Ozempic Lawsuits: FDA Warnings, Legal Actions, and What Patients Need to Know

Ozempic, a popular medication originally approved for type 2 diabetes and now used by others to promote weight loss, has come under increasing legal and medical scrutiny for its alleged role in causing serious gastrointestinal issues, including gastroparesis. 

Attorneys at Morgan and Morgan have taken legal action against the makers of Ozempic, one of the most popular diabetes and weight loss drugs on the market. 

If you or a loved one experienced harmful side effects after taking Ozempic—or similar drugs like Wegovy or Mounjaro—you may be entitled to compensation. 

If you or a loved one has been using Ozempic and has experienced adverse side effects, contact us immediately to have your case reviewed by a member of our team. If you have a valid claim, you might be able to join many other Ozempic lawsuits filed by people who have experienced the same or similar side effects.

Why Are the Makers of Ozempic Being Sued?

Morgan and Morgan has received more than 400 complaints from individuals living in 45 states. These complaints have alleged that, after using Ozempic, individuals experienced gastrointestinal complications, such as severe stomach pain, including gastroparesis, and gastroenteritis. 

Further investigations revealed that the makers of this drug knew about the adverse side effects but failed to disclose this information. When a manufacturer fails to reveal such critical information, it is our duty to hold them accountable.

FDA Warnings and Investigations Into Ozempic

As public awareness of Ozempic’s risks grows, so does regulatory involvement. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has acknowledged reports of gastroparesis, ileus, and other severe gastrointestinal (GI) conditions in people using GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic. Though the drug’s label has been updated to include some GI warnings, critics argue it doesn’t go far enough in alerting consumers to the full extent of the risks.

In July 2023, the FDA announced it was reviewing reports of stomach paralysis associated with GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy. These investigations lend credibility to the ongoing lawsuits and suggest that additional regulatory action, such as black box warnings or usage restrictions, could be forthcoming.

Differences Between Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro Lawsuits

Although Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro all fall under the GLP-1 receptor agonist class of medications, lawsuits related to these drugs differ in a few key ways.

Ozempic

This injectable drug is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes but is often prescribed off-label for weight loss. Lawsuits primarily allege gastroparesis and ileus (intestinal blockage).

 

Wegovy

Wegovy is approved specifically for chronic weight management and contains the same active ingredient (semaglutide) as Ozempic. Reports contain similar claims of GI side effects, particularly in off-label or long-term users.

 

Mounjaro

Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist. It is approved for type 2 diabetes but often used off-label for weight loss. Mounjaro lawsuits are newer, but emerging claims focus on similar GI complications.

Each case depends on the specific drug taken, the timeline of symptoms, and how the prescribing physician framed the risks. Plaintiffs allege that drug manufacturers failed to adequately warn users of the potential for irreversible stomach damage, even when the drug was used as prescribed.

Timeline of Symptoms: When Ozempic Side Effects Typically Appear

Understanding when side effects appear after starting Ozempic is key in both medical diagnosis and building a legal case.

A typical onset timeline can go as follows:

• First Few Days to Weeks: Nausea, vomiting, bloating, and constipation are common as the body adjusts.
• Weeks 4–8: In some users, symptoms escalate. Persistent vomiting or severe abdominal pain may indicate the onset of gastroparesis.
• Months Later: Chronic symptoms such as delayed gastric emptying, malnutrition, and weight loss may become apparent. In some cases, hospitalization is required to manage complications.

Many users report that they were not warned about the possibility of permanent stomach paralysis or the potential need for feeding tubes or surgeries to manage complications.

How Ozempic Lawsuits Work Step by Step

If you’re considering legal action, here’s how the Ozempic lawsuit process typically unfolds:

1. Free Case Evaluation With Morgan & Morgan

An experienced attorney will review your case, including your medical history, prescription records, and symptoms.

2. Case Evaluation

The firm determines whether your case meets criteria for an individual lawsuit or inclusion in a mass tort or class action.

3. Filing the Lawsuit

Once accepted, the firm files a formal complaint against the drug manufacturer, typically Novo Nordisk in the case of Ozempic, alleging negligence or failure to warn.

4. Medical Record Review

Your legal team gathers evidence, including:

• Prescription details
• Diagnosis of gastroparesis or related conditions
• Notes from doctors and specialists
• Hospitalization and treatment history
  
   

5. Litigation or Settlement

The case may proceed to discovery, where both sides exchange evidence. Most pharmaceutical injury cases settle before trial, but if necessary, your legal team will be prepared to represent you in court.

Real Stories: Testimonials From Plaintiffs Filing Ozempic Lawsuits

Real stories can put the human toll of these side effects into focus.

Dana Filmore, a 55-year-old grandmother of seven and account coordinator from Columbus, was prescribed Ozempic by her doctor, although she was hesitant due to her fear of needles.

Now more than three years later, Filmore's doctor has diagnosed her with gastroparesis. Six months after stopping the injections, Filmore still can't keep food down.

With gastroparesis, the stomach muscles are paralyzed, so food lingers in the stomach for longer than it should, which results in vomiting or diarrhea.

“You never know what will set it off,” said Filmore, who says she has to run to the bathroom within minutes of starting a meal.

Jacqueline Barber, age 49 and living in Kentucky, was also prescribed Ozempic after her doctor swore it would “work wonders” for her diabetes. A few months later, the vomiting started, so much that she started sleeping on the couch with a garbage can beside her every night. 

The drug was keeping her blood sugar under control and her endocrinologist didn’t think it could be the cause of such persistent vomiting, so she stayed on it. She began “wasting away,” with her muscles deteriorating so much that she needed a walker and her front teeth crumbling from exposure to stomach acid. 

