Ozempic Lawsuit Updates & News (2025)

The Ozempic multidistrict litigation saw 79 new cases filed last month, bringing the total to over 1,300. More than 200 cases have been added in the past two months alone.

Plaintiffs' attorneys in the Ozempic lawsuits have submitted a revised master complaint, refining claims against Novo Nordisk. The complaint focuses on allegations that the drug causes gastrointestinal injuries and other severe side effects.

In the ongoing multidistrict litigation (MDL), the master complaint consolidates shared allegations to streamline the process. Individual plaintiffs will use short-form complaints to present their unique claims tied to the master complaint.

A Tennessee woman has filed a lawsuit in the GLP-1 drug MDL, claiming Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy caused her severe gastrointestinal issues, including gastroparesis. Prescribed Ozempic in 2022, she experienced nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, with a 2023 test confirming delayed stomach emptying. The lawsuit alleges Novo Nordisk failed to warn about serious gastrointestinal risks and downplayed these dangers in marketing while promoting the drugs for weight management.

In the growing Ozempic multidistrict litigation, new filings highlight claims that Novo Nordisk downplayed the risk of gastroparesis in its marketing. Plaintiffs argue the company was aware of the drug’s impact on stomach motility but avoided adding stronger warnings, concerned it might deter users. As a result, cases centered on gastroparesis have become a primary focus, with many lawyers now prioritizing these claims in ongoing litigation.

Federal regulators have issued new warnings about GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, linking them to risks of pulmonary aspiration during surgeries. These medications slow stomach emptying, potentially causing vomiting and aspiration under anesthesia. The FDA now advises patients to inform healthcare providers if they're using GLP-1 drugs before any surgical procedure. This update underscores the ongoing discovery of risks associated with these widely used medications.

The GLP-1 receptor agonists MDL saw a reduced case growth in October, with 131 new cases added, bringing the total to 1,221. This slowdown follows a recent surge of over 400 cases in August and September. Attorneys appear to be narrowing their criteria, increasingly focusing on cases with well-documented gastroparesis claims over broader issues like gallbladder complications. More selective case acceptance is expected as the litigation progresses.

The court has issued a new schedule for the Ozempic litigation, marking key milestones through early 2026:

• July 2, 2025: Completion of fact discovery
• July 16, 2025: Plaintiffs’ deadline for expert reports
• August 13, 2025: Defendants’ deadline for expert reports
• August 22, 2025: Plaintiffs’ deadline for rebuttal expert reports
• October 10, 2025: Completion of expert depositions
• October 27, 2025: Motions to exclude expert opinions (Rule 702) and initial briefs due
• October 29, 2025: Summary judgment motions and initial briefs due
• December 3, 2025: Opposition briefs for Rule 702 motions due
• December 16, 2025: Opposition briefs for summary judgment motions due
• December 17, 2025: Reply briefs for Rule 702 motions due
• January 16, 2026: Reply briefs for summary judgment due

The FDA has cited Novo Nordisk’s main semaglutide production plant in Kalundborg, Denmark, for inadequate oversight of water quality, affecting microorganism control in manufacturing. This facility is critical to the supply of Ozempic and Wegovy as one of only two plants producing the active ingredient. The warning follows a similar citation at Novo’s North Carolina site over insufficient bacterial contamination checks. These incidents have raised concerns that Novo may be prioritizing production speed over quality control, echoing challenges seen during the rapid rollout of these drugs.

The judge overseeing the GLP-1 agonist lawsuit is emphasizing proof of gastroparesis, bringing gastric emptying studies into focus. These studies measure how quickly food exits the stomach, offering objective evidence of delayed gastric emptying—a key indicator of gastroparesis. As the case progresses, this data may become crucial for plaintiffs claiming Ozempic contributed to this condition by slowing gastrointestinal motility.

A Louisiana resident has filed a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk, claiming the diabetes drug Ozempic caused them to develop a serious stomach condition, gastroparesis. The suit alleges the company failed to warn consumers about the drug's dangerous gastrointestinal risks, despite existing clinical data.

In the ongoing Ozempic litigation, a judge has ruled to limit early discovery, blocking plaintiffs' attempts to investigate Novo Nordisk’s marketing practices. Plaintiffs argued that marketing influenced the drug’s inadequate warnings about gastrointestinal risks, such as gastroparesis. However, the judge decided discovery will focus only on the FDA-approved warning labels and whether they adequately conveyed the risks. Broader marketing-related inquiries have been postponed for now.

The Ozempic class action MDL is growing steadily, with over 300 cases added in August and another 101 cases transferred in September. The total number of pending cases now stands at 1,090, reflecting a significant rise in the litigation's scale.

