The litigation surrounding Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro continues to expand, with 1,090 lawsuits pending in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania’s MDL 3094. These lawsuits involve claims of severe gastrointestinal conditions, such as gastroparesis and intestinal blockages, allegedly caused by the drugs. Recent developments include new cases being filed, and early discovery focusing on the adequacy of FDA-approved warning labels, with plaintiffs seeking broader access to marketing practices that could impact liability.

March 2025 Update

As of February 2025, the Ozempic and weight-loss drug lawsuits have gained significant momentum, with 1,443 cases now pending in the multidistrict litigation in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Plaintiffs are alleging severe gastrointestinal injuries, such as gastroparesis and intestinal obstruction, after using drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which are marketed for weight loss and diabetes management. Additionally, recent studies have raised concerns about the potential risk of vision loss linked to these medications, prompting further legal action and growing attention to the safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists.

You May Be Eligible for the Weight Loss Drug Lawsuit

Individuals taking weight loss drugs are experiencing symptoms like gastroparesis, hospitalization for GI issues, bowel obstruction, sudden vision loss, and more.

If you are experiencing complications since taking one of the weight loss drugs, you may be eligible to file as part of the class action lawsuit. Call for a free consultation today at 855-625-7778.

Weight Loss Drug Risks

A recent study from Harvard Medical School reveals a significant association between semaglutide-based drugs like Ozempic and an increased risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare eye condition that can lead to sudden vision loss. Diabetic patients using semaglutide were found to be nearly five times more likely to develop NAION, while overweight or obese users faced an even higher risk.

Despite these findings, experts emphasize the overall rarity of NAION and advise patients to consult their healthcare providers about potential risks. Immediate medical attention is recommended for users experiencing sudden vision changes.

Weight Loss Drug Lawsuit Updates

The plaintiffs claim that prescription drug manufacturers failed to properly warn about this potential side effect. The plaintiffs seek financial restitution for damages, including pain and suffering, along with compensation for their medical bills. These weight loss drug lawsuits are still in their early stages. However, if anyone develops gastroparesis after taking a prescription weight loss or diabetes medication, they may be eligible for a lawsuit. Here is all the latest information about these weight loss lawsuits, including information on projected settlement amounts and eligibility requirements.

Weight Loss Drug Lawsuit News

Is there a weight loss drug lawsuit?

Yes, a lawsuit has been filed regarding weight loss drugs. On August 2, 2023, Jaclyn Bjorklund initiated the first lawsuit in Louisiana, alleging that she developed gastroparesis after taking Ozempic and Mounjaro.

Key Details:

  • Gastroparesis: A condition where food moves too slowly or stops moving from the stomach to the small intestine, causing severe vomiting, dehydration, and abdominal pain.
  • Ozempic: A weight loss and diabetes medication containing semaglutide, designed to slow food digestion and promote a feeling of fullness. Manufactured by Novo Nordisk.
  • Mounjaro: A Type 2 diabetes medication administered via injection to improve blood sugar control. Manufactured by Eli Lilly.
  • Allegations: The lawsuit claims Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly failed to adequately warn users of potential side effects.

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Latest Weight Loss Lawsuit Updates 

The legal actions against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are in the early stages.

Current Status:

  • The first lawsuit involving Ozempic and Mounjaro was filed in August 2023.
  • Summonses have been issued to both companies.
  • The filing law firm is investigating 400 additional inquiries from potential plaintiffs.
  • No class-action lawsuits or multidistrict litigation exist yet, but this could change as more cases emerge.

Understanding NAION and Its Risks 

What is NAION ?

  • Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is the most common cause of sudden blindness due to optic nerve damage.
  • It occurs when reduced blood flow to the optic nerve leads to rapid and typically permanent vision loss.
  • NAION is painless, making it difficult to detect until significant vision impairment has already occurred.

Study Findings on Semaglutide and NAION

  • A study examining over 17,000 patients found a significant correlation between semaglutide use and increased cases of NAION.
  • While NAION is rare, affecting approximately 10 in every 100,000 people, its irreversible nature raises concerns for patients taking semaglutide-based medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.
  • Individuals with pre-existing optic nerve conditions, such as glaucoma, may face a higher risk.

Calls for Additional Research

  • Researchers, led by Dr. Joseph Rizzo of Mass Eye and Ear, stress the need for further studies to fully understand the link between semaglutide and NAION.
  • While the correlation is evident, the exact biological mechanisms remain unclear.
  • One hypothesis suggests that semaglutide may affect blood pressure or circulation, potentially contributing to NAION development, but more data is needed to confirm this.

Patient Awareness and Medical Recommendations

  • The study’s authors recommend that doctors inform patients about the potential risk, particularly those with a history of optic nerve conditions or vision impairments.
  • Given semaglutide’s widespread use for diabetes management and weight loss, ensuring patients are aware of all possible side effects is crucial.

 

Weight Loss Lawsuits 2025

 

Projected weight loss medication settlement amounts

Currently, it is too early to project potential weight loss settlement amounts. Once more people begin to file lawsuits and reach either a settlement or a jury verdict, it will be easier to estimate potential settlement amounts. However, we can look at other cases related to weight loss lawsuits to make an educated guess.

For example, in 2016, the Federal Trade Commission led an effort to stop misleading claims from products about easy weight loss. As a part of this effort, the marketers of Sensa, a product that claimed you could “sprinkle, eat, and lose weight,” agreed to pay $26.5 million for deceiving customers with unfounded weight loss claims. In another 2014 settlement, an operation known as Sale Slash agreed to pay approximately $10 million over their unsupported claims related to weight loss products. In both cases, most of the settlement amount went to consumers who bought the misleading products.

