Philadelphia, August 2025—Lawsuits against Novo Nordisk are rising fast. Patients across the United States say Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus caused serious health problems. Federal court records confirm more than 2,190 cases in the multidistrict litigation (MDL) in Pennsylvania.
Lawyers expect the number to increase further in the coming months. New suits appear every week as patients step forward. National firms report steady calls from people who suffered complications. Judges handling the MDL now face one of the busiest drug dockets in the country.
The sharp growth shows how quickly the debate around these drugs has shifted. They gained fame as breakthrough weight loss treatments. They now face mounting scrutiny in court. Patients who once saw hope in semaglutide medicines now describe life-changing side effects.
Analysts believe the MDL could become one of the largest of its kind in U.S. history. Comparisons are already being made to opioid and medical device litigations of past years.
Rapid Growth in Cases
Plaintiffs accuse Novo Nordisk of hiding known risks. Judges combined lawsuits into MDL 3094 to streamline the process. This structure allows one court to control evidence, motions, and hearings. It also avoids conflicting rulings from different states.
Case numbers highlight the scale of the litigation. Roughly 1,300 suits were pending in January 2025. That total grew to about 1,800 in May. It then crossed 2,190 in August. Nearly 200 new cases were added in July alone.
Lawyers describe the pace as unprecedented. Many expect thousands more filings before the end of the year. Mass tort experts now place the GLP-1 MDL among the fastest-growing in the nation. Some predict it could rival the size of major drug litigations of the past decade.
The surge reflects rising awareness of potential side effects. Patients report severe complications, and more doctors are linking health problems to semaglutide drugs. National law firms continue to advertise heavily for new clients, and public interest grows each month.
Court officials confirm that the litigation shows no sign of slowing. Attorneys on both sides prepare for a long battle that could last years.
Reported Side Effects
Patients describe a wide range of health problems. These include:
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Gastroparesis, also known as stomach paralysis
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Vision loss, including NAION
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Blood clots such as DVT and pulmonary embolism
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Pancreatitis and gallbladder injuries
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Kidney damage
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Hair loss and muscle loss
Gastroparesis remains the central issue. Doctors warn that it is permanent and has no cure. The stomach muscles weaken until food no longer moves properly. Victims report vomiting, nausea, dehydration, and severe malnutrition.
Scientific Findings
Medical research now provides strong support for patient claims. The European Medicines Agency released data that showed a two-fold increase in the risk of NAION, a rare eye stroke that can cause sudden blindness. This warning raised global concerns because the condition often leads to permanent vision loss.
A review in the United States reported more than 24,000 emergency room visits tied to semaglutide drugs in recent years. Almost 70 percent were tied to gastrointestinal problems. Doctors reported nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and stomach paralysis. Many patients needed immediate care in hospitals.
Other studies uncovered additional risks. Researchers linked semaglutide to hair loss in both men and female. Scientists also pointed to weaker bone density and a higher chance of fractures. Kidney damage was another concern, with several reports of severe renal impairment after drug use.
Federal regulators intervened. The FDA issued label changes in 2024 and 2025. The updates added warnings about pancreatitis, kidney failure, and pulmonary aspiration under anesthesia. The updates validated concerns that patients had raised for years.
Novo Nordisk disputes many of the claims. The company argues that diabetes itself often causes gastroparesis and other digestive issues. It also states that its labels were cleared by the FDA, which proves compliance with safety standards. Attorneys for patients counter that the warnings remain too weak and came far too late.
Experts say future research will play a major role in the litigation. Courts will review studies closely to decide whether the risks were predictable and whether Novo Nordisk acted responsibly.
Courtroom Developments
Lawyers for plaintiffs argue that Novo Nordisk misled patients and doctors. They point to inadequate warnings and aggressive marketing. Judges have ordered detailed fact sheets from all plaintiffs. They also scheduled a Science Day to explain medical evidence.
Bellwether trials may follow. These early test cases will help predict jury reactions. Outcomes will influence settlement talks. Analysts believe payouts could reach hundreds of thousands of dollars per case. Overall liability may reach billions.
Wider Impact
Ozempic remains in high demand despite ongoing lawsuits. Doctors prescribe it for both diabetes and weight loss. Patients continue to use it, but calls for stronger warnings are growing. Regulators in the U.S. and Europe are under pressure to monitor new risks.
The results of the MDL will carry weight beyond one company. The outcome may reshape the entire GLP-1 drug market.
