How These Drugs Can Cause Injury
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus slow down the rate at which the stomach empties, which is why users often feel full longer and consume fewer calories. However, this delay can also lead to gastroparesis—a condition where the stomach becomes paralyzed and unable to move food efficiently to the small intestine.
Additionally, the slow digestion process can result in bowel obstruction, a dangerous and potentially life-threatening condition. These effects may not be immediately evident, and symptoms can develop gradually over time.
Common Symptoms of Drug-Induced Gastroparesis:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating and stomach pain
- Feeling full after only a few bites
- Constipation or bowel obstruction
- Unexplained weight loss
Once diagnosed, there is currently no cure for gastroparesis, and patients often struggle with long-term dietary restrictions, hospitalizations, and ongoing medical care.
Eligibility for Filing a Claim
If you’ve been diagnosed with stomach paralysis or bowel obstruction and were taking one of these GLP-1 drugs, you may qualify to file a legal claim. Eligibility criteria include:
- You were not diagnosed with gastroparesis or bowel obstruction before using Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus
- You were diagnosed after starting the medication
- You required hospitalization or emergency room treatment for your symptoms
- You are 75 years old or younger
You’ll also need medical records and proof of prescription use to support your claim. Our legal team will help guide you through the process and ensure all documentation is gathered and reviewed thoroughly.
What Recent Studies Show
A University of British Columbia study found that patients taking GLP-1 drugs were:
- 3.67 times more likely to develop gastroparesis
- 4.22 times more likely to develop bowel obstruction
This is the first large-scale epidemiological study directly linking semaglutide-containing drugs to these severe conditions. While nausea is a well-known side effect of these drugs, studies show that up to 20% of users experience this symptom, and a significant number discontinue treatment due to digestive complications.
Legal Action and Settlements
In 2023, the first lawsuit was filed by a woman in Louisiana who developed gastroparesis after using Ozempic. The complaint alleges that Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, failed to warn users about the potential for irreversible gastrointestinal injuries.
As awareness grows, hundreds of additional legal claims are being investigated across the country. Plaintiffs allege failure to warn, product liability, and negligence—claims that may ultimately result in settlements or a larger class action.