Do you qualify for a weight loss lawsuit?

Lawyers are looking for people who suffered severe gastroparesis after taking Ozempic or another semaglutide. People suffering from severe gastroparesis who have experienced vomiting for at least four weeks may be eligible for a weight loss lawsuit. A lawyer or law firm specializing in pharmaceutical lawsuits should be consulted to determine eligibility for a weight loss drug lawsuit.

In the initial consultation, the lawyer will ask questions about the situation. Some criteria they may explore are the medications taken, including Ozempic, and how long those drugs have been taken. They will also look at the severity and duration of the symptoms. Some criteria that may prevent someone from filing a weight loss lawsuit include current cancer treatment or prior gastric bypass surgery before taking Ozempic. However, every situation is unique, so these are rough guidelines, not concrete rules. Consulting with a lawyer is the best way to determine eligibility for a weight loss pill lawsuit.

Manufacturers involved in the lawsuit

As of September 2023, two primary manufacturers are involved in weight loss medication lawsuits. The first is Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic. Novo Nordisk is a multinational pharmaceutical company with headquarters in Denmark. However, they have facilities all over the world. Novo Nordisk specializes in pharmaceutical products related to diabetes. Its primary products are Ozempic, used to treat diabetes, and Wegovy, used to treat obesity.

The other manufacturer is Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro. Eli Lilly is an American pharmaceutical company with headquarters in Indiana. Some of Eli Lilly’s biggest products include Prozac and Cymbalta, used to treat clinical depression. However, it also specializes in diabetes drugs, such as Humalog and Trulicity.

Weight Loss Lawsuit Timeline 

September 2024

  • The lawsuits for MDL has more than doubled since August. Now there are over 850 filed lawsuits for GLP-1 weight loss drugs.

August 2024

  • New Class Action cases continue to be added to the MDL and are now at over 340.

July 2024

  • Harvard Medical School publishes a study linking semaglutide use to an increased risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). This is a rare eye condition that can lead to sudden vision loss.

June 2024

  • On June 6, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation reassigned the Ozempic MDL to Judge Karen S. Marston. She met with attorneys for a status conference, though no formal orders about the bellwether process set by the late Judge Pratter were filed by June 11. It is anticipated that Judge Marston will continue Judge Pratter’s work, including selecting bellwether trial cases and managing discovery processes.

May 2024

  • Judge Gene E. K. Pratter, who was overseeing both the Ozempic and Mounjaro MDLs, passed away unexpectedly on May 17 in Philadelphia. This event caused some uncertainty and potential delays as the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation worked to reassign the MDLs. Despite this, attorneys involved in the litigation, including our firm’s partners, reassured clients of their commitment to moving the litigation forward.
  • Prior to his death, Judge Pratter appointed Paul Pennock from Morgan & Morgan and other attorneys to the Plaintiff’s Committee for both the Ozempic and Mounjaro MDLs to help guide the litigation process.

March 2024

  • The litigation was still in its early stages. Attorneys for Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly had filed their notices of appearance, and more plaintiffs continued to be added to the MDL.

February 2024

  • A total of 55 lawsuits alleging severe gastrointestinal injuries from GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, were consolidated into a federal MDL in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Plaintiff’s lawyers anticipated that the number of cases could rise to as many as 10,000.

January 2024

  • The FDA announced it was reviewing reports of hair loss, suicidal thoughts, and aspiration under sedation and anesthesia in people using Ozempic and similar medications. This followed multiple adverse event reports in the FDA’s database.

December 2023

  • Judge James Cain, Jr. rejected Novo Nordisk’s attempt to dismiss Jaclyn Bjorklund’s case, which also named Eli Lilly and Mounjaro. He did dismiss the express warranty claims, but all other claims, including failure to warn, were allowed to proceed. Plaintiff lawyers filed a motion to consolidate Ozempic cases in Louisiana District Court.

November 2023

  • A proposed class action lawsuit was filed in B.C. Supreme Court by Canadians, alleging Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn about potential complications like gastroparesis linked to Ozempic. This lawsuit was similar to others filed elsewhere.

October 2023

  • As of this date, no class action or multidistrict litigation for gastroparesis injuries linked to Ozempic had been established. However, there were seven cases pending in an unrelated Ozempic patent litigation MDL. The lawsuits were in early stages, with no settlements or jury trials yet.

September 2023

  • The FDA added warnings about the risks of intestinal blockage, obstruction, and ileus to Ozempic’s label.
  • Eli Lilly filed lawsuits against compounding pharmacies, medspas, and wellness centers over the fraudulent distribution of counterfeit products labeled as Mounjaro.

August 2023

  • Jaclyn Bjorklund filed one of the first lawsuits alleging gastroparesis injuries from Ozempic and Mounjaro, with summonses issued to Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly on August 3. By November 3, Novo Nordisk had moved to dismiss her case in Louisiana federal court.
  • Morgan & Morgan filed a claim in federal district court on behalf of their client, Jaclyn Bjorklund, naming Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly as defendants.

July 2023

  • The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) reported shortages of Ozempic and Wegovy, both manufactured by Novo Nordisk, due to increased demand.

August 2022

  • Seven Novo Nordisk lawsuits were centralized into an MDL in Delaware against generic drug makers for patent infringement. Defendants had filed FDA applications to produce generic versions of Ozempic. Also, a research letter in JAMA Internal Medicine linked Ozempic to an increased risk of gallbladder disease and gallstones, prompting lawyers to begin accepting related lawsuits.

May 2022

  • The FDA approved Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro to help manage blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes patients. The approval noted potential gastrointestinal side effects.
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