Defendants oppose the plaintiffs' request for marketing discovery, citing an order limiting discovery to label adequacy and preemption. Plaintiffs argue that marketing materials are part of the "label" under FDA rules and are crucial to evaluating whether the drug’s warnings were sufficient. They claim that excluding this evidence prevents a full assessment of the drug's risk warnings.

A recent study in JAMA Network Open found that individuals with a history of opioid abuse who took Ozempic had a significantly lower risk of overdose compared to those on other diabetes medications. The research showed a 63% reduction in overdose risk for patients on semaglutide (Ozempic's active ingredient) compared to DPP-4 inhibitors, and less than half the risk compared to insulin users. While concerns have previously been raised about Ozempic's impact on bone mineral density, this study highlights a potentially beneficial effect. However, the exact mechanism remains unclear, and ongoing litigation around GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic emphasizes the need for further research into their risks and benefits.

A recent study examined the effects of weight loss methods on bone mineral density (BMD) in the hip, spine, and forearm. The research involved 195 adults divided into four groups: exercise alone, liraglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist) alone, a combination of both, or a placebo. Results showed that the combination of exercise and liraglutide led to the greatest weight loss while preserving BMD, particularly at key sites like the hip and spine. However, liraglutide alone, despite aiding in weight loss, caused a decrease in BMD.

In a new motion, plaintiffs are seeking permission to include marketing discovery in the early stages of the case. While early discovery is already scheduled for issues of preemption and the adequacy of warning labels, marketing discovery has not yet been fully addressed. Plaintiffs argue that marketing practices are critical, as pharmaceutical companies often downplay risks in their marketing, potentially undermining label warnings. They cite legal precedents supporting the relevance of marketing in assessing both the adequacy of warnings and preemption defenses.

A Kentucky woman has filed a lawsuit in the MDL against Novo Nordisk, claiming she developed gastroparesis after using Ozempic from January to April 2023. Gastroparesis, which paralyzes the stomach, can lead to severe vomiting, pain, and emergency medical care. The lawsuit alleges that Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn about the drug's gastrointestinal risks, despite knowing about them, and misled consumers by emphasizing weight loss benefits while downplaying serious side effects. The plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages for her injuries and related expenses.

The defendants are pushing for a swift ruling on the cross-cutting issues, seeking to resolve them without engaging in full discovery. In response, plaintiffs' attorneys are urging the court to reject this expedited approach, emphasizing that comprehensive discovery is essential before addressing general causation.

Plaintiffs argue that prematurely deciding on general causation, without fully examining all relevant evidence, would be inappropriate. They emphasize the importance of applying the Bradford Hill criteria, a widely recognized framework for evaluating whether a factor, such as Ozempic, is causally linked to conditions like gastroparesis. These criteria, they argue, are vital to ensure a sound assessment of the potential causal relationship.

The plaintiffs insist that only a full investigation of the evidence will provide an accurate and robust evaluation of general causation. They caution that restricting discovery to narrowly defined categories could leave out critical data, leading to a potentially incomplete or skewed analysis. Therefore, they are advocating for a thorough pre-trial discovery process, urging the court not to streamline the case at the expense of its integrity.

Following the court's recent order on key “cross-cutting” issues, the defendants wasted no time, swiftly sending a letter to Judge Marston to push for early discovery on general causation. Their successful effort shifts the initial focus to two crucial aspects: the reliability of gastroparesis diagnostic tests and the adequacy of the manufacturers' warning labels.

Confident in their strategy, the defendants aim to accelerate the case's resolution. However, while they are eager to advance these issues, the ultimate success of their approach remains uncertain.

The court has granted the defendants' request for early discovery, honing in on two pivotal issues: the reliability of gastroparesis diagnostic methods and the sufficiency of the manufacturers' warning labels. These key points could significantly influence the direction of the case. The court will examine whether gastroparesis can be accurately diagnosed without objective testing and if the FDA-approved warning labels comply with federal standards, potentially preempting state law claims.

Additionally, further briefings have been requested on general causation, specifically evaluating whether GLP-1 receptor agonists are linked to the alleged injuries. A decision on this front has been deferred, pending more evidence. A detailed discovery and motion schedule will be determined after the next status conference on September 16, 2024.

Although this ruling presents new challenges for the plaintiffs, their legal team remains confident in overcoming these hurdles.

A Kentucky woman has filed a lawsuit against Eli Lilly and Company, alleging severe injuries caused by the diabetes medications Mounjaro and Trulicity. The plaintiff claims these drugs led to her developing gastroparesis, a chronic condition that impairs stomach function.

