Trulicity Lawsuits: What You Need to Know About Dulaglutide Injuries

Prescription drugs are supposed to help, not harm. But for some individuals taking Trulicity, a drug designed to help manage Type 2 diabetes, the side effects may be doing more damage than good. 

Patients across the country are now coming forward, alleging that the drug caused a serious gastrointestinal condition known as gastroparesis, among other complications. If you've suffered unexpected health issues after taking Trulicity, you may have legal options.

Morgan and Morgan received numerous complaints from individuals who used certain diabetes medications, alleging that they suffered serious side effects, most notably gastrointestinal complications. All fingers point to the manufacturers of Rybelsus, Mounjaro, Saxenda, Wegovy, and Trulicity. 

If you took any of these medications and experienced severe gastrointestinal issues, you first need to seek immediate medical attention. Your doctor will review the side effects you experienced and conduct several tests to determine whether they were related to the regular use of Trulicity or any other related diabetes or weight loss product. 

If such a connection is established, our attorneys at Morgan and Morgan might be able to hold the manufacturers of this product accountable for their negligence. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.

The History and FDA Approval of Trulicity

Trulicity (generic name: dulaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly. It was approved by the FDA in September 2014 to improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Trulicity works by mimicking the action of GLP-1, a hormone that stimulates insulin release and slows gastric emptying.

Initially, Trulicity was celebrated for its once-weekly dosing schedule and cardiovascular benefits. Over time, it became a top seller in Eli Lilly’s diabetes portfolio, bringing in billions in revenue.

However, as more patients began using the drug, reports of adverse gastrointestinal events, some severe and persistent, started to accumulate. One condition in particular, gastroparesis, or "paralyzed stomach," began to emerge as a troubling side effect.

In 2023, concerns about the gastrointestinal risks of GLP-1 drugs like Trulicity, Ozempic, and Mounjaro grew significantly. The FDA added new warnings, and law firms began evaluating cases for potential litigation.

Overview of Other Dulaglutide-Related Legal Cases

While Trulicity-specific lawsuits are still developing, similar GLP-1 agonist drugs have already triggered mass tort claims and personal injury cases. For instance:

• Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) lawsuits have alleged that drugmakers failed to warn users about the risk of gastroparesis, intestinal blockages, and vomiting severe enough to cause tooth damage or malnutrition.
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a newer drug, is also under scrutiny for similar gastrointestinal complications.
• Byetta (exenatide) and Victoza (liraglutide), earlier drugs in the same class, were the subjects of lawsuits involving pancreatitis and thyroid tumors.

The litigation trend indicates growing legal recognition of the risks associated with GLP-1 drugs. Trulicity, despite its once-a-week convenience, is not immune to these concerns.

Eli Lilly has maintained that Trulicity is safe when used as prescribed. But injured patients—and now, attorneys—are questioning whether the company did enough to warn users about the risk of long-term digestive issues.

Early Symptoms of Trulicity-Induced Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis occurs when the stomach muscles fail to contract normally, preventing proper digestion. This causes food to remain in the stomach much longer than it should, leading to severe and often debilitating symptoms.

If you've taken Trulicity and are experiencing the following symptoms, you may be suffering from drug-induced gastroparesis:

• Persistent nausea
• Chronic vomiting (especially of undigested food)
• Early satiety (feeling full after a few bites)
• Bloating or abdominal pain
• Unintended weight loss
• Malnutrition or dehydration

While mild digestive upset is common when starting Trulicity, gastroparesis is a chronic, often irreversible condition that can require long-term medical intervention, including feeding tubes or gastric pacemakers.

Some patients report that symptoms began weeks or even months after starting the drug, making it difficult to draw a direct connection. That is, until other users began sharing similar stories.

Differences Between Trulicity and Other GLP-1 Agonists

Many patients compare Trulicity to other GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro, especially since these drugs are increasingly prescribed off-label for weight loss. 

While all GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking the incretin hormone GLP-1 to stimulate insulin secretion and slow gastric emptying, each drug differs slightly in its formulation, dosage frequency, and specific mechanisms of action. 

For example, Trulicity is administered as a once-weekly injection and is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes management, not weight loss—though some patients experience weight reduction as a side effect. 

In contrast, drugs like Mounjaro and Ozempic have gained attention for their more pronounced weight loss effects, with Mounjaro being a dual agonist that also targets the GIP receptor, potentially enhancing efficacy but also increasing the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. 

Trulicity’s side effect profile may be considered milder compared to newer medications, but growing reports of complications such as gastroparesis and stomach paralysis have raised serious concerns. 

While all of these medications act on the GLP-1 receptor, Trulicity is a mono-agonist, while Mounjaro is a dual agonist, acting on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. This may affect efficacy and side effects.

If you're researching “Trulicity vs Mounjaro side effects” or “Is Trulicity safer than Ozempic?” you're not alone. Many patients are comparing risks in light of emerging lawsuits.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Trulicity Side Effects

If you’re experiencing unpleasant or alarming symptoms while taking Trulicity, don’t wait. Schedule a medical appointment immediately. Here are some tips to guide that conversation:

• Be specific. Describe the nature, duration, and frequency of your symptoms.
• Ask for documentation. Request that your physician note your side effects in your medical record.
• Discuss alternatives. If Trulicity is causing GI issues, ask whether another medication might be safer for you.
• Get referrals. If you suspect gastroparesis, you may need to see a gastroenterologist for diagnostic testing.
• Inquire about reporting. Ask your doctor whether they will submit an adverse event report to the FDA’s MedWatch system.

