Ozempic and Weight Loss Drugs Lawsuits: What You Need To Know

Millions of people have started taking a popular class of drugs originally developed to treat diabetes to lose weight instead. Drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, and Mounjaro can induce rapid weight loss, but they also come with seriously damaging gastrointestinal side effects. Despite these risks, they are sometimes prescribed off-label—that is, in a manner not approved by the FDA and other regulatory agencies—to induce weight loss.

If you’ve taken any of these drugs for weight loss and suffered digestive side effects like gastroparesis or gallbladder disease, you may be entitled to legal compensation. The National Injury Law Firm™, PLLC, can help you explore your rights and eligibility to pursue a weight loss drug lawsuit. Contact us today to connect with an experienced attorney.

Lawsuits Over Weight Loss Drugs

In a 2022 report published in JAMA Internal Medicine, a prominent medical journal, researchers detailed how users of Ozempic and Wegovy experienced significantly higher rates of gallbladder disease and gallstones. This and other studies have given rise to ongoing litigation against the manufacturers of these and similar drugs.

Lawsuits against weight loss drug manufacturers like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly allege these producers failed to adequately warn patients of the risks associated with their drugs, including the possibility of severe stomach and other gastrointestinal problems. Because of the similarity between the implicated semaglutide weight loss drugs, these lawsuits have been consolidated for multidistrict litigation in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

If you were harmed by these drugs, you may also be able to pursue a weight loss drug lawsuit, which can provide compensation for the economic and non-economic harm you suffered. While each case is unique and settlement amounts will vary, you can be compensated for things like:

Medical expenses related to treating injuries and illness
Lost wages if your condition prevented you from working
Physical pain and suffering
Psychological trauma, such as anxiety and depression
Loss of consortium
Lowered quality of life

These cases are legally and factually complex, requiring solid evidence of product liability and the damages you suffered. Though pharmaceutical giants will pull out all the stops to fight your claim, a skilled attorney in our network can provide the high-quality legal representation you need to build a strong case in pursuit of justice and fair compensation.

Who Qualifies for Weight Loss Drug Lawsuits?

You may be eligible to file a weight loss drug lawsuit if you used a GLP-1 medication, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Rybelsus, and suffered a serious health complication traceable to the drug. Because of the complex nature of these cases, the best way to determine whether you have a viable claim is by consulting an experienced attorney.

You have a limited time to pursue a weight loss drug claim due to the deadline set by the statute of limitations, which varies by state. Once this deadline passes, you will be unable to take legal action for your injuries and other damages. Do not wait to reach out. We can connect you with a skilled lawyer to ensure your claim is filed before the governing deadline in your jurisdiction.

Ozempic vs. Mounjaro vs. Wegovy vs. Rybelsus

Ozempic

Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which is a semaglutide approved to treat type 2 diabetes. It is sometimes also administered off-label for weight loss.

Mounjaro

Mounjaro is both a GLP-1 and a GIP receptor agonist, and it works by reducing appetite. It is a type 2 diabetes drug that is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss.

Wegovy

Wegovy contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. However, doctors typically prescribe it in higher doses. It was approved by the FDA for weight loss.

Rybelsus

Rybelsus is the only GLP-1 drug that can be taken orally instead of through injection. This drug isn’t approved for weight loss but is sometimes prescribed for it off-label.

	Side Effects	Active Ingredients	Settlements
Ozempic	Constipation Diarrhea Nausea Vomiting Abdominal pain Pancreatitis Diabetic retinopathy Hypoglycemia Gallbladder disease Risk of thyroid cancer	A GLP-1 receptor agonist, which is a semaglutide approved to treat type 2 diabetes. It is sometimes also administered off-label for weight loss.	The first Ozempic and Mounjaro lawsuit was filed on August 2, 2023. Results are pending.
Mounjaro	Nausea Vomiting Constipation Intestinal blockage Cramps Decreased appetite Abdominal pain Heartburn Skin rash Kidney problems Hypoglycemia Pancreatitis Gallbladder disease Risk of thyroid cancer	Mounjaro is both a GLP-1 and a GIP receptor agonist, and it works by reducing appetite. It is a type 2 diabetes drug that is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Wegovy	Abdominal pain and bloating Diarrhea Headache Dizziness Nausea Increased heart rate Low blood sugar Gallbladder problems Pancreatitis Risk of thyroid cancer	Wegovy contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. However, doctors typically prescribe it in higher doses. It was approved by the FDA for weight loss.	Individuals have filed lawsuits against Novo Nordisk, the maker of Wegovy, alleging the drug causes serious side effects like gastroparesis and that the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warning. Results are pending.
Rybelsus	Nausea Abdominal pain Diarrhea Loss of appetite Vomiting Constipation Low blood sugar Changes in eyesight Pancreatitis Kidney problems Risk of thyroid cancer	Rybelsus is the only GLP-1 drug that can be taken orally instead of through injection. This drug isn’t approved for weight loss but is sometimes prescribed for it off-label.	Individuals have filed Rybelsus lawsuits against the maker of the drug, Novo Nordisk. Results are pending.

Frequently Asked Questions About Weight Loss Drug Lawsuits

1. Why Are Weight Loss Drug Lawsuits Being Filed?

Off-label weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Rybelsus are giving rise to a growing number of lawsuits as patients claim that manufacturers knew about and ignored harmful side effects. Many people experience serious gastrointestinal issues after taking these drugs, some of which require hospitalization and even surgery.

According to one news report, there were nearly 100 weight loss lawsuits pending in March 2024. The number is likely to increase throughout the year.

2. What Is Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis, also known as stomach paralysis, prevents the stomach’s muscles and nerves from working properly. This results in food sitting too long in the stomach, which can require medical intervention. Though drugs containing GLP-1 receptor agonists are known to cause this condition, doctors do not identify the cause of gastroparesis in 40 percent of cases overall.

3. What Weight Loss Drugs Have Been Recalled?

A number of weight loss drugs have been recalled by the FDA over the years. For example, Redux and Pondimin (fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine) were recalled due to heart valve concerns. Other weight loss drugs that have been recalled include Belviq and Meridia.

4. What Makes Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic Dangerous?

Semaglutide weight loss drugs like Ozempic slow down digestion by retaining food in the stomach longer. Though this can lead to weight loss, it can also be harmful to the body. The side effects can be long-term and so severe that they require hospitalization and surgery.

5. Does Drug-Induced Gastroparesis Go Away?

Gastroparesis is a chronic condition that doesn’t have a cure, but its progression can be slowed and symptoms managed with treatment. It may be treated with medication, blood glucose control, dietary changes, electrical stimulation, and venting of the stomach to relieve pressure.

The National Injury Law Firm™ Can Help if You Suffered Complications After Using Ozempic or Other Weight Loss Drugs

If you were harmed after taking Ozempic or other weight loss drugs, you may be entitled to significant legal compensation. We can connect you with an experienced product liability lawyer who can evaluate your situation, answer your questions, and outline your legal options.

The National Injury Law Firm™, PLLC, is reviewing cases for people across the country who were prescribed medications for weight loss and suffered adverse health complications. When you’ve been harmed, our goal is to empower you by connecting you with an attorney who will seek justice, accountability, and compensation on your behalf. Contact us today to learn more.

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