The lawsuit accuses Eli Lilly of failing to properly warn consumers and healthcare providers about the risks, particularly the potential for gastroparesis. The plaintiff's claims include inadequate warning, fraudulent concealment, and negligent misrepresentation. She argues that if she had been fully informed, she would have avoided using these medications.

The Court has appointed retired Judge Lawrence F. Stengel as the Special Discovery Master to manage and oversee the discovery process between the parties and third parties involved in this case.

A New Hampshire resident with Type 2 diabetes filed an Ozempic lawsuit this week. She used the medication from June 2022 to September 2023 and was later diagnosed with gastroparesis, a condition that paralyzes stomach muscles, impairing digestion. The plaintiff alleges that Novo Nordisk failed to provide adequate warnings about the risks of Ozempic, resulting in severe and permanent injuries, pain, and emotional distress. The lawsuit was filed directly in the MDL.

A status conference is scheduled for August 8, 2024, in the GLP-1 RA Products Liability Litigation. The following topics are expected to be addressed:

• Progress on Electronic Plaintiff Fact Sheets (e-PFS): The court will likely inquire about the development and implementation status of the e-PFS system.
• Discovery Phase Update: Parties will provide an overview of the current stage of discovery, including any significant developments or challenges.
• Stayed Cases: The court will seek updates on cases that have been temporarily halted and discuss potential next steps.
• Science Day Planning: Logistics and arrangements for the upcoming Science Day will be finalized.

The GLP-1 RA Products Liability Litigation, often referred to as the Ozempic class action, has experienced a significant surge in active cases. The number of active lawsuits within the MDL jumped from 111 in July 2024 to 346 in August 2024, representing a staggering 200% increase in just one month.

An Illinois man has filed a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, alleging that the companies failed to warn about the risks associated with their weight loss drugs, Ozempic and Mounjaro. The plaintiff, who was prescribed Ozempic in October 2022 and later switched to Mounjaro, experienced severe health issues, including ischemic bowel obstruction, which required surgery in June 2023. The lawsuit, initially filed in Illinois, will be transferred to a class action in Pennsylvania, seeking compensation for injuries, medical expenses, and suffering due to the defendants' alleged negligence and deceptive practices.

A new JAMA Ophthalmology study of 1,687 patients shows that semaglutide (Ozempic) users have a higher risk of nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a leading cause of optic nerve blindness after glaucoma. While Ozempic-related NAION cases are rare, we are monitoring this closely and preparing to represent affected individuals in lawsuits. Vision loss is now added to the serious risks of Ozempic, which currently lacks warnings about blindness or gastroparesis on its label.

The conference will cover:

• Cross-cutting motion letter briefs.
• Disputed provisions in the ESI protocol and 502(d) order.
• Candidates for the discovery special master.
• Status of the time and expense order.
• Status of discovery.

Defendants want to focus on whether Ozempic and other glucagon-like peptide-1 drugs cause specific health issues, which delays litigation by a year. Plaintiffs are willing to look into causation but aim to prepare for trial. Defendants often use this tactic to stall MDLs, but judges consistently reject their requests to bifurcate discovery, as seen in recent cases like Suboxone, Tepezza, and others.

A recent study discovered a link between semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used in medications like Ozempic, and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), an eye stroke causing sudden vision loss. Researchers analyzed data from over 16,800 university hospital patients managing diabetes or weight. They found that 8.9% of type 2 diabetic patients on semaglutide experienced NAION, compared to 1.8% using other diabetic medications. Among overweight or obese patients, 6.7% of semaglutide users developed NAION, versus 0.8% on other weight-loss drugs. These findings highlight a significant risk for doctors and patients to consider when selecting treatment options.

Five new lawsuits were filed within a month in this ongoing litigation, bringing the total to 106. Four lawsuits were filed in June, and one was filed today by an Indiana woman. She took Ozempic for diabetes and weight control and was hospitalized on July 1, 2022, with severe constipation, rectal bleeding, and vomiting. An ultrasound revealed a bowel obstruction, for which she was treated and released, but she still experiences irregular bowel movements. She claims the Ozempic label did not adequately warn of these risks, significantly impacting her life.

Novo Nordisk is investing $4.1 billion to boost production of Wegovy and Ozempic. This massive investment highlights the company's significant financial resources, which could be used to pay settlements and verdicts. It also underscores the potential damage to Novo Nordisk's reputation and sales if they face a large adverse verdict in these lawsuits.

