Saxenda Lawsuits: Side Effects, Legal Options, and Filing a Claim

Saxenda, a once-daily injectable prescription medication originally designed to help with chronic weight management, has come under increased legal scrutiny in recent years. 

As part of the GLP-1 receptor agonist family, alongside drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, Saxenda is now at the center of lawsuits involving severe side effects, including gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), ileus, bowel obstruction, and NAION.

At Morgan & Morgan, we believe pharmaceutical companies should be held accountable when their products cause harm, and we have filed a lawsuit against the companies behind Saxenda.

Why? The manufacturers of this miracle weight loss drug failed to warn consumers about its full side effects. As a result, we are now reviewing more than 400 complaints from individuals in 45 states who used this product and suffered serious side effects.

If you or a loved one has been using Saxenda and is experiencing serious side effects, you should seek medical attention right away. If your doctor concludes that your condition stems from regular Saxenda use, we will review your case for free to establish whether you qualify to join the Saxenda lawsuit.

Saxenda and the Legal Case Against It

Saxenda (liraglutide) was approved by the FDA in December 2014 for adults with obesity or overweight individuals who also have weight-related medical problems. It works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 that regulates appetite and blood sugar.

However, since its release, increasing numbers of patients have come forward with serious and sometimes irreversible side effects. Lawsuits allege that the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, failed to adequately warn the public of these risks, especially concerning gastroparesis, a debilitating condition where the stomach muscles stop functioning properly.

While Saxenda offered hope for many struggling with obesity, mounting legal evidence suggests its risks may outweigh its benefits for some users. Plaintiffs claim Novo Nordisk knew or should have known about these risks and failed to provide sufficient warning.

Saxenda vs. Wegovy: Risks and Manufacturer Transparency

Both Saxenda and Wegovy are GLP-1 receptor agonist medications developed by Novo Nordisk, designed to assist with weight management. While they share a similar purpose and origin, there are notable differences between the two drugs, particularly in their active ingredients and dosing schedules. 

Saxenda uses liraglutide and is administered through a daily injection, whereas Wegovy uses semaglutide and is injected once a week. Despite these distinctions, both drugs have come under scrutiny for their potential to cause serious gastrointestinal side effects, including gastroparesis, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and intestinal blockages.

Legal claims allege that Novo Nordisk failed to provide adequate warnings about these risks in both drugs, focusing instead on their weight-loss benefits in advertising and promotional materials. Plaintiffs argue that the manufacturer’s approach to disclosing potential harms has been inconsistent and insufficient, raising concerns about transparency and informed consent. 

As more users report long-term complications, the similarities in how these two medications were marketed (and how their side effects have been downplayed) underscore a broader pattern of negligence. These concerns are fueling not only public distrust, but also a growing number of lawsuits demanding accountability and justice for those affected.

How Saxenda-Related Side Effects Can Affect Long-Term Health

Taking Saxenda can lead to a wide range of stomach problems. While the manufacturer might have disclosed some of these effects, they did not fully disclose the risk of developing gastroparesis. That’s the main reason these lawsuits are being filed against them.

Common but temporary side effects can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Headache
  
   

Severe and long-term side effects can include:

• Gastroparesis: This is a potentially irreversible condition that affects the stomach’s ability to empty properly. It can cause chronic vomiting, malnutrition, and loss of quality of life.
• Ileus: where the intestines temporarily stop moving
• NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy): This affects the optic nerve, potentially causing vision loss.
• Intestinal Obstruction: Rare but serious, requiring emergency surgery and potentially long-term consequences.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, often requiring hospitalization and long-term medication.
• Gallbladder Disease: Saxenda users have reported developing gallstones, cholecystitis, and other gallbladder disorders.

Even after discontinuing Saxenda, some users continue to experience debilitating digestive symptoms for months or even years.

What Legal Documents Strengthen a Saxenda Lawsuit Claim?

