Ozempic Lawsuit for Gastroparesis & Stomach Paralysis

Ozempic (semaglutide) has become one of the most prescribed medications in the country, known as much for its off-label use as a weight-loss drug as for its original purpose of treating type 2 diabetes. Marketed as a weekly injection that helps regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite, it quickly gained traction among patients, telehealth providers, and even celebrities. But as prescriptions skyrocketed, so did troubling reports from people who developed gastroparesis, a condition sometimes described as “stomach paralysis.” These patients say they were never warned of the risk and now face a lifetime of vomiting, dehydration, and malnutrition.

What makes this a legal issue is not only the severity of the injuries but also the allegations that the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings about these risks. Failure-to-warn claims, product design concerns, and negligent marketing are at the center of lawsuits now being filed in federal court. For patients, gastroparesis often requires repeated hospital stays, invasive procedures, and long-term care. For courts and juries, the question is whether Novo Nordisk and other companies knew more than they disclosed and whether victims deserve compensation for life-changing harm. 

At Boesen Law, we’ve seen how dangerous drug litigation is built from establishing manufacturer knowledge to proving patient harm, and our work often begins with analyzing the elements of a product liability claim.

What Is Gastroparesis and How It’s Linked to Ozempic

Gastroparesis is a chronic condition where the stomach muscles fail to contract effectively, preventing food from passing into the small intestine. Patients with this condition may suffer daily vomiting, severe dehydration, malnutrition, or even require feeding tubes when their bodies can no longer process food naturally.

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic work by slowing gastric emptying to regulate blood sugar and suppress appetite. But when that effect becomes excessive, patients may develop gastroparesis or complete stomach paralysis. Medical literature now suggests that for some users, this is not a temporary side effect but a permanent injury that alters quality of life indefinitely. In cases where patients can no longer return to work or need ongoing nutritional support, the condition is often compared to other catastrophic injuries. That’s why our team often frames similar cases within the broader context of permanent injuries and their long-term legal consequences.

For answers to your questions, call:
(303) 999-9999

FDA Updates and Drug History

The legal challenges surrounding Ozempic are rooted in its regulatory timeline:

• 2017 approval: The FDA approved Ozempic for managing type 2 diabetes.
• Off-label surge: As the weight loss trend grew, prescriptions skyrocketed beyond the original diabetic patient base.
• 2023 label change: The FDA updated warnings on GLP-1 drug labels to include the risk of intestinal blockages (ileus).
• 2023 safety communication: The FDA warned patients and providers about unapproved or compounded GLP-1 drugs being sold for weight loss.
• Oversight concerns: CBS News reported on how telehealth providers like Hims & Hers were fueling demand for GLP-1 prescriptions, raising oversight questions.

This history reflects a familiar problem: FDA oversight often lags behind real-world patient harm. By the time labels are updated or safety notices are issued, thousands of people may already be injured. We’ve seen this pattern in other cases too, where a weight loss drug recalled by the FDA only came off the market after significant patient injuries and litigation.

Status of the Ozempic Lawsuits

Patients injured by Ozempic, Wegovy, and similar GLP-1 drugs are now part of a coordinated federal action. These cases were consolidated into MDL No. 3094 in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, overseen by Judge Karen Marston. Plaintiffs allege that manufacturers failed to warn about gastroparesis, marketed the drug negligently, and released a product with defective design.

Progress in the litigation has been shaped by one requirement above all: plaintiffs must present objective medical proof, such as gastric emptying studies, to move a case forward. This isn’t surprising, given the defense strategy of classifying stomach paralysis as nothing more than extended nausea. Judges have emphasized the need for scientific evidence, which means that hospitalization records, diagnostic scans, and treating physician testimony are central to every claim. As Reuters reported, the litigation has faced delays, but cases are expected to gain traction as more plaintiffs present documented injuries.

Who May Qualify to File a Lawsuit

Eligibility depends on both medical history and proof of harm. Those most likely to qualify include:

• Patients who took Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro and later received a gastroparesis diagnosis.
• Individuals who required emergency care, hospitalizations, or placement of feeding tubes after using the drug.
• Patients whose physicians documented permanent impairment tied to GLP-1 exposure.

