Key Takeaways

1. Wegovy lawsuits allege that Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn patients about serious health risks, including severe gastrointestinal injuries, vision loss, and blood clots.
2. These lawsuits have been consolidated into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL), allowing for coordinated pretrial proceedings while preserving individual claims.
3. Settlement amounts remain uncertain, but similar drug cases suggest potential compensation could be substantial, depending on the specifics of each case.

Introduction

Wegovy is a prescription medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk, approved for chronic weight management. It contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, and is closely related to other drugs like Ozempic. Since its approval, Wegovy has been widely prescribed for weight loss, but it has also become the subject of significant legal scrutiny. Plaintiffs allege that Novo Nordisk failed to provide adequate warnings about the drug’s potential for causing severe side effects, leading to a wave of lawsuits across the United States.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding Wegovy, the nature of the allegations, the structure of the litigation, and what plaintiffs and attorneys should know about the current state of the cases.

Background: Wegovy and Reported Health Risks

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy (semaglutide) is an injectable prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight conditions. It works by mimicking a hormone that targets areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation.

Reported Side Effects and Health Risks

Since its introduction, Wegovy has been associated with a range of side effects. Common adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. However, lawsuits allege that the drug can also cause more severe complications, such as:

• Stomach and bowel injuries (including gastroparesis and intestinal blockages)
• Vision loss
• Blood clots
• Gallbladder, kidney, or eye problems
• Increased risk of thyroid cancer (as noted in the FDA’s boxed warning)

Plaintiffs claim that Novo Nordisk did not sufficiently warn patients and healthcare providers about these risks, leading to preventable injuries.

The Legal Landscape

Nature of the Allegations

Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Novo Nordisk, alleging:

• Failure to warn: Plaintiffs argue that Novo Nordisk did not provide adequate warnings about the risk of severe side effects.
• Negligence: The company is accused of failing to conduct proper safety studies and of downplaying the risks in its marketing materials.
• Defective drug claims: Some lawsuits allege that Wegovy is inherently dangerous due to its side effect profile.

These allegations are detailed by firms such as Sokolove Law and Spiros Law, which represent plaintiffs in these cases.

Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)

Due to the large number of similar lawsuits, Wegovy-related cases have been consolidated into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL). As of April 1, 2025, there were 1,685 lawsuits pending in the nationwide GLP-1 MDL, which includes claims against Wegovy (Oberheiden P.C.). The MDL process centralizes pretrial proceedings in one federal court, streamlining discovery and motions while allowing each plaintiff’s case to be evaluated individually.

The MDL is not a class action. Instead, it allows for coordinated handling of common issues, but each plaintiff retains their own claim and can pursue individual settlements or trials.

Regulatory and Broader Legal Challenges

The legal issues surrounding Wegovy are not limited to personal injury claims. There are also regulatory disputes, such as lawsuits filed by drug compounders against the FDA over the agency’s decision to remove Wegovy and Ozempic from a drug shortage list (Reuters). These cases highlight the complex interplay between pharmaceutical regulation and litigation.

Settlement Amounts and Compensation

What Plaintiffs Might Expect

As of now, there are no publicly disclosed settlement amounts specific to Wegovy lawsuits. However, similar cases involving Ozempic, another Novo Nordisk drug, have resulted in settlements ranging from $400,000 to $700,000 for gallbladder injuries (Oberheiden P.C.). These figures provide a potential benchmark, but actual compensation will depend on the severity of injuries, the strength of evidence, and the outcome of individual cases.

Factors Influencing Settlements

Settlement amounts in pharmaceutical litigation are influenced by several factors:

• Severity of injury: More serious or permanent injuries typically result in higher compensation.
• Medical expenses: Costs of treatment, ongoing care, and lost wages are considered.
• Evidence of negligence: Stronger evidence that the manufacturer failed to warn or acted negligently can increase settlement values.
• Number of plaintiffs: Large numbers of claims can affect the overall settlement structure.

The Role of Legal Representation

Law firms such as Stark & Stark are actively representing plaintiffs in these cases. Legal counsel can help affected individuals navigate the MDL process, gather evidence, and negotiate settlements or pursue trials if necessary.

Ongoing Litigation and Future Developments

Current Status

As of the latest reports, more than five dozen lawsuits have been filed against Novo Nordisk related to Wegovy and similar drugs (USA Today). The number of cases is expected to grow as more patients become aware of potential side effects and legal options.

Potential Outcomes

The MDL process allows for “bellwether” trials, where a few representative cases are tried first. The outcomes of these trials can influence settlement negotiations for the remaining cases. If plaintiffs are successful in early trials, it may encourage Novo Nordisk to settle additional claims.

Implications for Patients and the Pharmaceutical Industry

The Wegovy lawsuits have significant implications for both patients and the pharmaceutical industry. For patients, the litigation may result in compensation for injuries and increased awareness of drug risks. For manufacturers, these cases highlight the importance of transparent risk communication and robust post-market surveillance.

Regulatory Considerations

FDA Oversight

The FDA continues to monitor the safety of Wegovy and similar drugs. The agency’s actions, such as updating warnings or requiring additional studies, can impact the course of litigation and the availability of the drug (FDA Wegovy Information).

Drug Shortages and Compounding

The removal of Wegovy from the FDA’s drug shortage list has led to additional legal disputes, particularly with drug compounders who argue that the decision affects patient access and business operations (Reuters). These regulatory challenges add another layer of complexity to the overall legal landscape.

Conclusion

The ongoing litigation surrounding Wegovy underscores the challenges of balancing innovation in weight loss treatments with patient safety and transparent risk communication. As the MDL progresses, outcomes will depend on the evidence presented, the severity of injuries, and the evolving regulatory environment. Plaintiffs considering legal action should consult with experienced counsel to understand their rights and options.

Disclaimer:
This guide provides a general overview of the ongoing Wegovy litigation based on publicly available information and official sources. The lawsuits discussed are based on allegations that have not been proven in court. Legal proceedings are subject to change as new evidence emerges. For advice on specific cases or legal representation, consult a qualified attorney.