Novo Nordisk Lawsuits

Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company that develops treatments for chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity. The company is currently facing lawsuits centered around several of its medications. 

Plaintiffs in the Novo Nordisk lawsuits allege the drug manufacturer didn’t warn patients and prescribing doctors about the possible severe side effects of taking these medications. Novo Nordisk manufactures the drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Saxenda and Victoza. 

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ozempic, Rybelsus and Victoza for treating type 2 diabetes.
• The FDA has approved Wygovy and Saxenda for chronic weight management. 

Prescribing information for medications discloses warnings, precautions and adverse reactions. These lawsuits claim the company didn’t tell users that taking these medications could cause dangerous side effects. 

For example, Novo Nordisk didn’t reveal risks of severe gastrointestinal events on Ozempic’s label. Known adverse effects of Ozempic include intestinal obstructions, gastroparesis and gastroenteritis. On Wegovy’s label, the manufacturer disclosed delayed gastric emptying as a possible “drug interaction,” rather than an adverse reaction. It claimed the medication may impact the absorption of other medications taken at the same time.

Plaintiffs are filing lawsuits to hold Novo Nordisk accountable for failing to warn patients and doctors about life-threatening side effects. The plaintiffs may be compensated for the dire health complications they endured from taking these drugs if their lawsuits are successful. 

Plaintiff profile

A Pennsylvania woman represented by Motley Rice filed a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk. She alleged she suffered severe gastrointestinal issues from taking Wegovy. The woman was hospitalized for gastroparesis after taking the drug. 

Gastroparesis is a weakening of the stomach muscles. It is also called delayed gastric emptying or stomach paralysis. This condition slows or stops food as it moves from the stomach to the small intestine.

The lawsuit is an example of a case where a victim’s health was severely impacted after Novo Nordisk allegedly failed to list gastrointestinal side effects on the drug’s warning label. The plaintiff also alleges the manufacturer participated in negligent misrepresentation and marketing.

Is Novo Nordisk facing a class action lawsuit?

No class action lawsuits are pending against Novo Nordisk. However, Novo Nordisk is currently part of multidistrict litigation (MDL). 

An MDL was established in February 2024 in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. U.S. District Judge Karen Marston is the presiding judge over MDL No. 3094. 

As of March 2025, more than 1,500 actions were pending in the MDL. The cases in the MDL include Novo Nordisk's five GLP-1 drugs, plus other drugs in the same class. These drugs include Zepbound®, Mounjaro® and Trulicity®. 

In addition to Novo Nordisk, manufacturer Eli Lilly is a defendant in the lawsuit. Eli Lilly manufactures Zepbound, Mounjaro and Trulicity.

Who is eligible to file a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk?

People who have been prescribed a medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk and have experienced an undisclosed health issue may be eligible to file a lawsuit. People who might qualify for a case include those who:

• Were prescribed Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Saxenda or Victoza
• Followed instructions as directed
• Developed a serious side effect that wasn’t disclosed as a risk at the time

To file, you must have proof of a medical condition developed after taking one of these medications. Motley Rice is still actively accepting new cases in the MDL for those who are eligible. If you are not sure whether you qualify to be a plaintiff in a Novo Nordisk lawsuit, speak to an attorney to determine your legal options.

Hundreds of plaintiffs have filed lawsuits against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. Their claims are related to the manufacturers’ diabetes and weight loss drugs. More individuals are expected to file claims against the GLP-1 RA manufacturers in the coming months.

Through legal action, these plaintiffs are seeking damages to help cover:

• Lost wages
• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages 

The damages you might be entitled to will vary based on the details of your case. A lawyer with experience in diabetes litigation can assist you in determining the potential damages you could receive.

Motley Rice has knowledgeable medical attorneys who have represented people experiencing severe side effects from drugs manufactured by Novo Nordisk. If you believe a diabetes or weight loss drug has hurt you or someone you love, our attorneys may be able to help. Our attorneys can:

• Investigate if a Novo Nordisk medication or another diabetes drug could be the cause of your medical issues
• Review if the manufacturer failed to warn you about dangerous side effects
• Identify other issues that could impact your potential claim
• Identify potentially harmful medicines
• Review the medicine manufacturer’s compliance with FDA regulations
• Review the adequacy of the manufacturer's warning to you about potential side effects
• Recognize other issues that could affect your potential claim

Our team of medical drug attorneys is focused on delivering justice to those harmed.

Learn more about our medical drug experience here.