To build a strong legal case, documentation is key. Whether you’re joining a mass tort or filing an individual claim, gathering the right paperwork can make all the difference.

Must-have legal documents can include:

• Prescription Records
  • Dates prescribed and dosages
  • Any off-label recommendations (e.g., weight loss use)
    
     
• Medical Records
  • Emergency room visits
  • Specialist consultations
  • Diagnosis of gastroparesis, pancreatitis, or gallbladder issues
    
     
• Diagnostic Tests
  • Ultrasounds
  • Endoscopies
  • Gastric emptying studies
    
     
• Employment Records
  • Proof of missed work
  • Disability claims or workplace accommodations
    
     
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses
  • Co-pays
  • Hospital bills
  • Travel for specialist care
    
     
• Personal Journal to Document:
  • Daily symptoms
  • Pain levels
  • Emotional toll

The more detailed your records, the stronger your case becomes, especially when trying to prove causation and impact.

How Morgan & Morgan Is Leading Saxenda Litigation Nationwide

As one of the nation’s largest personal injury law firms, Morgan & Morgan has a long track record of taking on pharmaceutical giants—and winning.

Our specialized legal teams handle drug injury cases from intake to trial, working with leading GI and endocrinology specialists to support your case.

We’ve recovered over $25 billion for clients, and we use that track record to our advantage. Working with Morgan & Morgan sends a message to Big Pharma that these victims mean business.

We’re not just filing paperwork—we’re fighting for justice, financial relief, and long-term accountability from pharmaceutical manufacturers.

What Is the Active Ingredient In Saxenda, and How Does It Work?

Saxenda contains liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics a hormone that affects areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation, slowing gastric emptying and helping users feel full longer. However, this delay in digestion can sometimes lead to gastroparesis and other serious GI complications.

What Early Signs Suggest Saxenda-Induced Gastroparesis?

If you’ve taken Saxenda, watch for:

• Ongoing nausea or vomiting
• Feeling full after small meals
• Bloating or abdominal pain
• Unexpected weight loss
• Difficulty swallowing or burping

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. A gastric emptying study can help diagnose gastroparesis.

Can I Join a Saxenda Lawsuit if I Used It Off-Label for Weight Loss?

Yes. Many people used Saxenda off-label under medical supervision or through weight loss programs. If you suffered serious complications like gastroparesis, pancreatitis, or gallbladder removal, you may still be eligible to file a claim, regardless of whether your prescription was for FDA-approved use.

Are Saxenda Lawsuits Part of a Broader Class Action Against GLP-1 Drugs?

Saxenda lawsuits are not currently part of a traditional class action, but many are expected to be consolidated under mass tort or multidistrict litigation (MDL) alongside other GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus.

This structure allows for individual compensation based on the specific severity and impact of each case, rather than a one-size-fits-all payout.

What Financial Damages Are Typically Recovered in Saxenda Cases?

If successful, plaintiffs may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Bills: Past and future treatment, hospitalizations, surgeries
• Lost Wages: Time off work, loss of earning potential
• Pain and Suffering: Chronic symptoms, emotional distress
• Punitive Damages: If negligence or failure to warn is proven
• Wrongful Death: In fatal cases, surviving family members may file a claim

Each case is unique, and Morgan & Morgan can evaluate your individual claim to estimate potential recovery.

Start Your Saxenda Lawsuit With Morgan & Morgan

Big Pharma companies have a legal duty to warn consumers about potential side effects. The same applies to Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Saxenda. This company knew about the potential dangers of this drug but failed to inform consumers. 

As a result, many users experienced and are still experiencing gastrointestinal complications.

If you took Saxenda and experienced serious side effects like gastroparesis, ileus, bowel obstruction, and NAION, you may be able to recover your medical expenses and obtain compensation for your pain and suffering, decreased quality of life, and more.

At Morgan & Morgan, we have the scale, experience, and resources to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable. Don't wait any longer to fight back. Tell us about your case today.