Nationwide Mass Tort Representation
Ozempic / Wegovy / Semaglutide Lawsuit
With the widespread adoption of semaglutide through brand-name drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, there’s been an uptick in reports of worrying health issues — from stomach paralysis to intestinal obstruction. If you were harmed, we’re here to help.
About the Lawsuit
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is the generic component of news-making popular drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. These medications’ potential for aiding weight loss has led to both extreme popularity and extreme notoriety. Ozempic was created to treat type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy was intended for general weight loss.
A Blockbuster Weight-Loss & Diabetes Treatment
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s leading blockbuster weight-loss treatment, Wegovy, and its type 2 diabetes medication, Ozempic. Wegovy users experience weight loss as semaglutide helps patients feel “fuller.” By prompting the body to produce more insulin — thereby reducing blood sugar — it works to decrease appetite. Semaglutide works similarly in Ozempic, but Ozempic comes in lower doses because the intended use is different.
Ozempic has recently been making headlines — and not for the best reasons. The made-for-diabetes drug is not approved for weight loss, but some physicians prescribe it off-label to patients seeking to shed pounds.
Why Is There a Semaglutide Lawsuit?
Many civil lawsuits have been filed against Novo Nordisk. Former patients claim the drug manufacturer did not warn people about potential health complications, including gastroparesis, intestinal blockages, and obstructions. If a case is successful, financial payouts may also be issued to survivors or families of those who passed.
The first Ozempic lawsuit was filed in Louisiana on August 2, 2023 (Bjorklund v. Novo Nordisk A/S), asserting a variety of health problems including extreme gastrointestinal distress and vomiting so severe it caused teeth loss. U.S. District Judge James Cain Jr. largely rejected Novo Nordisk’s motion to dismiss, and the case continues in Louisiana federal court.
Dangers of Using Semaglutide
Serious Side Effects & Injuries
Sadly, sometimes people take certain medications to improve one health issue only to gain another. Patients taking Ozempic, Wegovy, and other semaglutide medications have reported serious complications they claim were never adequately disclosed, including:
- Gastroparesis (stomach paralysis)
- Pancreatitis (pancreatic inflammation)
- Intestinal paralysis (ileus)
- Bowel obstruction and blockages
- Severe, persistent vomiting
- Gallbladder disease and gallstones
- Thyroid tumors
- Pulmonary aspiration during surgery
- Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
- Pancreatic cancer
The Semaglutide Litigation
The core legal issue in these cases is failure to warn. Sufferers claim they weren’t adequately warned of the risk of severe intestinal blockages and other adverse health conditions. With the ongoing investigation and lawsuits, the FDA has added additional warnings to the drug labels regarding ileus, or blocked intestines.
Similar medications are also under scrutiny. Eli Lilly & Company faces legal claims similar to Novo Nordisk’s, centered on rising complaints over its type 2 diabetes medication Mounjaro, which has similar side effects.
Is There a Class Action or MDL?
There is no semaglutide class action lawsuit in the United States. Instead, semaglutide cases have been grouped into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL), where plaintiffs maintain their individual status but all cases are heard in one federal court. Constant Legal Group has a finger on the pulse of the semaglutide MDL and can act quickly on your behalf.
What Is an Ozempic or Wegovy Lawsuit Worth?
There is no “official” settlement amount. Payouts generally depend on how long a person took the medication and the severity of their health conditions. Novo Nordisk is a $30.98 billion company with a strong team of lawyers — you’ll need a defective medicine firm used to going toe-to-toe with such adversaries, like Constant Legal Group.
Do I Qualify to File a Lawsuit?
The basics of a semaglutide claim should include:
- You were on a name-brand GLP-1 medication for at least 30 days
- You required medical treatment or hospitalization for your condition
- You were diagnosed with gastroparesis, bowel obstruction, ileus, or NAION
Eligible injuries include:
- Persistent vomiting for four weeks or more requiring at least one overnight hospital stay
- Hospitalization for vomiting or gastric injuries while taking the drug or within 60 days of stopping
- Diagnosis of ileus, gastroparesis, or pulmonary aspiration; stomach paralysis; or pancreatic cancer — while taking the medication or within six months of stopping
The wrongful death statute of limitations applies in these cases and varies by state. It’s essential to talk to a personal injury lawyer about your unique situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Semaglutide Lawsuits
Is semaglutide dangerous?
Semaglutide is FDA-approved for use in weight loss and diabetes drugs, but the medicine can cause significant health problems.
For instance, semaglutide may increase the risk of:
- Thyroid tumors
- Pancreatitis (swelling of
- the pancreas)
- Gallbladder disease
- Intestinal blockages
- And more
Some people are more susceptible to side effects than others.
Can semaglutide cause cancer?
Semaglutide may increase the risk of developing tumors of the thyroid gland, including medullary thyroid carcinoma or a type of thyroid cancer.
Some studies show lab animals given semaglutide developed tumors. However, it’s unknown if the medication can increase the risk of tumors in people.
Can semaglutide cause pancreatitis?
Can Ozempic cause gallbladder problems?
Gallstones, redness, and swelling of the gallbladder are possibilities with Ozempic use. Ozempic patients who use the drug for diabetes management or weight loss have developed gallbladder disease and gallstones. Some had to have their gallbladders surgically removed.
Free Case Review
Talk to Constant Legal About Filing a Semaglutide Lawsuit
If you believe you’ve suffered harm after using Ozempic, Wegovy, or another semaglutide medication, don’t wait. Legal deadlines apply, and the sooner you act, the better positioned you are to build a strong case.
Reach out to Constant Legal Group today for a free, confidential case evaluation. We fight drug makers who prioritize profits over people, and big pharma is no match for our bench-strength, legal knowledge, and strategic approach.
- Your information is confidential. You don't pay unless we win.
Start your free review
Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Reasons to Choose
Constant Legal Group
Our attorneys at Constant Legal Group are backed by 18+ years of experience and education. Not only are we qualified to take on your case, but we care deeply about making sure you feel in the know and confident about your situation.
Free Consultations
Confidential, no-obligation case reviews.
You Don't Pay Unless We Win
No upfront fees, ever.
Board Certified Lawyers
Recognized, credentialed trial attorneys.
24/7 Call Center
We're available whenever you need us.
Have Any Questions?
Reach Out To Us Today
It can be overwhelming when you or a loved one is suffering from a personal injury incident. When working with our dedicated attorneys, we will take the pressure off of your shoulders and into our own hands. Together we will fight to restore control over your life.