Wegovy Lawsuits: Side Effects, Legal Action & Compensation

Wegovy, a brand-name weight loss medication containing semaglutide, has taken the world by storm. 

Prescribed to treat obesity, Wegovy is part of a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which also includes Ozempic, Trulicity, and Mounjaro. 

While the weight-loss benefits of these medications have been widely publicized, recent lawsuits allege that Wegovy can cause serious gastrointestinal injuries, including gastroparesis (paralyzed stomach), ileus, bowel obstruction, and NAION, that were not adequately disclosed to patients.

Attorneys at Morgan and Morgan have taken legal action against the makers of Wegovy, 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 Wegovy—or similar drugs like Ozempic or Mounjaro—you may be entitled to compensation. 

If you or a loved one has been using Wegovy 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 Wegovy lawsuits filed by people who have experienced the same or similar side effects.

Why Does Wegovy Cause Gastrointestinal Issues?

This drug contains an active ingredient known as semaglutide. This ingredient paralyzes the stomach, preventing it from processing food as usual. As a result, when the stomach is paralyzed, it holds food longer than it should. This prevents the user from feeling hungry most of the time, eventually leading to weight loss. 

Gastrointestinal issues occur when the stomach cannot function properly. As a result, you'll likely experience extreme bloating, serious stomach pain, and uncontrollable vomiting, among others.

What Are the Manufacturers of Wegovy Being Sued For?

The manufacturers of Wegovy, primarily Novo Nordisk, are facing a growing number of lawsuits alleging that the company failed to adequately warn users about serious and potentially life-altering side effects associated with the drug. These legal actions center on claims of negligence, misrepresentation, and failure to disclose known health risks.

Key Allegations Against Novo Nordisk

1. Failure to Warn About Gastroparesis and Gastrointestinal Complications

Many plaintiffs allege that Novo Nordisk did not sufficiently warn about the risk of developing gastroparesis—a condition characterized by delayed stomach emptying—associated with Wegovy use. This condition can lead to severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloating. Studies have linked GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy), to a higher incidence of gastroparesis and other gastrointestinal issues.

2. Negligent Marketing and Misrepresentation

Lawsuits claim that Novo Nordisk engaged in aggressive marketing strategies that downplayed the severity of potential side effects. The company is accused of promoting Wegovy as a safe and effective weight-loss solution without adequately disclosing the risks of serious gastrointestinal complications.

3. Design Defects and Strict Liability

Some legal actions argue that Wegovy has inherent design defects that make it unreasonably dangerous for consumers. Plaintiffs assert that the drug's formulation leads to adverse health outcomes and that Novo Nordisk should be held strictly liable for injuries resulting from its use.

4. Vision-Related Side Effects

Recent lawsuits have emerged alleging that Wegovy use has led to vision problems, including cases of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a condition that can cause sudden vision loss. Plaintiffs claim that Novo Nordisk failed to warn about these potential risks associated with the drug.

Wegovy vs. Other GLP-1 Agonists: Comparative Side Effect Profiles

Wegovy and Ozempic both contain semaglutide, but they are marketed for different purposes. Ozempic is FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is prescribed for chronic weight management. Although they share a common active ingredient, patient experiences and side effect profiles can differ depending on dosage and patient history.

Here’s how Wegovy compares to other drugs in its class:

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 is often used off-label for weight loss. Mounjaro lawsuits are newer than those against other similar drugs, but emerging claims focus on similar GI complications.

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).

Recent studies suggest that semaglutide may carry a higher risk for serious GI complications compared to other GLP-1 agonists. The lawsuits against Novo Nordisk, Wegovy’s manufacturer, hinge on the claim that these risks were underreported or misrepresented in marketing materials and prescribing information.

Wegovy Class Action Updates and Legal News

As of mid-2025, hundreds of plaintiffs across the U.S. have joined lawsuits against Novo Nordisk, alleging injuries linked to Wegovy and Ozempic. These cases are in early stages, with many being consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) to streamline proceedings and reduce duplicative discovery.

If you’re considering legal action, it’s critical to file before statutes of limitation expire, which can vary by state.

How to Document Your Symptoms and Build a Strong Wegovy Case

If you’ve suffered serious side effects from Wegovy, documentation is key. Your legal team will need evidence that directly links your injury to the drug. Here’s how you can help build a solid case:

Medical Records

Request full copies of your:

• Prescription history
• Hospital visits
• Diagnostic imaging (e.g., abdominal CT scans or gastric emptying studies)
• Notes from gastroenterologists or ER physicians
  
   

Symptom Diary

Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, including:

• Onset date of nausea, vomiting, or bloating
• How symptoms affect daily life (e.g., missed work, inability to eat)
• Treatments or surgeries (e.g., feeding tubes or hospitalizations)
  
   

Financial Impact

Document lost wages, out-of-pocket costs, transportation to doctor’s offices, and insurance denials related to your treatment.

