Can Ozempic Cause Blood Clots?

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic, a formulation of the drug semaglutide, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medication for treating Type 2 diabetes. Ozempic helps lower blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin production and reducing glucose production in the liver. Ozempic manufacturer Novo Nordisk claims semaglutide is a safe and well-tolerated medication, with nausea as the most common adverse event.

Although Ozempic is FDA-approved to treat Type 2 diabetes and not weight loss, some physicians prescribe the drug off-label to help patients manage their weight. Ozempic stimulates the pancreas to release insulin, which lowers blood sugar. It also signals the brain that you’re full, which can lead to weight loss.

Can Ozempic cause blood clots in legs?

Some allege semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, may be linked to risks, including blood clots in the legs. This is in addition to the increased risk for people with Type 2 diabetes of plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to dangerous blood clots.

Ongoing studies will help determine the precise relationship between Ozempic and blood clots.

What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a vein deep within the body. It typically occurs in the legs and may develop because of limited blood flow from an injury, surgery, or immobilization. Blood flow through the vein may be partially or completely blocked by the clot. Most DVTs occur in the leg or pelvis, although they can also form in the arms, brain, intestines, or kidneys.

Up to half of those with a DVT in their legs also have post-thrombotic syndrome. This condition causes the blood to pool more than it should, which causes leg pain and swelling that can last months or even years. Some of the signs of post-thrombotic syndrome include:

• Blood pooling
• Chronic swelling of the legs
• Discoloration of the skin
• Increased pressure in the veins
• Leg ulcers called venous stasis ulcers

DVT is a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention. If the blood clots break free, travel through the bloodstream and end up in the blood vessels of the lungs, known as a pulmonary embolism, it can be fatal.

Signs of DVT

Up to 30% of people with DVT show no signs of the condition and don’t know they have it. The signs of DVT include:

• More prominent veins near the skin’s surface
• Pain or tenderness in the leg or arm, sometimes only if standing or walking
• Red, darkened or discolored skin
• Swollen arm or leg (sometimes happening abruptly)
• More warmth than average in the swollen area

Some people don’t realize they have DVT until the clot travels from their leg or arm to their lungs and causes a pulmonary embolism (PE).The symptoms of PE include:

• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Difficulty breathing
• Fainting
• Lightheadedness

Those with DVT symptoms should call their doctor or go to the emergency room immediately to help avoid further complications.

Does Ozempic cause DVT?

Does Ozempic cause DVT? It’s alleged that certain factors may increase the chances of developing blood clots, including DVT, in those taking Ozempic. People generally at a higher risk of DVT include those who:

• Have a history of blood clots
• Lead a sedentary lifestyle
• Suffer from obesity
• Use tobacco products
• Were prescribed medications that increase the risk of blood clots

According to a 2021 study published in the Endocrine Journal, Ozempic use increased the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by 266%.

Other dangers of Ozempic

It’s alleged Ozempic may be linked to some dangerous side effects. These may include:

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (not on warning label): 2021 research found that Ozempic use dramatically increased the risk of blood clots, including DVTs. 
• Gallbladder disease (added to warning label in March 2022): A potentially life-threatening condition that requires surgery to treat a variety of symptoms including pain, inflammation, infection and blockages.
• Gastroparesis (not on warning label): Ozempic may be connected to gastroparesis. This condition slows down the stomach’s normal muscle movement, preventing it from emptying properly. 
• Gastroenteritis (not on warning label): Some patients using Ozempic have experienced gastroenteritis. This condition causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines that leads to vomiting and diarrhea.
• Ileus (intestinal blockage or obstruction) (added to warning label in September 2023): A serious and potentially fatal condition known as ileus blocks or obstructs the intestines and hampers the movement of food and waste out of the body.
• Intraoperative pulmonary aspiration (not on warning label): The entry of liquid or solid material into the lungs during surgery caused by delayed emptying of the stomach. 
• Malnutrition: The ongoing use of Ozempic can lead to malnutrition and critical vitamin deficiencies including vitamin B12, leading to weight loss, irritability and fatigue. Patients may also be at risk of regaining weight if they stop taking the drug.
• Pancreatic cancer (not on warning label): This rare form of cancer that is difficult to detect in the early stages may be linked to Ozempic use. 

Lawsuits allege that Novo Nordisk failed to warn patients about the dangerous side effects of the drug. Many of these conditions have resulted in hospitalization and even death.

Some doctors estimate that 10% of patients stop using Ozempic because of the severe side effects experienced.

Ozempic side effects lawsuit

People who experience DVT and other side effects after taking Ozempic are suing Novo Nordisk. Motley Rice has led the way in this litigation by filing the first Wegovy® lawsuit in the U.S. Wegovy is also manufactured by Novo Nordisk and contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic but in a higher dosage to treat weight loss. The lawsuit alleges severe health problems linked to Wegovy use, including:

• Gastroparesis.
• Gastroenteritis
• Malnutrition
• Intestinal blockage or obstruction

All these conditions can—and have—led to hospitalization and/or death.

Contact us

Complete this webform or call 1.800.768.4026 to contact attorneys Sara Couch and Jonathan Orent for more information or to discuss a potential Ozempic claim.

Our diabetes drug litigation experience

Our medical attorneys have represented thousands of patients seriously hurt by dangerous prescription and over-the-counter drugs. We understand that as a patient or family member, your knowledge of your or a loved one’s medications may be limited.

If you believe Ozempic, Mounjaro™, Wegovy or another medicine made you sick or hurt you, our attorneys have the resources needed to thoroughly investigate and:

• Identify potentially harmful medicines
• Investigate if the medicine hurt you
• Review the medicine manufacturer’s compliance with FDA regulations
• Review if the manufacturer adequately warned you about potential side effects
• Recognize other issues that could affect your potential claim

Learn more about our medical drug experience here.

If you are currently taking Ozempic or Wegovy, consult your physician before you stop taking the prescription medication. Without your physician's instruction, discontinuing these medications could result in worsening illness, injury, or death. Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy remain approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.