Our attorneys are investigating lawsuits for people who developed serious gastrointestinal injuries after taking GLP-1 weight loss medications including Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Trulicity, Rybelsus, and Saxenda. The GLP-1 injury cases focus on gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) and ileus/intestinal obstruction (intestinal blockages), and related severe complications.
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are medications initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes that have gained widespread use for weight loss.
These drugs mimic the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which is released from the intestines after meals to lower blood glucose levels and slow gastric emptying.
The medications involved in current litigation include drugs from manufacturers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.
Novo Nordisk medications include:
- Ozempic (approved 2017 for diabetes)
- Wegovy (approved 2021 for weight loss)
- Rybelsus (oral form, semaglutide)
- Saxenda (liraglutide)
Eli Lilly medications include:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide, approved 2022)
- Trulicity (dulaglutide)
Because natural GLP-1 breaks down quickly in the body, these medications were engineered to last longer in the bloodstream, making them effective as once-weekly injections. The global market for these medications has grown substantially, reaching over $64 billion in 2025.
While clinical trials demonstrated significant weight reduction benefits, researchers continue to study these medications’ long-term health effects.
Serious Gastrointestinal Injuries
These GLP-1 medications have been linked to severe gastrointestinal complications that can result in hospitalization and long-term health problems. The two primary qualifying injuries for legal claims are:
- Gastroparesis (Stomach Paralysis). Gastroparesis is a medical condition where the stomach does not properly empty, causing food to remain in the stomach longer than normal. This can lead to severe complications including persistent vomiting, nausea, dehydration, malnutrition, and in some cases, medical procedures to suction stomach contents.
- Ileus and intestinal obstructions. Also known as intestinal blockages, these occur when the normal movement of food through the digestive system is blocked. This serious condition often requires emergency medical intervention and hospitalization.
These severe injuries are documented in the FDA’s adverse event reports and medical studies. News outlets have also reported a rise in emergency room visits linked to GLP-1 stomach complications.
Medical organizations have issued safety guidance. For example, the American Society of Anesthesiologists advises patients to stop GLP-1 medications at least a week before elective surgery. This follows reports of patients regurgitating or vomiting under anesthesia, which can cause pneumonia and other complications.
Current Litigation Status
As of August 2025, more than 1,940 federal lawsuits have been consolidated into a single court proceeding in Pennsylvania. This consolidation, known as a multi-district litigation, allows similar cases to be handled together more efficiently. The case In re: Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) Products Liability Litigation, MDL 3094, is proceeding in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania before Judge Karen Marston.
Legal experts expect the number of cases to grow significantly, with over 8,500 additional cases currently under investigation.
While other injuries have been reported, including certain vision problems (e.g. nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy / NAION), the current litigation focuses specifically on serious gastrointestinal complications.
These lawsuits claim that the drug manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings about serious side effects and did not properly inform patients and doctors about the risks of these complications.
Defendants include Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk USA, and Eli Lilly and Company. In December 2024, the JPML also included claims involving Novo Nordisk’s Saxenda.
Recent Court Developments
In May 2025, the court held hearings to address important legal questions that will affect how these cases proceed.
In August 2025, the court issued an important ruling about how gastroparesis must be diagnosed for these lawsuits. The court determined that for the strongest legal claims involving gastroparesis, patients should have undergone a specific medical test called a gastric emptying study when they were originally diagnosed.
This ruling helps clarify what types of medical evidence will be most important in these cases. However, every situation is unique, and the court’s decision does not mean that people without this specific test cannot pursue a claim. Our legal team can review your medical records and circumstances to determine the best path forward for your individual case.
Legal Eligibility Requirements
If you experienced severe gastrointestinal side effects after being prescribed one of these medications for weight loss and were diagnosed with gastroparesis, ileus, or intestinal blockages, you may be eligible to bring a claim in these lawsuits.
Recent court decisions have emphasized the importance of proper medical testing for gastroparesis cases. However, each situation is unique, and we encourage you to contact us regardless of which specific tests you may have undergone. Our legal team can review your individual circumstances and medical records to determine the best approach for your case.
Contact us for a free case and medical record review.
We handle all cases on a contingent fee basis, meaning there are no fees unless we obtain compensation for you.
Start a Free Case ReviewImportant: Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medications.