If you or someone in your family suffered severe side effects after taking Wegovy (semaglutide), you may be entitled to compensation. Hundreds of people from across the country are pursuing Wegovy lawsuits against Novo Nordisk, alleging the multinational pharmaceutical company failed to warn consumers about the risks of gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), intestinal blockages, vision loss, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and other serious complications.
At Wisner Baum, our pharmaceutical attorneys are dedicated to holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for failing to warn patients about these devastating health risks. To see if you qualify for a Wegovy lawsuit, contact us or call (310) 207-3233 for a free and fast case evaluation. These cases are litigated on contingency, which means if attorneys do not earn compensation on your behalf, you owe nothing.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a prescription injectable medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents aged 12 and older with obesity or weight-related health conditions. Approved by the FDA in 2021, Wegovy belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
The active substance in Wegovy, semaglutide, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that acts in the same way as GLP-1, a natural hormone in the body. It is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection, with dosing gradually increased over 16 weeks to minimize side effects.
Wegovy works by slowing gastric emptying (the rate at which food moves from the stomach to the intestines), helping patients feel full for longer periods and reducing food intake. While this mechanism can lead to significant weight loss, it has also been linked to serious gastrointestinal complications that can permanently alter patients' lives.
Wegovy Side Effects
The most serious Wegovy side effects that have led to lawsuits include gastroparesis, intestinal obstructions, vision loss, gallbladder problems, pancreatitis, and blood clots.
| Side Effect |
Status in Litigation |
| Gastroparesis (Stomach Paralysis) |
Primary focus |
| Intestinal/Bowel Obstruction |
Common claim |
| Vision Loss (NAION) |
Emerging claim |
| Gallbladder Issues |
Documented cases |
| Pancreatitis |
Documented cases |
| Blood Clots |
Documented cases |
Gastroparesis (Stomach Paralysis)
Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach's ability to empty its contents is severely impaired or completely paralyzed. A 2023 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy were associated with increased risk of gastroparesis compared to other weight loss medications. This condition can lead to chronic nausea and vomiting, severe abdominal pain, malnutrition and dehydration, need for feeding tubes or surgical intervention, and permanent digestive complications.
Intestinal and Bowel Obstructions
Wegovy users have developed serious blockages in their digestive systems, including small bowel obstructions requiring emergency surgery. Other patients have suffered ileus (intestinal inability to contract and move waste). The same 2023 JAMA study found that GLP-1 receptor agonists were associated with increased risk of bowel obstruction compared to other weight loss medications.
Vision Loss (NAION)
Recent studies have linked Wegovy to non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a serious eye condition that can cause vision loss, permanent visual impairment, and complete blindness. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) concluded in June of 2025 that NAION is a very rare side effect of semaglutide drugs, including Wegovy, affecting up to 1 in 10,000 people.
The EMA recommended updating product labeling to include NAION as a “very rare” side effect, advising patients to contact their doctor immediately if they experience sudden vision loss while taking Wegovy or other semaglutide medications.
Gallbladder Problems
Clinical trials showed higher rates of gallbladder-related complications in Wegovy users, including gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, and need for gallbladder removal surgery. In clinical trials, gallbladder disease (cholelithiasis) occurred in 1.6% of adults taking Wegovy compared to 0.7% of those taking placebo. In adolescents, the rates were higher – 3.8% developed gallstones and 0.8% experienced gallbladder inflammation compared to 0% in placebo groups.
Pancreatitis and DVT
Additional severe side effects reported in Wegovy users include pancreatitis, with the 2023 JAMA study showing an increased risk of pancreatitis compared to other weight loss medications. Other reported complications include blood clots and deep vein thrombosis, kidney problems, thyroid tumors, severe malnutrition, and esophageal injuries.
Wegovy Lawsuit Update 2025 - Recent Developments
GLP-1 claims (including those alleging harm after taking Wegovy) are pending in federal multidistrict litigation in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (MDL 3094 In Re: Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Products Liability Litigation). The litigation continues to grow as more patients come forward with serious side effects that they believe were inadequately disclosed by Novo Nordisk.