A Kansas resident has filed a lawsuit against Ozempic's manufacturer, claiming the medication caused severe health complications, including gastroparesis. The plaintiff, who took Ozempic from 2019 to 2022 for type 2 diabetes, alleges the drug led to persistent vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, as well as emotional distress. The lawsuit seeks damages for the plaintiff's suffering and medical expenses.

During a recent hearing, Judge Karen Spencer Marston emphasized her commitment to keeping the Ozempic litigation on track. Although the hearing was uneventful, Judge Marston made a significant decision regarding the scheduling of a "Science Day." While attorneys proposed mid-September, the judge insisted on scheduling it for July.

This decision indicates a desire for expedited progress, which is promising for those seeking early settlements. However, despite this push, the earliest expected trials are still projected for late 2025.

Judge Karen Spencer Marston, a U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, has been assigned to oversee the Ozempic MDL following Judge Pratter's passing. Nominated by Donald Trump and confirmed in 2019, Judge Marston brings extensive experience in criminal law and litigation from her distinguished career in both public and private sectors. She holds a BA from Davidson College and a JD from Wake Forest University School of Law, and has served as a federal prosecutor and chief of the Narcotics and Organized Crime Section in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

In May, twelve new cases were added to the Ozempic class action MDL, matching April's volume. This brings the total number of pending cases to 101, reflecting a slower start than expected.

In the ongoing multidistrict litigation (MDL), defendants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have disputed plaintiffs' allegations linking GLP-1RA medications to severe gastrointestinal conditions like gastroparesis. The defendants argue that no conclusive evidence exists to connect these drugs to the reported issues, suggesting diabetes, which many plaintiffs have, could also cause these conditions. Additionally, the plaintiffs accuse the companies of misleading marketing strategies, particularly concerning the promotion of drugs like Ozempic for uses not specifically approved by the FDA. The court will examine whether the drug companies' marketing misrepresented the severity and risks of side effects.

Novo Nordisk has allocated $11 million towards promoting Ozempic for weight loss, specifically covering travel and dining for doctors. This strategy included sponsoring 12,000 physicians with 457,000 meals and travel to destinations such as Honolulu, Paris, London, and Orlando.

Critics argue that these funds could have been more effectively used for researching the drug's potential severe side effects and long-term health implications, including stomach paralysis and other digestive issues. This expenditure may also challenge Novo Nordisk's ability to claim financial constraints in covering settlements or judgments related to patient injuries caused by the medication.

During the first hearing of the Ozempic lawsuit MDL in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Judge Pratter emphasized the importance of efficiency and clear communication among all parties. She discouraged any unnecessary delays and requested focused progress in the litigation, which consolidates 72 lawsuits with potential to include over 20,000 cases. The lawsuits allege that GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and others increase the risk of severe gastrointestinal issues, including stomach paralysis. Some plaintiffs report severe side effects requiring emergency or surgical interventions. The legal proceedings also address claims that patients were not sufficiently warned about the risks of using these medications off-label for weight loss.

Judge Gene E.K. Pratter is set to define key aspects of the Ozempic lawsuit, including discovery timelines and case eligibility, ahead of a landmark trial. The first status conference is scheduled for March 14, 2024.

• MDL Formation: Federal Ozempic lawsuits and related medications consolidated into an MDL.
• Inclusion of Similar Drugs: Wegovy, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, and Trulicity included.
• Jurisdiction Chosen: Eastern District of Pennsylvania selected, close to Novo Nordisk’s New Jersey headquarters.
• Major Drug Manufacturers Involved: Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly initially objected, proposed alternative jurisdictions.

• MDL Approval: Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) approves consolidation of Ozempic lawsuits into an MDL.
• Streamlined Process: Centralization aims to enhance pre-trial efficiency, including evidence gathering and discovery.
• Impact on Plaintiffs: Expected to accelerate settlement processes for those affected by Ozempic side effects.

• Case Filed: Sandra Linney from Bonneville County, Idaho files a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho.
• Complaint Focus: Alleges inadequate safety labeling by Novo Nordisk on Ozempic, failing to adequately warn of severe gastrointestinal risks.
• Company's Potential Response: Novo Nordisk expected to deny liability and possibly move to dismiss the case.
• Growing Legal Pressure: The increase in Ozempic lawsuits may prompt the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to consider consolidating these cases for more efficient pretrial proceedings.