Witness Statements

Statements from coworkers, caregivers, or family members who observed your condition can help corroborate your experience.

The more thorough your records, the stronger your claim. Morgan & Morgan’s legal team will guide you through the process and handle all communication with healthcare providers if needed.

Key Legal Precedents Related to Weight Loss Drug Injuries

Wegovy lawsuits aren’t the first to challenge the pharmaceutical industry over weight loss medications. Several high-profile cases have set a precedent:

Fen-Phen Litigation (1997–2005)

Wyeth’s diet drug combo “Fen-Phen” was pulled from the market after being linked to heart valve damage. Over $13 billion in settlements were paid out, with courts finding that the company failed to warn patients.

Belviq Recall (2020)

Belviq was withdrawn from the market after cancer risks emerged. Lawsuits were filed alleging that the manufacturer knew about the risks from early trial data but pushed for FDA approval anyway.

These precedents support the argument that weight loss drugs have a history of hiding long-term complications, and courts have consistently held companies liable for failure to disclose such risks.

Financial Burden of Gastrointestinal Treatment Caused by Wegovy

The emotional toll of chronic gastrointestinal illness is heavy, but the financial toll can be devastating.

Common out-of-pocket expenses include:

• Emergency room visits: $1,500–$3,000 per visit
• Gastroparesis diagnosis (gastric emptying study): $800+
• Specialist consultations: $250–$500 per visit
• Surgical interventions or feeding tubes: $10,000+
• Time off work for recovery: Weeks or months of lost income

Patients who develop long-term gastroparesis or similar conditions may need lifetime management with no clear cure, just symptom suppression. These mounting bills, compounded by job loss or reduced productivity, create a compelling case for compensation.

Morgan & Morgan fights to recover not just medical costs but also lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

What Qualifies as a Valid Injury in the Wegovy Lawsuit?

To file a valid claim, plaintiffs must demonstrate they experienced serious side effects linked to Wegovy, such as:

• Gastroparesis (confirmed via gastric emptying scan)
• Ileus, where the intestines temporarily stop moving
• Bowel obstruction 
• NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy), affecting the optic nerve, potentially causing vision loss
• Chronic vomiting and dehydration
• Malnutrition and unintended weight loss
• Esophageal damage from acid reflux
• Hospitalization for GI complications

Additionally, you’ll need to show that you were prescribed Wegovy, and that your symptoms began during or shortly after use. Medical documentation is essential.

How Do Semaglutide-Related Lawsuits Differ From Ozempic or Trulicity Cases?

Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide but are prescribed differently (diabetes vs. weight loss). Dosage differences and patient profiles may affect legal arguments. Trulicity, on the other hand, contains dulaglutide, a different compound, and has been linked to fewer severe GI injuries, so Trulicity cases are less common.

The bulk of current legal action is focused on semaglutide-based drugs, especially those used off-label or for weight loss.

What Medical Tests Help Link Wegovy To Gastrointestinal Damage?

The following tests can help confirm your injury:

• Gastric Emptying Study: Confirms delayed stomach emptying, key to diagnosing gastroparesis
• Abdominal CT or Ultrasound: May show inflammation or obstruction
• Endoscopy or Colonoscopy: Rules out other GI conditions
• Blood Panels: Can show malnutrition or dehydration from chronic vomiting

If you’ve had these tests or if your doctor has mentioned possible gastroparesis, SIBO, or intestinal distress, be sure to request your full records and notify your attorney.

Is Wegovy Safe for Long-Term Use for Weight Loss?

The FDA approved Wegovy for chronic use, but clinical trials often last only 68 weeks or less. There’s little published data on 5- or 10-year outcomes, especially concerning gastrointestinal function.

Medical experts caution that long-term GLP-1 use may carry underappreciated risks, particularly if the drug interferes with the body’s natural digestion process. Until more data becomes available, patients should have an informed conversation with their doctor about risk vs. benefit.

Can I Still File if I Stopped Using Wegovy Months Ago?

Yes. Many states allow 1 to 3 years from the date of injury or diagnosis to file a claim. If you began experiencing symptoms shortly after using Wegovy—even if you’ve since stopped—you may still qualify.

If you're unsure about your timeline, consult with a lawyer immediately. Missing the deadline could bar you from ever receiving compensation.

Speak to a Morgan & Morgan Attorney Today

If you or a loved one suffered gastrointestinal injuries after taking Wegovy, you’re not alone, and you may be entitled to financial compensation.

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 Wegovy continued to profit billions of dollars while ignoring the adverse side effects their product had on its consumers. The manufacturers knew that information about the drug’s risks would discourage consumers from buying and withholding 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.