Rybelsus Lawsuits: Side Effects, Injury Claims, and Your Legal Options

Rybelsus, an oral medication approved for type 2 diabetes management, has recently become the subject of increasing legal scrutiny. With its active ingredient, semaglutide (the same compound used in Ozempic and Wegovy), Rybelsus has gained popularity not just among diabetics but also among those using it off-label for weight loss. 

However, this rising use has also led to reports of serious gastrointestinal side effects, and growing numbers of patients are now seeking legal action.

Morgan and Morgan has filed a lawsuit against the manufacturers of Rybelsus. This lawsuit stems from the manufacturer's failure to warn consumers about the full side effects of using this medication. 

As a result, more than 400 plaintiffs across 45 states have come forward with complaints about various gastrointestinal side effects they've experienced while using Rybelsus and a host of other medications—and this number keeps rising each day.

If you or a loved one has suffered adverse effects after using Rybelsus, the manufacturer might owe you some form of compensation. First, we recommend seeking medical attention immediately. Next, contact us for a free case evaluation. We might be able to help you hold the manufacturer accountable and recover your medical expenses, among other damages.

What Is Rybelsus?

Rybelsus is the proprietary term for semaglutide, a prescription drug primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes. The drug helps manage blood sugar levels when coupled with proper diet and regular exercise.

Is Rybelsus Safe for Use?

The Food and Drug Administration granted its seal of approval to Rybelsus in 2019. But now, new reports have emerged that this drug is the reason some users experience serious stomach problems, most notably gastroparesis.

Rybelsus Timeline: From FDA Approval to Legal Controversies

September 2019: Rybelsus was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist to manage blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, it quickly gained attention for offering a pill-based alternative to injectable drugs like Ozempic and Trulicity.

2020–2022: As GLP-1 drugs surged in popularity, doctors began prescribing semaglutide-based treatments off-label for weight loss. Rybelsus, though not approved for this use, entered the spotlight alongside Ozempic and Wegovy.

2023–2024: Reports of severe side effects, including gastroparesis, intestinal blockages, pancreatitis, and gallbladder issues, led to the first wave of lawsuits. Legal filings claimed that Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn users about the risk of long-term gastrointestinal complications.

2025 (present): Dozens of lawsuits have now been filed across the country, and many more are expected. Plaintiffs include both diabetic and non-diabetic users who suffered debilitating side effects, hospitalizations, and permanent digestive damage.

What are the Side Effects of Rybelsus or Semaglutide in Non-Diabetic Users

While Rybelsus is FDA-approved only for type 2 diabetes, it’s widely prescribed off-label to people without diabetes looking to lose weight. These users may not receive proper counseling on the drug’s risks, particularly when taken for aesthetic reasons rather than medical necessity.

Common side effects can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Decreased appetite
• Abdominal pain

Severe or long-term side effects can include:

• Gastroparesis (paralyzed stomach): Can lead to chronic vomiting, malnutrition, and dependence on feeding tubes.
• Intestinal obstruction: A serious condition requiring emergency medical intervention.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which can be life-threatening.
• Gallbladder disease: Gallstones and cholecystitis (inflamed gallbladder) have been linked to semaglutide use.
• Kidney damage: Dehydration from vomiting can lead to acute kidney injury.

Unfortunately, non-diabetic users may not be monitored as closely as diabetic patients, increasing the likelihood that serious complications go undetected until symptoms become severe.

On top of stomach paralysis, taking Rybelsus increases your risk of experiencing low blood sugar, especially if you have type 2 diabetes, including stomach upset, bloating, nausea, and excessive vomiting. Additionally, in some cases, diarrhea and constipation may occur. Note that you may experience different side effects than what we've listed above, so it is important that you get checked by a doctor if you experience unusual reactions from using this medication.  

What Is Stomach Paralysis?

Stomach paralysis (scientifically known as gastroparesis) is when your stomach takes longer than usual to process and get rid of food. Individuals with this condition usually have stomach muscles that do not function properly, leading to slow or incomplete food movement from the stomach into the small intestine. This delay makes users feel full quickly, preventing them from eating more food.

How Serious Is Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis can lead to several serious effects and complications, particularly when the condition is not properly managed. These include malnutrition due to poor nutrient absorption, dehydration from ongoing vomiting, unpredictable blood sugar fluctuations in diabetic individuals, unintended weight loss, severe abdominal pain, and the formation of solid masses known as bezoars. The condition can also significantly reduce the quality of life due to chronic symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and limited dietary choices.

How to Collect Medical Evidence After Rybelsus Side Effects

If you've suffered side effects after taking Rybelsus, whether for diabetes or weight loss, collecting clear, consistent medical documentation is critical to building a strong legal claim.

Here are key pieces of evidence that can help your claim:

• Medical Records: Request full medical records from every hospital, doctor, or specialist who treated you before and after starting Rybelsus.
• Pharmacy Records: Save receipts and printouts that confirm the dates and doses of Rybelsus you were prescribed.
• Symptom Log: Keep a daily journal of symptoms, severity, and how they interfere with your life or work.
• Diagnostic Tests: Retain copies of scans, bloodwork, endoscopies, or ultrasounds confirming GI issues like gastroparesis or pancreatitis.
• Doctor’s Notes: Ask your healthcare providers to include in their notes any suspected link between your symptoms and Rybelsus.
• Employment and Wage Loss Records: If you missed work due to your illness, collect documentation of lost wages or disability claims.