The urgency is real. Lawsuits must be filed before deadlines expire, which vary by state but typically run two to three years from the date an injury is discovered. For Colorado residents, that deadline is governed by strict statutory rules and we regularly help clients understand how time limits on personal injury cases apply in drug litigation, because missing the window can mean losing your right to compensation altogether.

What Compensation Could Be Recovered

The damages in Ozempic lawsuits reflect the devastating impact gastroparesis can have on daily life. Compensation may cover:

• Medical expenses, from ER visits and diagnostic testing to long-term gastrointestinal care.
• Lost wages and reduced earning potential if the condition prevents a return to work.
• Pain and suffering caused by ongoing nausea, vomiting, and nutritional deficiencies.
• Loss of enjoyment of life, particularly when patients are forced into long-term dietary restrictions or invasive feeding methods.
• Potential punitive damages if evidence shows that manufacturers knew of the risks but failed to disclose them.

We approach these cases by building a damages profile that reflects both the financial and personal costs of the injury. This includes evaluating how different types of damages in a personal injury lawsuit may apply to long-term gastrointestinal disorders.

What to Do If You Think You Have a Case

Patients concerned about gastroparesis from Ozempic should:

• Continuing medical treatment under a doctor’s supervision, stopping suddenly can cause serious complications.
• Collect prescription records, pharmacy receipts, and diagnostic reports.
• Keep a symptom journal to document vomiting, dehydration, and ER visits.
• Seek legal advice before speaking with insurers or drug representatives.

Building a case means proving exposure, diagnosis, and damages. That’s why we often start by reviewing the elements of a product liability claim with clients, so they understand what evidence courts will demand and how we can prepare it.

How an Attorney Can Help With an Ozempic Gastroparesis Lawsuit

Ozempic lawsuits require technical proof that connects the drug to a specific medical condition, often against a defense team with vast resources. An expert product liability attorney handling these cases will:

• Review a patient’s prescription records and pharmacy history to confirm exposure to semaglutide.
• Gather diagnostic evidence, such as gastric emptying studies, ER notes, and hospitalization records that confirm delayed stomach emptying.
• Determine whether the case fits into the federal multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 3094), where similar claims are being coordinated.
• Prepare settlement negotiations with manufacturers while building the evidence as though the case will go to trial.

This process involves building a medical and legal narrative that shows how gastroparesis differs from the “nausea” listed on Ozempic’s label, and why that difference matters in court. Our team at Boesen Law understands how to link medical literature, FDA reports, and patient testimony in ways that withstand scrutiny. Our attorneys have worked on high-stakes drug litigation before, and we know that success depends on treating every case as part of a broader pattern of bad drugs harming patients and shaping litigation outcomes.

Schedule a Free Consultation With an Ozempic Lawsuit Attorney

Ozempic lawsuits are part of a national reckoning over the safety of GLP-1 drugs, but for patients, these cases are about something much more personal: recovering the cost of medical care, securing stability for the future, and holding manufacturers accountable for warnings that came too late. At Boesen Law, we represent individuals across Colorado and beyond who are grappling with serious drug-related injuries.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with gastroparesis after taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro, our team is ready to evaluate your case. We work on a contingency fee basis – no upfront costs, no fees unless we win. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ozempic Lawsuits for Gastroparesis and Stomach Paralysis

Do I need a gastric emptying study?

Yes. Courts generally require objective testing to confirm delayed stomach emptying before allowing cases to move forward.

Does it matter if I used Ozempic for weight loss instead of diabetes?

No. Plaintiffs include both groups of patients, and lawsuits cover injuries regardless of whether the prescription was for diabetes management or off-label use.

How long do I have to file?

Most states set deadlines of two to three years from when the injury was discovered. Acting quickly preserves your rights and strengthens the case.

What is the current status of the MDL?

Cases are centralized in Pennsylvania under MDL No. 3094. Early rulings are focusing on diagnostic proof and establishing which claims can proceed.

Can I still sue if I developed symptoms months after stopping the drug?

Yes. Courts recognize that gastroparesis can appear after discontinuation, as long as a medical expert links the timing to your use of the drug.

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