The GLP-1 receptor agonist litigation — commonly referred to as the “Ozempic lawsuit” — covers far more than a single drug. Multiple GLP-1 medications manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, and other pharmaceutical companies are included in the federal multidistrict litigation (MDL 3094), and a range of serious injuries may qualify for legal claims. If you took any GLP-1 drug and experienced severe side effects, understanding which medications and injuries are covered is the essential first step.
GLP-1 Drugs Included in the Litigation
The following GLP-1 receptor agonists are currently included in or related to the MDL:
Ozempic (Semaglutide Injection)
Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Ozempic is prescribed for type 2 diabetes management. It is the most widely recognized drug in the litigation and the one that brought national attention to the risks of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Ozempic is administered as a weekly injection.
Wegovy (Semaglutide Injection)
Also manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Wegovy contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic — semaglutide — but is specifically approved for chronic weight management. Because it uses the same compound, Wegovy carries the same risk profile for gastrointestinal and other injuries.
Rybelsus (Oral Semaglutide)
Rybelsus is Novo Nordisk’s oral formulation of semaglutide, prescribed for type 2 diabetes. While the delivery mechanism differs from Ozempic and Wegovy, the active ingredient and its mechanism of action are identical, meaning the same injury risks apply.
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
Manufactured by Eli Lilly, Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist prescribed for type 2 diabetes and weight management. Mounjaro works through a related but distinct mechanism that also slows gastric emptying, and it has been associated with similar gastrointestinal injuries.
Trulicity (Dulaglutide)
Also manufactured by Eli Lilly, Trulicity is a once-weekly GLP-1 injection prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Trulicity has been on the market since 2014 and has its own history of gastrointestinal adverse event reports to the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).
Saxenda (Liraglutide)
Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Saxenda is a daily GLP-1 injection approved for weight management. It is an older GLP-1 drug that preceded the semaglutide-based medications and has been linked to similar gastrointestinal injury claims.
What Injuries Qualify?
Not every side effect gives rise to a legal claim. The litigation focuses on serious, documented injuries that required medical treatment. The qualifying injuries currently include:
- Gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) — the most common qualifying injury, particularly when confirmed by a gastric emptying study. Gastroparesis involves the stomach losing its ability to move food through the digestive system at a normal rate.
- Bowel obstruction — a medical emergency in which the intestines become blocked, potentially requiring surgery. Learn more about Ozempic and bowel obstruction.
- Gallbladder disease — including gallstones, cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation), and cholecystectomy (surgical removal of the gallbladder). See our guide on Ozempic gallbladder disease.
- Severe pancreatitis — inflammation of the pancreas that can lead to hospitalization, organ damage, and long-term digestive problems.
- Cyclic vomiting syndrome — severe, recurrent episodes of vomiting requiring medical intervention.
- Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) — an emerging claim involving sudden vision loss linked to GLP-1 drugs. Read about Ozempic and NAION.
How the MDL Works
The GLP-1 litigation is consolidated in a multidistrict litigation (MDL), which is a federal procedure for handling large numbers of similar lawsuits efficiently. Here is how the process works:
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Consolidation. The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) consolidates cases from federal courts nationwide into a single court for pretrial proceedings. MDL 3094 is housed in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
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Discovery and pretrial motions. All cases share common discovery — the process of exchanging evidence between plaintiffs and defendants. This includes depositions of company executives, production of internal documents, and expert witness disclosures.
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Bellwether trials. The court selects a small number of representative cases to go to trial first. These “bellwether” trials test the strength of both sides’ arguments and often set the stage for broader settlement negotiations.
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Settlement or individual trials. After bellwether results, defendants often propose global settlement programs. If no settlement is reached, individual cases proceed to trial in their home jurisdictions.
The MDL process is different from a class action. In a class action, one judgment applies to everyone. In an MDL, each plaintiff retains their individual case — your injuries, your medical history, and your damages are evaluated on their own merits. This means your compensation is based on the severity of your specific situation, not an average across all claimants.
For a plain-English overview of this process, see our guide on how mass tort lawsuits work.
What You Need to File
If you believe you qualify, you will generally need:
- Prescription records showing you were prescribed and took a GLP-1 medication
- Medical records documenting your diagnosis (gastric emptying study results, surgical records, hospital admissions, etc.)
- Timeline documentation connecting your drug use to the onset of your injury
- Records of impact — lost wages, medical bills, and documentation of how the injury affected your daily life
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have taken Ozempic specifically to file a claim?
No. The litigation covers multiple GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy, Mounjaro, Trulicity, Saxenda, and Rybelsus. If you took any of these medications and developed a qualifying injury, you may be eligible.
What if I took a GLP-1 drug for weight loss, not diabetes?
Your reason for taking the medication does not affect your eligibility. Whether you were prescribed a GLP-1 drug for type 2 diabetes or for weight management, the same injury risks apply, and you have the same legal rights.
How long does the MDL process take?
MDLs typically take several years from consolidation to resolution. Bellwether trials in MDL 3094 are being scheduled, and the timeline will depend on the outcomes of those initial cases. Filing early ensures your claim is preserved and positioned as the litigation progresses.
Is there a cost to file?
Mass tort attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and no fees unless your case results in a recovery. Your initial consultation is free.
What if my symptoms have improved?
Even if your condition has improved or resolved, the injuries you suffered — including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and the impact on your quality of life — may still support a viable claim. Past damages are compensable.
Take the Next Step
If you or a loved one took a GLP-1 medication and developed gastroparesis, bowel obstruction, gallbladder disease, or another serious injury, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The litigation is active and cases are being filed now.
If you’ve been affected, request a free case review today.
Advertisement. This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. NuLegal | Ashkaan Hassan, Esq. | CA Bar #283629
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This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. NuLegal | Ashkaan Hassan, Esq. | CA Bar #283629
Disclosure: NuLegal operates as a legal referral service. Qualified cases are referred to specialized trial firms; NuLegal earns a referral fee from the attorney's share of any recovery. Clients never pay out of pocket.