What Problems Is Ozempic Causing?

Ozempic (semaglutide) has become one of the most widely prescribed medications for type 2 diabetes and weight loss in the United States. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for glycemic control, its off-label use for weight management has surged—driven by social media, celebrity endorsements, and aggressive marketing. While many patients report benefits, Ozempic is now linked to a growing list of serious complications, including gastrointestinal damage, organ failure, psychological harm, and—in rare but devastating cases—death.

This article outlines the most pressing problems associated with Ozempic, each presented as a distinct clinical and legal concern.

1. Gastroparesis (Stomach Paralysis)

One of the most severe gastrointestinal complications linked to Ozempic is gastroparesis, or delayed gastric emptying. Patients report persistent nausea, vomiting, bloating, and inability to tolerate food. In extreme cases, gastroparesis has led to hospitalization, feeding tube placement, and long-term nutritional deficits.

The FDA updated Ozempic’s label in 2025 to include warnings about gastrointestinal obstruction and delayed gastric emptying (Rodriguez, 2025). Lawsuits allege that Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn patients about the risk of stomach paralysis and its life-altering consequences.

2. Pancreatitis

Ozempic has been associated with acute and chronic pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, and elevated pancreatic enzymes. Some patients have required intensive care or surgical intervention.

Pancreatitis is listed as a known adverse effect in GLP-1 receptor agonists, and patients with a history of pancreatic disease are advised to avoid Ozempic (Scott, 2025). Litigation is underway involving cases where pancreatitis progressed rapidly and led to permanent organ damage.

3. Gallbladder Disease

Gallstones and cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) are increasingly reported among Ozempic users. These conditions can cause sharp abdominal pain, nausea, jaundice, and may require gallbladder removal surgery.

Rapid weight loss—a common effect of Ozempic—is a known risk factor for gallstone formation. The FDA has acknowledged this link, and lawsuits have emerged from patients who suffered gallbladder complications without prior warning (Scott, 2025).

4. Kidney Damage

Ozempic has been implicated in acute kidney injury, especially in patients who experience prolonged vomiting and dehydration. Symptoms include reduced urination, swelling, fatigue, and elevated creatinine levels. In some cases, kidney damage has progressed to renal failure requiring dialysis.

Patients with pre-existing kidney conditions are particularly vulnerable. The FDA has issued advisories urging clinicians to monitor renal function during treatment (Rodriguez, 2025). Legal claims are now being filed by individuals who suffered irreversible kidney damage while using Ozempic.

5. Vision Loss

Diabetic retinopathy—a condition where high blood sugar damages the retina—can worsen with rapid glycemic changes. Some Ozempic users have reported sudden vision changes, blurred vision, and retinal hemorrhages. In rare cases, these symptoms have led to permanent vision loss.

The American Diabetes Association warns that rapid improvements in blood sugar may destabilize retinal vessels in patients with pre-existing retinopathy (Scott, 2025). Lawsuits are emerging from individuals who lost vision after starting Ozempic without adequate ophthalmologic monitoring.

6. Dental Deterioration

Dentists have reported a rise in oral health complaints among Ozempic users, including dry mouth, enamel erosion, gum disease, and increased cavities. Chronic vomiting and dehydration exacerbate these issues, exposing teeth to stomach acid and reducing protective saliva.

Terms like “Ozempic mouth” and “Ozempic teeth” have entered clinical discourse, reflecting the widespread nature of these complaints (Walton, 2025). Patients are advised to maintain rigorous oral hygiene and seek dental evaluation during treatment.

7. Muscle Loss and Facial Aging

Rapid fat loss induced by Ozempic can lead to unintended aesthetic and functional consequences. “Ozempic face”—characterized by hollow cheeks and sagging skin—is a common complaint. Patients also report loss of muscle mass, reduced strength, and diminished physical resilience.

Without adequate protein intake and resistance training, muscle wasting can impair mobility and metabolic health (Osborn, 2025). Some patients seek cosmetic procedures to restore volume, adding financial and emotional burdens to their treatment journey.

8. Psychological Effects

Ozempic’s appetite-suppressing effects may trigger or worsen disordered eating behaviors. Mental health professionals warn that GLP-1 medications can exacerbate anorexia, bulimia, and body dysmorphia—especially among individuals with a history of restrictive eating.

Patients also report mood swings, anxiety, and depression while on Ozempic. These effects are not fully understood but are under investigation by regulatory agencies (Walton, 2025). Lawsuits are beginning to address the psychological harm caused by inadequate screening and monitoring.

9. Death

While rare, deaths linked to Ozempic are now central to litigation. Families allege that loved ones died from complications including:

Gastroparesis-induced malnutrition and organ failure
Necrotizing pancreatitis
Acute kidney injury following dehydration
Sepsis from gastrointestinal obstruction
Cardiac arrest triggered by electrolyte imbalance

One high-profile case involved a woman who died after weeks of vomiting and delayed care. Her family claims she was never warned about the fatal risks associated with Ozempic (Financial Express, 2025). These cases underscore the need for stronger informed consent and post-market surveillance.

10. Legal and Regulatory Challenges

As of 2025, Ozempic faces over 1,800 lawsuits in U.S. courts, with damages potentially exceeding $2 billion. Plaintiffs allege that Novo Nordisk failed to disclose life-threatening risks and promoted the drug for cosmetic weight loss without adequate safety data.

Regulators are under pressure to reevaluate the risk-benefit profile of GLP-1 medications and enforce stricter prescribing guidelines. Legal experts anticipate multidistrict litigation and potential settlements in the coming years (Financial Express, 2025).

Conclusion

Ozempic has transformed diabetes and obesity treatment, but its rapid adoption has exposed a wide spectrum of medical, psychological, and legal problems. From gastroparesis and organ damage to vision loss, dental decay, and death, the risks are more complex than initially understood.

At The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C., we advocate for informed consent, regulatory accountability, and justice for those harmed by unsafe medications. If you or a loved one has experienced complications from Ozempic, contact us for a confidential case review and strategic legal support.