• Initial Lawsuit: A lawsuit filed in Louisiana at the end of 2023 accuses diabetes drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro of causing severe health issues, including extreme vomiting and tooth loss.
• Request for MDL: Plaintiffs, including the Louisiana complainant, seek to form a Multi-District Litigation (MDL) for all federal cases involving Ozempic and related drugs.
• Drug Makers' Stance: Initially, both Novo Nordisk (Ozempic's maker) and Eli Lilly & Co. (Mounjaro's maker) were reluctant to submit to jurisdiction in Louisiana, but Novo Nordisk now supports the MDL idea, suggesting either Louisiana or California as suitable venues.
• Eli Lilly’s Objection: Eli Lilly opposes being included in the Ozempic MDL, citing the relatively fewer lawsuits against Mounjaro. They propose Indiana or North Carolina as possible venues if an MDL for Mounjaro is considered.

• EMA Inquiry: The European Medicines Agency is examining a potential link between diabetes and weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, and an increased risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
• New Concerns: This investigation adds to existing concerns about Ozempic, such as stomach paralysis, cyclic vomiting syndrome, and gallbladder issues. The possible connection with suicidal tendencies represents a significant new area of concern.

MDL Motion: A group of plaintiffs using Ozempic has filed for the consolidation of all federal cases into a Multi-District Litigation in the Western District of Louisiana. The aim is to centralize related cases for efficient discovery, consistent court rulings, and shared evidence.

• Court Ruling: Louisiana Federal Judge James Cain, Jr., rejected Novo Nordisk's motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Jaclyn Bjorklund.
• Lawsuit Focus: The suit accuses Novo Nordisk of failing to adequately warn about the risk of gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis, associated with the use of their drug, Ozempic.
• Case Advancement: This decision allows Ms. Bjorklund's case to proceed further in the legal process.

• Objective: Lawyers seek to combine federal lawsuits against Ozempic, Mounjaro, Trulicity, and Wegovy producers into a single Multidistrict Litigation (MDL).
• Claims: The suits allege the drugs cause severe stomach issues, like gastroparesis, without adequate warnings from manufacturers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.
• Current Status: Approximately 20 lawsuits filed in U.S. Federal Courts.
• Proposed Location: Advocates for consolidation suggest the Western District of Louisiana under Judge James Cain.
• FDA Position: No comment on the rising Ozempic lawsuit numbers.

• Issue: Ozempic users experiencing complications like regurgitation during surgery under anesthesia.
• Warning: The American Society of Anesthesiologists advises against using Ozempic and similar drugs on the day of surgery and seven days prior.
• Cause: Gastroparesis, a side effect of Ozempic, leads to delayed stomach emptying, increasing risks during surgery.
• FDA Response: Updated labels for Ozempic and related drugs to include new warnings about these risks.

• Study Findings: The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a study revealing increased severe gastrointestinal risks in patients using GLP-1 agonist drugs, like Ozempic and Wegovy. These drugs can cause significant stomach pain and delay gastric emptying.
• Drug Use: Initially approved for diabetes, GLP-1 agonists are now frequently prescribed off-label for weight loss.
• Reports: Users of Ozempic and similar drugs report severe stomach and intestinal issues, likely linked to the medication.
• FDA Action: In September, the FDA required warnings on Ozempic labels about the risk of intestinal blockage, including food or fluid getting stuck in the colon.

• Common Legal Ground: The lawsuits in the Ozempic Multi-District Litigation (MDL) predominantly hinge on the allegation of a failure to warn consumers.
• Plaintiffs' Claims: They argue that Ozempic's manufacturers were aware, or should have been aware, of the drug's potential to cause severe gastroparesis and other digestive problems. Manufacturers did not inform users for possible problems.
• Role of Evidence: Scientific proof will play a crucial role in these legal proceedings.Top of Form

• Current Lawsuit Count: Seven lawsuits filed against Ozempic for stomach paralysis.
• MDL Creation: A Multi-District Litigation (MDL) is established to manage these and potentially hundreds or thousands more anticipated cases.
• MDL Process: In the MDL, all cases will undergo collective evidence discovery and pre-trial motions, though individual trials will occur if necessary.

• Plaintiff: Jaclyn Bjorklund filed the first lawsuit concerning stomach paralysis from Ozempic use.
• Medical Issues: She experienced severe gastrointestinal problems, including vomiting and stomach pains, leading to a hospital emergency.
• Condition Explained: Gastroparesis, a condition where stomach muscle contractions slow down or weaken, causing delayed food digestion and health risks.
• Allegation: The lawsuit accuses Novo Nordisk of failing to provide adequate warnings about the risk of stomach paralysis linked to semaglutide drugs (Ozempic and Mounjaro).

• Findings: Recent evidence indicates that Ozempic, widely used for weight loss, can lead to severe gastrointestinal issues.
• Conditions Identified: Notable conditions linked to Ozempic include stomach paralysis and violent vomiting.
• Risk Factors: The risk is particularly high for those using Ozempic long-term at high dosages recommended for weight loss.