Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are prescription medications commonly used to treat Type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, for weight management. These drugs are based on the active ingredients semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), which act on GLP-1 receptors to regulate blood sugar and slow digestion.
In recent years, lawsuits have been filed nationwide alleging that these medications may be linked to serious gastrointestinal injuries and vision loss, including gastroparesis, bowel obstruction, and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Many claims allege that manufacturers failed to adequately warn patients and prescribing physicians about these severe risks.
GLP-1 medications work in part by slowing the movement of food through the digestive tract, causing users to feel full longer. While this effect may support blood sugar control and weight loss, medical literature and adverse event reports have raised concerns that, in some patients, this mechanism may lead to dangerous gastrointestinal complications.
Gastroparesis occurs when the stomach empties abnormally slowly or stops functioning properly. Studies have reported impaired gastric emptying associated with GLP-1 drugs as early as 2016. Patients with gastroparesis may experience persistent nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, severe weight loss, and dehydration, often requiring hospitalization.
Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have also been associated with bowel obstruction, sometimes referred to as ileus or intestinal blockage. This condition occurs when food or waste cannot properly pass through the intestines and may result in severe pain, vomiting, bezoar formation, and, in some cases, emergency surgery.
In May 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration acknowledged receiving adverse event reports related to serious gastrointestinal injuries linked to GLP-1 medications. By September 2023, the FDA required manufacturers to update product labeling to include warnings regarding ileus and related intestinal conditions. Despite these updates, many patients report developing severe symptoms before receiving adequate warnings.
In addition to gastrointestinal injuries, lawsuits are also being filed by patients who suffered sudden vision loss after using Ozempic or similar GLP-1 medications.
Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a serious eye condition caused by reduced or blocked blood flow to the optic nerve. It often results in abrupt, painless, and typically permanent vision loss in one eye, though both eyes may be affected over time. Recent medical research has examined a possible association between semaglutide-based medications and NAION, sometimes referred to in media reports as “Ozempic blindness.”
Sudden, painless loss of vision, often noticed upon waking
Visual field defects, commonly loss of vision in the upper or lower half of the visual field
Blurred, dim, or darkened vision
Loss of color perception
Abnormal pupillary response (relative afferent pupillary defect)
At present, there is no proven medical or surgical treatment to restore vision lost to NAION. Care typically focuses on preventing further damage and protecting the unaffected eye.
If you have experienced any of the above conditions, resulting in any symptoms or hospitalization, please don’t hesitate to contact our firm today by completing this form for a free consultation.
In May 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a cautionary statement, acknowledging the “adverse event reports” after taking these drugs. Little action was taken in response by pharmaceutical companies, doctors and users.
Since then, the FDA received thousands of reports of gastrointestinal issues, over thirty reports of ileus and at least two reports of death as a result of taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro.1 In September 2023, the FDA mandated the three manufacturers to include warnings about the above side effects in their official labeling.
It’s essential to acknowledge that there may be other potential side effects associated with these drugs, and while manufacturers do provide warnings for certain risks, such as pancreatitis, the recent identification of gastroparesis and bowel obstruction highlights the apparent dangers already associated with Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro.
On December 15, 2025, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation approved the consolidation of federal lawsuits alleging vision loss from GLP-1 medications into a single MDL:
In re: Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Products Liability Litigation (MDL No. 3163).
Plaintiffs allege that manufacturers knew or should have known about the risk of NAION and failed to provide adequate warnings to patients and healthcare providers. The MDL allows coordinated discovery into clinical trials, post-marketing data, labeling decisions, and expert opinions regarding causation.
Not every side effect from Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro results in a valid legal claim. Qualifying cases are typically evaluated based on medical evidence, timing, and the severity of the injury. During a free consultation, our attorneys review whether factors such as the following are present:
Use of Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or another GLP-1 medication prescribed by a licensed physician
A diagnosis of a serious gastrointestinal injury, such as gastroparesis or bowel obstruction, or vision loss associated with NAION
Onset of symptoms during use of the medication or shortly after discontinuation
Medical records confirming diagnosis, treatment, or hospitalization
Lasting health effects, ongoing medical care, or permanent impairment
A claim that can be filed within the applicable statute of limitations
Each case is unique. Even if you have pre-existing medical conditions or were prescribed the medication for weight loss rather than diabetes, you may still have legal options. Our firm evaluates every claim individually and confidentially.
While no lawsuit can undo the harm caused by permanent injury, legal action may help victims and their families recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and long-term care needs. Our New York attorneys are experienced in complex pharmaceutical and medical injury litigation and are committed to thoroughly investigating these claims and holding manufacturers accountable.
David B. Rheingold is a nationally recognized trial attorney and managing partner with decades of experience litigating complex pharmaceutical and medical product liability cases. He has played a leading role in high-profile mass tort litigation involving dangerous drugs and defective medical products, working closely with medical and scientific experts to evaluate causation and long-term injury. Known for his hands-on approach, David personally oversees complex cases and guides clients through the legal process with clarity, compassion, and a relentless focus on accountability.
Our attorneys serve victims of Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro. Call (212) 684-1880 to learn more during a free and confidential consultation.