Having these records and conversations can strengthen a future legal claim and ensure you receive the right treatment.

Updates on Trulicity Lawsuits & Mass Tort Status

As of mid-2025, Trulicity-specific lawsuits are being evaluated, but have not yet been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL). However, legal experts expect this to change, especially if more victims come forward with gastroparesis and related injuries.

Be sure to watch for any developments, including the potential consolidation of GLP-1 litigation under one judge (as has been done with similar drug cases).

Also watch for FDA label updates or black box warnings issued in response to safety concerns, as well as any internal documents from Eli Lilly that may emerge during discovery, revealing what the company knew about GI risks.

At Morgan & Morgan, we’re actively monitoring the legal landscape and accepting cases nationwide for patients injured by Trulicity. Even if you’re unsure whether you qualify, a free case evaluation can help determine your options.

What Is Dulaglutide, and How Does It Affect the Digestive System?

Dulaglutide is a synthetic peptide that mimics GLP-1, a hormone naturally produced in the gut. By binding to GLP-1 receptors, dulaglutide slows the movement of food from the stomach into the intestines, which is helpful for blood sugar control but potentially harmful when this process becomes excessively delayed.

Over time, this delayed gastric emptying can lead to chronic nausea, food retention, and vomiting, which is exactly what occurs in gastroparesis. The condition disrupts digestion and can have serious consequences for nutrition, hydration, and quality of life.

Unlike short-term side effects, gastroparesis is not always reversible, and in some cases, patients may be hospitalized or require feeding tubes to stay nourished.

Can I Sue if I Took Trulicity for Weight Loss and Not Diabetes?

Possibly. While Trulicity is only FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes, some doctors prescribe it off-label for weight loss, especially in patients with pre-diabetes or obesity.

Even if your primary diagnosis wasn’t diabetes, you may still have a valid claim if:

• You were prescribed Trulicity off-label for weight loss;
• You developed serious side effects such as gastroparesis, pancreatitis, or intestinal blockage;
• The risks were not adequately disclosed by your doctor or the manufacturer.

If these criteria sound familiar, you could be eligible to file a claim. Reach out to a Morgan & Morgan attorney to learn more about your legal rights.

What Documentation Do I Need for a Trulicity Lawsuit?

If you’re considering filing a lawsuit for Trulicity-related injuries, the strength of your documentation will be crucial. Here’s what you should gather:

• Medical records showing your Trulicity prescription and treatment timeline.
• Diagnostic results confirming conditions like gastroparesis, vomiting, or pancreatitis.
• Hospitalization records and discharge summaries.
• Doctor’s notes mentioning adverse reactions to Trulicity.
• Pharmacy receipts or refill records to prove usage.
• Work records showing time off or reduced capacity due to illness.
• Personal journal entries detailing your symptoms and how they’ve impacted your daily life.

Our attorneys can help you gather these records and build a compelling case. The more detailed your documentation, the better your chances of receiving compensation.

How Long After Taking Trulicity Do Side Effects Typically Appear?

Side effects from Trulicity can vary in onset. Some patients experience nausea or bloating within days, while more serious complications like gastroparesis may take weeks or months to develop.

According to emerging case reports, the average timeline for gastroparesis symptoms ranges from 1–6 months after beginning Trulicity. However, some users notice issues even after stopping the drug, as the gastrointestinal damage can persist.

It’s important to document when symptoms begin and how they progress. This can help establish a causal link between your Trulicity usage and the harm you’ve suffered.

Is There a Class Action Lawsuit for Trulicity Injuries?

As of now, there is no certified class action specifically for Trulicity injuries. However, the legal system often treats drug injury cases as mass torts, which allow individuals to file separate claims that are grouped together for efficiency.

Mass torts have several advantages over class actions, including:

• Individualized compensation based on your specific damages.
• More control over your legal strategy and settlement decisions.
• Access to shared evidence from other lawsuits involving the same drug.

If a multidistrict litigation (MDL) is formed around GLP-1 injuries, Trulicity cases could be consolidated alongside claims involving Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.

Can I Be Compensated for Lost Wages Due to Trulicity-Related Hospitalizations?

Yes. If you were hospitalized or unable to work due to side effects from Trulicity, you may be eligible for compensation. This can include:

• Lost wages from missed workdays;
• Reduced earning capacity if your condition affects long-term employment;
• Medical expenses including hospital stays, diagnostic testing, and specialist care;
• Pain and suffering for physical and emotional distress;
• Loss of enjoyment of life due to ongoing symptoms.

Every case is different, but our attorneys work to maximize your compensation and hold pharmaceutical companies accountable.

Contact Morgan & Morgan: America’s Largest Injury Law Firm

If you or a loved one has been harmed by Trulicity, you may be entitled to compensation. 

At Morgan & Morgan, we stand by weight loss drug victims as the largest personal injury law firm in the nation, with an army of over 1,000 attorneys and a proven track record of fighting against powerful drug companies. 

We believe people deserve accountability and justice, especially when profit has come at the cost of public health.

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.

If you or a loved one has suffered from severe side effects after taking Trulicity, you may be eligible for significant compensation. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.