FDA Warnings, ER Visits, and Litigation: The Ozempic Controversy Deepens

At Think American News, we strive to present both facts and thoughtful perspectives on issues shaping the nation. In this opinion piece, contributor Rosemary Bonner examines the rapidly growing legal challenges surrounding Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic. Drawing on her experience as CEO of RB Coaching, she offers a fact-based analysis of the lawsuits, FDA warnings, and potential liabilities now facing the drug manufacturer.

As CEO of RB Coaching, I remain committed to delivering evidence-based insights. This article provides a factual overview of recent legal developments concerning Ozempic—particularly lawsuits over its side effects, such as gastrointestinal injuries and vision loss.

Recent Legal Developments

Lawsuit Growth and MDL Consolidation
Beginning in August 2023, the first lawsuit was filed by plaintiff Jaclyn Bjorklund, alleging she developed stomach paralysis (gastroparesis) and vision loss following Ozempic use. In February 2024, these lawsuits were consolidated into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)—MDL No. 3094—in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Current Case Volume
As of August 2025, over 2,190 cases were pending in the MDL. A more recent update from September 2025 indicates that the number of personal injury suits—pertaining to gastroparesis, ileus, and intestinal blockages or obstructions—has risen to approximately 2,676.
Allegations in Lawsuits
Plaintiffs allege that Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about the risk of serious side effects. These include:

◦ Severe gastrointestinal injuries: gastroparesis, ileus, intestinal blockage, persistent vomiting.
◦ Vision impairment: specifically Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION).
◦ Other alleged complications: gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, blood clots, DVT, pulmonary embolism, and even death.

Liability Estimates
Analysts estimate that cumulative liability for Novo Nordisk could exceed $2 billion, making this one of the largest pharmaceutical legal disputes of its kind.
Legal Process and Next Steps
The litigation remains in the discovery phase, with both plaintiff and defense teams gathering evidence, documents, and expert testimony. Bellwether trials—which serve as test cases to gauge jury response—are anticipated to begin in early 2026, while settlement discussions may follow depending on initial outcomes.
Regulatory Alerts and Emergency Room Data
Though not strictly legal findings, regulatory updates underscore the seriousness of adverse events. The FDA issued label updates in 2024, adding warnings about intestinal blockage (ileus) and emphasizing gastrointestinal risks like gastroparesis. A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine noted nearly 25,000 emergency room visits between 2022–2023 linked to GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic—primarily due to severe GI complications.

In summary, the ongoing MDL (MDL No. 3094) reflects a rapidly growing body of litigation,
with thousands of claims alleging serious side effects from Ozempic and insufficient warnings
from its manufacturer. With projected liabilities potentially exceeding $2 billion, this case is
poised to influence how pharmaceuticals manage risk disclosures. As CEO of RB Coaching, I
prioritize factual integrity and legal awareness for informed decision-making.

As this litigation continues, the implications stretch far beyond one drug. The outcome could influence how pharmaceutical companies handle disclosures, how regulators protect patients, and how Americans weigh the promises and risks of new treatments.