The more thoroughly your experience is documented, the stronger your case will be if your attorney brings it to court or negotiates a settlement.

The Impact of Rybelsus on Blood Sugar and Digestion Long-Term

Rybelsus contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics an incretin hormone in the body. It increases insulin release, lowers blood sugar, and slows down gastric emptying. While this delayed digestion helps reduce appetite and regulate glucose spikes, it can also cause long-term complications.

Long-term risks can include:

• Chronic Gastroparesis: Prolonged gastric emptying can result in food sitting in the stomach for hours or days, which can become permanent even after discontinuing the drug.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Slowed digestion and chronic vomiting can lead to malabsorption of vitamins and minerals, including B12, iron, and fat-soluble nutrients.
• Blood Sugar Crashes: Some users, especially non-diabetics, may experience dangerously low blood sugar levels if they don’t monitor their diet carefully.
  
   

How Rybelsus Lawsuit Settlements Are Estimated

If you’re considering joining a Rybelsus lawsuit, you’re probably wondering, “What could my case be worth?”

Factors that can affect your settlement value:

• Severity of Injury: More severe injuries (such as hospitalization, surgery, or permanent gastroparesis) tend to receive higher settlements.
• Duration of Suffering: Cases involving long-term or irreversible damage are valued higher than temporary side effects.
• Medical Expenses: All past and projected future medical bills are factored into compensation.
• Lost Wages or Income: If your condition caused you to miss work, lose a job, or become disabled, you may receive compensation for those losses.
• Pain and Suffering: This includes emotional distress, anxiety, and reduced quality of life.
• Punitive Damages: If the court finds that Novo Nordisk acted with gross negligence, additional punitive damages may be awarded.

Latest News and Updates on Rybelsus Lawsuit Filings

As of mid-2025, legal momentum is growing around Rybelsus-related injury claims:

• February 2025: Over 60 plaintiffs joined a coordinated legal action in federal court, alleging that Novo Nordisk failed to warn patients about the risk of gastroparesis.
• March 2025: The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) heard arguments on whether to consolidate semaglutide-related cases, including Rybelsus, Ozempic, and Wegovy.
• April 2025: Several high-profile personal injury firms announced dedicated task forces for Rybelsus mass torts, signaling likely increases in nationwide filings.
• May 2025: Lawsuits expanded to include non-diabetic users who experienced severe GI side effects, raising awareness about off-label risks.

Morgan & Morgan is actively reviewing Rybelsus-related injury claims. If you’ve been affected, now is the time to act.

Can Rybelsus Cause Long-Term Gastrointestinal Damage?

Yes. Rybelsus has been linked to gastroparesis, a serious digestive condition where the stomach muscles stop working properly. In many cases, these symptoms persist even after stopping the drug and can result in chronic pain, vomiting, and nutritional issues.

What Symptoms Should I Track After Taking Rybelsus?

You should immediately monitor and document the following symptoms:

• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Bloating or early fullness
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Inability to finish meals
• Unexplained weight loss
• Severe constipation
• Signs of dehydration (dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth)

Early detection is key, especially for non-diabetic users who may not be under close medical supervision.

Is There a Recall or FDA Warning for Rybelsus Side Effects?

As of now, there is no recall for Rybelsus. However, the FDA has acknowledged receiving adverse event reports related to gastrointestinal issues. Novo Nordisk may eventually face regulatory action depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations and lawsuits.

Who Qualifies to Join the Rybelsus Mass Tort Lawsuit?

You may qualify if:

• You took Rybelsus for diabetes or off-label for weight loss
• You experienced serious side effects such as gastroparesis, pancreatitis, or intestinal blockage
• You required medical treatment or hospitalization
• Your symptoms had a significant impact on your life or ability to work

An attorney can help determine your eligibility and advise whether you should join a class action, mass tort, or pursue an individual lawsuit.

What legal documents are required to support my Rybelsus claim?

To file a successful Rybelsus claim, the following can help you build the strongest case possible:

• Proof of Rybelsus prescription (from pharmacy or prescribing physician)
• Detailed medical records documenting side effects and diagnosis
• Hospital bills and treatment summaries
• A timeline showing when you started Rybelsus and when symptoms began
• Employment records if you lost wages
• Personal statements or witness testimony describing the impact on your life

Your legal team can help you gather these documents and build a compelling case.

How Can Morgan & Morgan Help With a Rybelsus Claim?

Manufacturers owe you a duty of care, meaning they are responsible for their products. This responsibility also includes warning consumers about the possible side effects of using such products. By failing to disclose the full side effects, the manufacturers thought it wise to put profits first over doing the right thing. 

With over 35 years of experience and more than $25 billion recovered for our clients, Morgan & Morgan is the nation’s largest injury law firm. We have the resources, legal firepower, and medical experts necessary to take on Big Pharma.

Our attorneys are currently accepting Rybelsus-related injury claims, and we charge no upfront fees to get started on your case. That’s right—the Fee Is Free®, and we don’t get paid unless you win.

If you or a loved one took Rybelsus and suffered severe side effects, don’t wait. Evidence can fade over time, and legal deadlines may apply. Contact us now for a free case evaluation.