Millions of Americans have been prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonist medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Rybelsus for diabetes management and weight loss. These drugs were marketed as breakthroughs—safe, effective, and life-changing. But a growing body of evidence now links them to severe gastrointestinal injuries that can permanently alter a person’s quality of life. For people who trusted these medications and are now suffering the consequences, answers and accountability are long overdue.

What Are GLP-1 Drugs

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of injectable and oral medications originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. The most well-known drugs in this class include semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss), tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound), liraglutide (Victoza and Saxenda), and dulaglutide (Trulicity).

These medications gained enormous popularity after clinical trials showed significant weight loss results. Prescriptions surged. Social media amplified demand. But as millions of people began taking these drugs—many off-label for weight loss—reports of serious adverse events began mounting.

Health Risks and Injuries Linked to GLP-1 Drugs

The most serious injuries associated with GLP-1 medications include gastroparesis, a condition in which the stomach loses its ability to empty normally. This can cause severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in some cases requires hospitalization, surgery, or long-term medical management. For many people, gastroparesis is a chronic, life-altering condition that does not resolve even after stopping the medication.

Other documented injuries include severe pancreatitis, including hemorrhagic and necrotizing forms that can be life-threatening, bowel obstruction requiring emergency surgery, acute kidney injury, and vision loss linked to a condition called nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. In February 2025, the FDA strengthened its warnings about several of these risks.

Who May Be Eligible for a Claim

Anyone who took a GLP-1 medication—whether prescribed for diabetes or weight loss—and developed gastroparesis, pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, kidney injury, or vision problems may be eligible to pursue a claim. This includes patients who were prescribed these medications by their doctors and were not adequately warned about the risks, as well as individuals who used them off-label based on marketing claims that emphasized benefits while minimizing dangers.

Current Status of GLP-1 Litigation

As of early 2026, more than 3,000 lawsuits have been filed in a federal multidistrict litigation consolidating claims against GLP-1 drug manufacturers. A separate MDL has been approved specifically for vision loss claims. These cases allege that manufacturers knew about or should have known about the risks of severe gastrointestinal and other injuries but failed to adequately warn patients and prescribers. The litigation is active and continuing to grow as more injured patients come forward.

Compensation Available

Individuals who have been harmed by GLP-1 drugs may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses including hospitalization, surgery, and ongoing treatment, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, future medical care needs, and out-of-pocket costs associated with managing chronic conditions like gastroparesis. Each case is evaluated based on the severity of the injury and its impact on the individual’s life.

If you or someone you know took Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or another GLP-1 medication and developed serious side effects, you may have the right to pursue compensation. Contact Beverly Wilshire Law APC at (310) 424-5566 or email info@bevwilshire.com for a consultation to discuss your situation—we’re here to guide you in the right direction.