In 2025, lawsuits are mounting against the manufacturers of Ozempic and Wegovy, two popular medications prescribed for diabetes and weight loss. Patients are coming forward claiming that these GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have caused them to develop severe gastrointestinal side effects, including gastroparesis, also known as stomach paralysis.
If you’ve used Ozempic, Wegovy, or similar medications and later developed persistent vomiting, nausea, or were diagnosed with stomach paralysis, this article explains whether you qualify to file a legal claim, how the lawsuits are progressing, and what steps to take to protect your rights.
What Are Ozempic and Wegovy?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a weekly injectable medication approved by the FDA to treat Type 2 diabetes by helping regulate blood sugar and appetite. Its off-label use for weight loss made it extremely popular.
Wegovy, also made by Novo Nordisk, uses the same active ingredient but is specifically approved for weight management in obese or overweight individuals.
Both drugs belong to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class and are designed to slow digestion, promote satiety, and help reduce calorie intake. Unfortunately, for some patients, that digestive slowing becomes dangerously excessive.
What Is Gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis is a serious and often irreversible condition in which the stomach muscles fail to move food properly into the small intestine. This leads to food staying in the stomach far longer than it should, causing a cascade of symptoms.
Common symptoms of gastroparesis include:
- Chronic nausea
- Vomiting undigested food hours after eating
- Bloating and abdominal pain
- Malnutrition and weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration and fatigue
In some cases, patients require hospitalization, feeding tubes, or surgeries to manage the effects. There is currently no cure for gastroparesis.
What Are the Lawsuits Claiming?
Patients who have filed lawsuits against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly (manufacturer of Mounjaro) allege that:
- The companies failed to warn patients and doctors of the risk of severe gastric side effects
- They marketed the drugs aggressively for weight loss without fully disclosing potential harms
- Patients were hospitalized or disabled due to unexpected side effects
The lawsuits are based on claims of product liability, negligence, and failure to warn, all of which are actionable under U.S. tort law.
Who Can Join the Lawsuits?
To join the Ozempic or Wegovy lawsuits in 2025, you must meet certain medical and legal criteria. Here’s a breakdown of what law firms are typically looking for.
1. You Used Ozempic, Wegovy, or Another GLP-1 Drug
You must have been prescribed and taken:
- Ozempic (semaglutide)
- Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
- Rybelsus (oral semaglutide)
Most cases involve long-term use, typically several months or more.
2. You Developed Serious Gastrointestinal Complications
Qualifying side effects may include:
- Gastroparesis diagnosis
- Severe and chronic vomiting
- Hospitalization for GI issues
- Feeding tube placement
- Surgery or long-term treatment due to stomach paralysis
Medical records will need to confirm these conditions. Simply having nausea is not enough—there must be clear documentation of a debilitating digestive disorder.
3. No Prior History of GI Paralysis
Patients who already had digestive paralysis before starting the drug may not qualify. Attorneys will review your pre-existing medical conditions and GI history.
4. You Took the Drug Within the Last Several Years
Most lawsuits filed in 2025 involve drugs taken between 2019 and 2024, though dates may vary depending on your state’s statute of limitations. If your diagnosis was recent, you may still have time to file.
5. You’ve Not Settled or Signed Away Your Rights
If you already accepted a payout from the manufacturer or signed a waiver, you may not be eligible. However, consult a lawyer before assuming anything—some settlements can be challenged.
What Compensation Could You Receive?
While no settlements have been finalized yet, similar mass torts suggest potential compensation may include:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Hospitalization and surgery costs
- Lost income or ability to work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Permanent disability compensation
Here’s a rough breakdown of estimated payouts based on severity:
| Condition Severity | Estimated Compensation Range |
|---|---|
| Moderate GI symptoms (non-hospitalized) | $25,000 – $75,000 |
| Diagnosed gastroparesis with hospitalization | $75,000 – $200,000 |
| Feeding tube, long-term disability | $200,000 – $500,000+ |
These are only estimates. Actual settlements will depend on medical documentation and the strength of your legal case.
How to File an Ozempic or Wegovy Lawsuit
Filing a claim starts with choosing the right law firm. Here’s what the process looks like:
Step 1: Contact a Mass Tort Law Firm
Choose one with experience in pharmaceutical litigation and active involvement in semaglutide-related claims. Most work on contingency, meaning you don’t pay unless you win.
Step 2: Case Review and Record Collection
Your attorney will review your:
- Prescription history
- Hospital and diagnosis records
- Imaging, endoscopy, or GI testing results
- Work and income history
Step 3: Lawsuit Filing
Your claim will likely be filed as part of a mass tort (not a class action). As of now, a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)may be formed soon if enough cases accumulate.
Step 4: Await Trial or Settlement
Once enough cases are filed, bellwether trials may be selected to gauge jury sentiment. Most mass torts settle without going to trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a class action?
Not yet. Most cases are being filed as individual mass torts, which can offer better compensation based on personal injury.
Do I have to testify in court?
Highly unlikely. Most mass tort plaintiffs never appear in court, especially if the case settles.
How long will it take to receive compensation?
Mass torts often take 1 to 3 years, depending on how quickly an MDL is formed and whether the defendant agrees to settle.
What if I used the drug for weight loss only?
You may still qualify. Even if your prescription was off-label, the manufacturer could be held responsible for failure to warn.
Are Mounjaro or Rybelsus users eligible too?
Yes. Some law firms are also accepting claims from other GLP-1 drugs with similar side effects.
Checklist: Do You Qualify?
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Took Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Rybelsus | |
| Diagnosed with gastroparesis or stomach paralysis | |
| Experienced hospitalization or long-term GI damage | |
| Medical records available to prove harm | |
| Have not signed any waiver or settlement |
If most of these apply to you, consult an attorney immediately.
Final Thoughts: Legal Help Is Available in 2025
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have changed lives—but for some, they’ve introduced serious and life-altering consequences. If you’re living with the complications of stomach paralysis, you are not alone. The legal system offers a path to compensation, accountability, and possibly recovery.
The key is timing. The sooner you act, the more options you’ll have. Speak to a qualified mass tort attorney today and take the first step toward justice.