Millions of Americans have jumped onto the weight loss drug semaglutide (a GLP-1 agonist) bandwagon, and Ozempic is the drug of choice for most users. According to CNN, about 1 out of 8 adults in the US have used Ozempic, Mounjaro, or a similar GLP-1 agonist at some point. Half of that group, consisting of roughly 15 million people, is currently on a GLP-1 agonist prescription.
Even if you aren’t sure exactly what Ozempic is or how it works, you’ve probably heard of it. You likely know at least a few friends or family members who are currently taking Ozempic, even if they haven’t shared this health decision with you.
Many have dubbed Ozempic and similar GLP-1s as the next great revolution in weight loss drugs. However, a recent string of lawsuits has revealed the possible hidden dangers of these medications.
This blog explores the diabetes drug Ozempic and the Ozempic lawsuit filed in a Pennsylvania federal court. You’ll also learn about other Ozempic litigation and what these claims could mean for you. While we do cover the lawsuit extensively, always seek medical advice from your doctor and not the internet.
What Is Ozempic and How Does It Work?
Ozempic was initially approved by the FDA in 2017 for use as a diabetic medication. It functions by mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which regulates blood sugar levels and affects appetite. It binds to the GLP-1 receptor better than GLP-1, a hormone that stimulates insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon secretion.
GLP-1 also slows digestion and reduces appetite, which can contribute to weight loss. It’s especially effective in this area for individuals who struggle to regulate their caloric intake.
While Ozempic’s ability to manage both diabetes and weight loss is widely recognized, its mechanism of action raises crucial questions about the long-term effects of altering natural metabolic processes. These concerns have become a focal point of lawsuits currently being filed against Novo Nordisk, the company that patented Ozempic.
From Diabetes Drug to Weight-Loss Sensation
Ozempic was initially developed by Novo Nordisk and it was designed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. As a part of a group of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, Ozempic helps increase insulin production, inhibit glucagon secretion, and reduce glucose production in the liver (along with various other downstream effects).
It wasn’t long, however, before researchers and users began noticing that the drug also led to significant weight loss. Ozempic and similar drugs yield an average weight loss of 15 to 20%. About one-third of users lose around 10% of their initial body weight.
The discovery of Ozempic’s weight loss benefits led to a surge in off-label use of the drug for weight management. Off-label use refers to the prescription and use of pharmaceutical drugs for a purpose other than what the FDA approved it to treat.
Ozempic was originally approved as a diabetes treatment but has since become one of the most popular weight loss medications in the nation. This trend was soon supported by clinical trials and a wave of success stories. Novo Nordisk responded by developing a similar drug, Wegovy, which was approved in 2021 for chronic weight management.
About half of the users who started an Ozempic regimen for weight loss continued filling their prescriptions for one year. Roughly one out of four users kept filling their prescriptions for two years or more. This uptick in demand for Ozempic and Wegovy has led to supply shortages and an exponential rise in Novo Nordisk’s profits.
Novo Nordisk’s Success Story
Novo Nordisk used clever branding and opportunistic marketing to capitalize on the off-label use of Ozempic. More importantly, the company created Wegovy to meet the demand for chronic weight management drugs, which helped Novo Nordisk reach even more potential customers.
US providers wrote more than nine million prescriptions for Wegovy, Ozempic, and similar obesity drugs in the last three months of 2022 alone. Novo Nordisk rode the semaglutide wave to become a $400 billion company.
The Ozempic Lawsuits: What’s Happening
In recent months, a wave of lawsuits has emerged against Novo Nordisk. The plaintiffs decided to file an Ozempic lawsuit, claiming that they discovered that the drug had potentially severe side effects that they weren’t warned about. Some of these claimed side effects could be life-threatening.
One of the central claims is that the company didn’t adequately warn consumers about the possible negative consequences associated with off-label use of the drug. These lawsuits argue that Ozempic poses risks when used by individuals without diabetes.
Ozempic attorneys filed the claims in several jurisdictions, but the suits were ultimately consolidated by the US Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. It issued the order in February 2024 and centralized the claims in the United States District Court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. At the time, 13 lawsuits and 55 total cases were filed.
Some of the most common allegations in these lawsuits include:
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Some users have reported nausea, vomiting, and other GI problems, which have led to hospitalization in a few cases
- Gallbladder Problems: Several plaintiffs claim to have experienced gallbladder issues that required surgery
- Pancreatitis: There have been concerns about the drug’s potential to cause dangerous inflammation of the pancreas
Early animal studies also indicated that the drug may increase the risk of thyroid cancer. Plaintiffs allege that they were not adequately informed of these risks and potential consequences of off-label use.
