitalizations
- 10 confirmed deaths (CNN, 2024)
These compounded products are not FDA-approved and may contain unregulated or mislabeled ingredients, posing significant risks to consumers.
What Do These Numbers Mean?
It’s important to interpret these statistics carefully:
- Correlation vs. causation: Not all reported deaths are conclusively caused by GLP-1 drugs. Some may involve underlying conditions or coincidental timing.
- Underreporting is likely: Adverse event systems rely on voluntary reporting, meaning actual numbers may be higher.
- Compounded drugs are a major concern: Deaths linked to non-FDA-approved versions highlight the dangers of unregulated access.
Nonetheless, the growing number of serious outcomes has prompted regulators and researchers to call for stronger oversight and clearer warnings.
Legal and Regulatory Response
Lawsuits
Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, alleging that GLP-1 drugs caused:
- Gastroparesis (stomach paralysis)
- Ileus and bowel obstruction
- Vision loss (NAION)
- Gallbladder disease
- Psychiatric complications
- Death
These cases are currently consolidated under MDL No. 3094 in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Legal experts estimate total liability could exceed $2 billion.
Regulatory Action
- The UK MHRA has tightened prescribing rules and launched investigations into marketing practices.
- The FDA has issued warnings about compounded semaglutide and is reviewing post-market safety data.
- The Advertising Standards Authority in the UK has opened multiple inquiries into misleading promotions of weight-loss injectables.
What Should Patients Know?
If you or a loved one has experienced serious complications while taking Ozempic or another GLP-1 drug:
- Consult your physician before discontinuing any medication
- Report adverse events to the FDA (U.S.) or MHRA (UK)
- Preserve medical records and prescription history
- Seek legal advice if you’ve suffered hospitalization, disability, or loss of life
Why Contact The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock
The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C. is actively investigating claims involving Ozempic, Wegovy, and other GLP-1 drugs linked to serious injury and death. Our firm offers:
- Decades of experience in pharmaceutical litigation
- Aggressive representation against drug manufacturers
- A proven track record of securing substantial settlements for injured patients
If you or a loved one suffered harm after taking a GLP-1 drug, contact our San Diego office today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and pursue justice.
References
- BMJ. (2025). GLP-1 agonists: 82 deaths linked to adverse reactions, UK data show. Retrieved from https://www.bmj.com/content/388/bmj.r390
- Clun, R. (2025, February 24). Weight loss drugs linked to dozens of deaths. The Independent. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/ozempic-wegovy-weight-loss-drugs-deaths-b2703627.html
- CNN. (2024, November 6). Compounded semaglutide associated with at least 10 deaths, Novo Nordisk warns. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/06/health/compounded-semaglutide-deaths-novo-nordisk-ceo
- Futurism. (2025). Ozempic-style drugs linked to hundreds of illnesses and deaths. Retrieved from https://futurism.com/neoscope/ozempic-glp-1-illnesses-deaths
- Newsweek. (2024, February 16). Ozempic ‘fatal outcomes’ study raises serious concern. Retrieved from https://www.newsweek.com/ozempic-fatal-outcomes-study-serious-concern-1870043