October 6, 2025: The GLP-1 MDL added a couple hundred cases last month, bringing the total up to 2,809 total cases.
September 26, 2025: The Wegovy litigation has grown substantially, with over 2,676 cases now consolidated in federal multidistrict litigation (MDL 3094) in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania under Judge Karen S. Marston. This litigation, which includes cases involving Wegovy, Ozempic, and other GLP-1 medications, is now one of the largest ongoing MDLs in the nation.
July 22, 2025: As of this month, 1,997 lawsuits are pending in the federal GLP-1 MDL against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.
June 9, 2025: The GLP-1 MDL has reached 1,882 pending cases. The European Medicines Agency officially confirms NAION as a very rare side effect of semaglutide medications.
May 24, 2025: The MDL case count is now over 1,800 claims. In other news, drug maker Novo Nordisk has filed an application with the FDA for the approval of a pill version of Wegovy.
April 19, 2025: An important hearing affecting Wegovy lawsuits is scheduled for next month. The hearing will discuss expert testimony on the diagnosis of gastroparesis, a central issue in federally filed lawsuits.
April 3, 2025: Pending cases in the GLP-1 litigation have reached 1,685.
March 18, 2025: Wegovy attorneys say over 1,520 lawsuits are pending in the GLP-1 MDL.
February 19, 2025: New research links semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, to increased risks of multiple health conditions. Researchers publish a study linking semaglutide medications to vision loss (NAION).
January 2025: The federal MDL is expanding to include Mounjaro and other GLP-1 drugs.
Is There a Wegovy Class Action Lawsuit?
It's important to understand that there is currently no Wegovy class action lawsuit filed against Novo Nordisk. Instead, these cases are being pursued as mass tort litigation through the MDL process. Many people confuse class actions with mass torts, but there are significant differences.
In a class action, one or more individuals file one lawsuit for a larger group of people, or "class.” A class action can result in verdicts or settlement awards that people included in the class can file to receive their share of. In an MDL, individual cases for similar claims are consolidated under a single judge, which can ease the burden on the court system, and lawsuits in an MDL are tried individually rather than as a class action.
The mass tort approach is particularly beneficial for Wegovy cases because each patient's experience with the drug and claims for damages can vary significantly. Some patients may develop gastroparesis requiring feeding tubes, while others might experience vision loss or gallbladder complications. This individualized approach ensures that those harmed can receive the necessary compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Have There Been Wegovy Settlement Payouts?
As of June 2025, no Wegovy settlements have been reached in the ongoing litigation against Novo Nordisk. The GLP-1 multidistrict litigation, which includes Wegovy cases, remains in the early stages. The litigation is currently focused on discovery and preliminary legal proceedings rather than settlement negotiations, but that could change.
Mass tort cases involving prescription medications often take several years to progress through the legal system before meaningful settlement discussions begin. The GLP-1 MDL, established in 2024, is still working through fundamental procedural issues, including expert testimony standards and case selection processes.
Our attorneys believe Wegovy settlement negotiations are more likely to occur around the bellwether trials, which serve as "test cases" that provide meaningful information and data to allow parties to make intelligent decisions about the future course of litigation. These representative cases help both sides assess the strength of claims and potential damage awards, which often lead to settlement negotiations.
In the GLP-1 MDL, important procedural milestones are still being established. Critical hearings regarding gastroparesis diagnosis methods and other "cross-cutting" issues are ongoing, which will impact how these cases proceed. The outcome of such hearings and the completion of the discovery phase typically precede the selection and scheduling of bellwether trials.
Based on typical MDL timelines, bellwether trials in the Wegovy litigation are estimated to begin sometime in late 2026 or early 2027, assuming the litigation progresses through standard procedural phases. Could settlement talks begin before this? It is certainly possible, but most pharmaceutical MDLs take a few years before settlements come into play.
Factors That Could Influence Wegovy Settlements
Several factors could affect when Wegovy settlements occur. The resolution of key legal challenges, including motions to dismiss and expert testimony admissibility, will impact the litigation timeline. If the plaintiffs prevail and clear both of these legal hurdles—and legal analysts see this as a likely outcome—it increases the likelihood of settlements.