The lawsuits also draw attention to Novo Nordisk’s marketing practices, particularly how the drug has been promoted for weight loss without adequate discussion of the risks. Plaintiffs argue that the company should have done more to educate consumers and providers about the potential dangers of using Ozempic for weight management.
Are Class Action Lawsuits Common?
Class action lawsuits have become increasingly common in the US. Every year, at least a few major businesses are involved in allegations of wrongdoing, and many of these claims lead to class action lawsuits. The who’s who of international organizations have been targeted by class action lawsuits in the last few years, including:
If a group of people are making similar allegations against the same defendant and collectively sue them, the case can become a class action. The defendant in a class action suit is usually a large organization.
One or more representatives file on behalf of the entire group, known as the “class.” These cases usually involve issues like defective products, false advertising, or widespread harm.
Class action lawsuits streamline the legal process and make it easier for individuals with small claims to seek justice. If successful, any settlement or judgment is typically shared among all members of the class — after attorneys receive their percentage, of course.
The Ozempic class action lawsuit and associated Ozempic litigation are unique in that some individuals suffered serious harm and may be entitled to significant compensation. Most class action litigation involves hundreds or even thousands of small claims, with members receiving a few hundred dollars each (or less).
Some members of the Ozempic litigation may receive tens of thousands in compensation if the courts rule that their claims are true. That’s why the case was classified as multidistrict litigation instead of a standard class action. Here’s a look at what that means.
Class Action vs. MDLs
Multidistrict litigation allows the court to streamline the discovery process and judicial rulings. However, each claim will be resolved individually.
For instance, if a person files an Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuit and suffers severe gastrointestinal issues, they will be able to seek compensation based on the merits of their case. Their Ozempic lawyer will pursue a settlement or jury verdict for that specific incident.
The Ozempic lawyers will be representing their individual clients, but they’ll be able to share information gleaned from discovery processes and can even make joint motions to speed up the judicial process. In this way, MDLs bring some of the efficiency perks of class action lawsuits without preventing plaintiffs from seeking individual compensation.
Other Major Lawsuits You Need to Know About
Here’s a look at a few other major lawsuits that can shed light on potential outcomes and repercussions for Novo Nordisk.
JUUL
The e-cigarette brand JUUL reached a $300 million settlement and was banned from selling products. While that ban has been lifted, JUUL’s reputation has yet to fully recover. E-cigarettes and vaping remain popular, but the company severely lowered public trust with its misleading advertising campaigns and supposed targeting of minors.
During the JUUL ban, some of the company’s competitors had a chance to expand their respective market shares and overtake the former industry leader. The JUUL case is a prime example of the laying repercussions of a successful class action claim.
Costco
Do you shop at Costco? Hopefully, you don’t buy Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes. Plaintiffs accused Costco’s in-house brand of baby wipes of containing dangerous levels of forever chemicals. The suit is in its early stages, but if the claims prove to be true, Costco could be facing millions in losses.
The Costco baby wipes lawsuit is a stark reminder that paying more for a product doesn’t guarantee that it’s safe or even higher in quality. Do your due diligence and be careful about taking advertisers at their word.
If you have purchased Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes, you might want to keep an eye on this lawsuit. If plaintiffs reach a settlement, you may be eligible to receive compensation.
Poppi
Poppi, the popular prebiotic soda brand, is embroiled in a class action lawsuit that questions its gut health claims. The plaintiffs allege that Poppi does not include enough probiotics to yield any real benefits unless you plan on drinking a whole lot of soda. They also allege that the advertisements are intentionally misleading.
The Poppi suit is in the very early stages, and it’s unclear how far the case will progress. If Poppi fails to have the case dismissed, the company may attempt to settle with plaintiffs to avoid a drawn-out and expensive legal battle. If you are a fan of the probiotic soda brand, you might want to keep a close eye on this lawsuit.
Chick-fil-A
Fast food giant Chick-fil-A reached a $4.4 million settlement for overcharging for delivery services in five states between November 2019 and April 2021. The company claimed to charge just $2.99 or $3.99 (depending on the market) for delivery services, but it also inflated menu prices by up to 30% for orders placed via its website or app.
Chick-fil-A maintained its innocence throughout the suit, but it ultimately settled for $4.4 million. Eligible consumers who resided in New Jersey, California, Georgia, New York, and Florida could request a cash or gift card award as their compensation. They were eligible to receive up to $29.25.
What the Ozempic Lawsuit Means for You
If you’ve never used Ozempic, you may still be eligible to seek compensation from other class action lawsuits and receive unclaimed money. It’s important to periodically research ongoing and recently settled class action claims so you can do your part to hold big businesses accountable and access the funds you are entitled to.