Barber’s weight dropped by more than 100 pounds over roughly one year on Ozempic, until her doctors finally agreed she should stop taking the medication. 

“It was the worst thing I’ve ever experienced in my life,” Barber says. “My family thought I was getting ready to die.” 

Around the same time she stopped taking Ozempic, Barber was diagnosed with gastroparesis: a condition also known as stomach paralysis that causes the stomach muscles to stop moving food through the digestive tract effectively, potentially leading to vomiting and a number of other GI symptoms. Now, more than a year after her diagnosis, Barber still can’t eat normally and gets some nourishment through a feeding tube. 

These are real stories used for illustrative purposes. They are not necessarily based on our clients’ cases, and any resemblance to specific individuals or situations is coincidental.

Medical Expert Insights on GLP-1 and GI Side Effects

To understand the risks of Ozempic, it's important to know how GLP-1 receptor agonists work.

GLP-1 medications mimic a natural hormone that slows digestion, reduces appetite, and stimulates insulin release. While this can be beneficial for blood sugar control and weight loss, the slowed gastric emptying can lead to gastroparesis in some individuals.

What the Experts Say:

A team of researchers at the University of Chicago have faced growing concerns over the widespread use of Ozempic.

“The current fervor for GLP-1RAs in the capital markets as well as in the general public, especially in terms of weight reduction, is probably going to result in overuse,” said Chun-Su Yuan, MD, PhD, the Cyrus Tang Professor of Anesthesia and Critical Care at the University of Chicago. “This should raise a red flag.”

Yuan’s recent study confirmed the efficacy of GLP-1RAs, the researchers also found that some patients did experience adverse side effects, especially related to gastrointestinal issues like nausea and vomiting. They highlighted the need to consider potential tradeoffs between efficacy and side effects, finding that higher doses can have stronger efficacy but also induce more severe side effects.

What Are the Long-Term Health Risks of Taking Ozempic?

While short-term side effects like nausea are well known, long-term use of Ozempic may lead to:

• Gastroparesis (stomach paralysis)
• Chronic vomiting and dehydration
• Malnutrition and unintended weight loss
• Esophageal damage from acid reflux
• Increased risk of intestinal obstruction

For some users, these conditions may become permanent, severely affecting their quality of life. Emerging research is also exploring whether long-term use could be linked to pancreatic issues or gallbladder disease, though more studies are needed.

How Do I Prove Ozempic Caused My Gastroparesis?

To build a strong case, your legal team must show causation, which means proving that Ozempic likely caused your condition.

Key evidence may include:

• A timeline showing symptom onset after starting Ozempic
• Medical diagnosis of gastroparesis or ileus
• Exclusion of other causes (such as diabetes, surgeries, or neurological conditions)
• Expert testimony from GI specialists
• Documentation that your prescribing doctor was not informed of the full risk

Working with a firm like Morgan & Morgan, which has the resources to hire expert witnesses and comb through clinical trial data, can make a big difference in proving your case.

Can I Join the Ozempic Class Action If I Used It Off-Label for Weight Loss?

Yes. Many current plaintiffs used Ozempic off-label for weight loss, even though the drug is technically approved for type 2 diabetes.

Off-label use is still legal, and manufacturers are still liable if:

• They marketed or encouraged off-label use without sufficient safety warnings
• They failed to disclose known risks in promotional materials
• Your injuries are consistent with those found in other GLP-1 lawsuits

You may be eligible to join a mass tort lawsuit or pursue an individual claim, depending on your circumstances. A lawyer can guide you through your options.

How Long Do I Have to File an Ozempic Lawsuit in Florida?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for product liability cases, including pharmaceutical injuries, is generally four years from the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered.

However, timing can vary based on:

• When you started and stopped using the medication
• When you were diagnosed with a qualifying injury
• Whether any fraud or concealment by the drug manufacturer delayed discovery

Because these deadlines are strictly enforced, it’s critical to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

What Documentation Is Needed to Support My Ozempic Injury Claim?

To strengthen your claim, be prepared to provide:

• Prescription records showing use of Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro
• Medical records indicating diagnosis and treatment of GI issues
• Doctor’s notes on symptom progression
• Emergency room visit records
• Test results, including gastric emptying studies
• Out-of-pocket costs and lost income documentation
• A personal journal detailing how the condition has impacted your daily life

Morgan & Morgan can help gather this information and present it effectively.

Are There Any Settlements Already Reached in Ozempic Lawsuits?

As of now, there have been no publicly reported settlements in the Ozempic lawsuits. However, litigation is still in the early stages. Cases are being filed nationwide, and legal experts anticipate that these could consolidate into multidistrict litigation (MDL), which is common in large pharmaceutical injury cases.

Once enough cases are consolidated and discovery begins, bellwether trials may occur. These early test cases often influence future settlement negotiations. If past pharmaceutical litigations are any guide, settlements could reach millions or even billions, but outcomes will vary based on individual injuries and the strength of evidence.

Why Should I Choose Morgan & Morgan for My Ozempic Lawsuit?

Morgan & Morgan is America’s largest injury law firm, with a proven track record in holding pharmaceutical companies accountable. We’ve recovered over $25 billion for our clients, and we don’t charge you anything unless we win your case. That’s right—the Fee Is Free®, and we only get paid if you win.

The makers of Ozempic continued to profit billions of dollars while ignoring the adverse side effects their product had on its consumers. The presence of GLP-1 receptor agonists in these products increased the risk of gastrointestinal complications, but the manufacturers knew that such information would discourage consumers from buying and withheld this information. 

If you’ve suffered after taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro, you deserve answers and justice. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.