Additionally, the number of new cases joining the MDL continues to grow monthly, which could influence both settlement timing and potential compensation amounts.
The strength of bellwether trial outcomes historically plays a significant role in pharmaceutical settlement negotiations. For example, favorable verdicts for plaintiffs can prompt manufacturers to engage in global settlement discussions to efficiently resolve remaining claims. Conversely, defense victories in early trials may embolden manufacturers to continue litigating rather than settle.
Bottom Line: If you believe you have a valid Wegovy claim, do not wait for settlement announcements. Statutes of limitations (the deadline to file a Wegovy lawsuit) restrict how long you have to file, and early case evaluation allows attorneys to preserve crucial evidence and build the strongest possible legal foundation for your claim. We recommend those with viable claims to start the process early, just to be on the safe side.
Why Are There Lawsuits Against Wegovy?
Wegovy lawsuits make several legal claims against manufacturer Novo Nordisk, including failure to warn, negligent misrepresentation, design defect claims, and negligent marketing.
Failure to Warn
Plaintiffs allege that Novo Nordisk knew or should have known about the serious risks associated with Wegovy but failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers. The lawsuits claim that the drug's labeling did not sufficiently communicate the severity and likelihood of serious complications like gastroparesis.
Negligent Misrepresentation and Marketing
Lawsuits allege that Novo Nordisk misrepresented the safety profile of Wegovy in its marketing materials and communications with healthcare providers, downplaying serious risks while emphasizing benefits. Plaintiffs specifically assert that Novo Nordisk misrepresented the severity of potential side effects and engaged in harmful marketing practices.
Design Defect and Strict Liability
Some lawsuits argue that Wegovy has inherent design defects that make it unreasonably dangerous for consumers, particularly given the severity of gastrointestinal complications. Plaintiffs allege 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.
Who Qualifies for a Wegovy Lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file a Wegovy lawsuit if you:
- Took Wegovy as directed;
- Developed serious side effects after taking the medication;
- Required medical treatment or hospitalization;
- Suffered damages, including medical bills and lost wages;
- Did not experience the serious side effects alleged before taking Wegovy.
Specific qualifying conditions include gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), intestinal or bowel obstruction, and other serious gastrointestinal complications. The statute of limitations for filing a Wegovy lawsuit varies by state, so it's crucial to consult with an experienced semaglutide lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wegovy Lawsuits
How much compensation can I receive from a Wegovy lawsuit?
Settlement amounts in Wegovy lawsuits can vary significantly based on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and impact on quality of life. While it is too soon to speculate on specific amounts, attorneys believe successful claims could lead to significant compensation for plaintiffs.
How long will my Wegovy lawsuit take?
The timeline for resolving Wegovy lawsuits depends on various factors, including the strength of your case, the severity of your injuries, and the progress of the overall MDL. Pharmaceutical mass torts typically take 2-5 years to resolve, though there are exceptions.
What medical records do I need for my Wegovy lawsuit?
Important documentation includes:
- Prescription history
- Medical records showing your diagnosis and treatment
- Bills for hospital stays, imaging studies, and any other documentation of your condition before and after taking Wegovy
Attorneys recommend keeping detailed records of all treatments, hospital visits, and diagnoses related to Wegovy use.
Can I file a Wegovy lawsuit if I'm still taking the medication?
Yes, you may still be eligible to file a lawsuit even if you're currently taking Wegovy. Consult with both your healthcare provider and a Wegovy lawyer about the best course of action for your health and legal case.
How much does it cost to hire a Wegovy lawyer?
Nothing up front. Wegovy attorneys handle these lawsuits on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless compensation is obtained on your behalf.
Can family members file a Wegovy lawsuit?
Yes. In cases where a patient has died from complications related to Wegovy, family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Additionally, family members who have been affected by caring for a severely injured patient may have legal claims for loss of consortium or other damages.
Free Case Evaluation
If you or someone in your family suffered serious side effects from Wegovy, you have rights, but time is of the essence. Statutes of limitations restrict how long you have to file a Wegovy lawsuit, and early action allows attorneys to preserve important evidence and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Contact Wisner Baum today for a free and fast case evaluation.
