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Rybelsus® Lawsuit

Rybelsus® Lawsuit

Individuals who have sustained serious injuries connected to side effects not on the drug’s warning label may be eligible to file a Rybelsus lawsuit.

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Roger M. Young, Jr.
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Practice areas:Toxic Exposure, Medical Drugs, Medical Device Lawsuits

Hank Young litigates complex civil matters including representing victims of defective medical drugs and devices as well as those harmed by toxic environmental contamination.

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Last Updated:November 5, 2026
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Case Overview

If you developed gastroparesis, ileus, NAION or other severe effects after taking Rybelsus, you might be able to file a Rybelsus lawsuit for damages. Rybelsus maker Novo Nordisk is facing lawsuits alleging that the company failed to warn people of serious risks linked to the type 2 diabetes medicine.

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Quick facts about Rybelsus and lawsuits

  • Drug name: Rybelsus® (semaglutide)
  • Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk
  • Approval status: Rybelsus was discontinued and rebranded in mid-2026 as the pill form of Ozempic. This does not impact previously filed lawsuits.
  • Lawsuit allegations: That Novo Nordisk knew of potential long-term side effects related to the medication but failed to adequately warn consumers.
  • Key injuries: Lawsuits claim that side effects included pulmonary aspiration, Ileus, gallbladder disease, pancreatic injuries, severe gastrointestinal injuries, gastroparesis and sudden vision changes (specifically NAION).
  • Litigation status: Federal Rybelsus lawsuits are currently pending in multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 3094 and MDL No. 3163). 
  • Active claims: As of November 2, 2026, there were 4,082 lawsuits pending in MDL No. 3094, In re: Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) Products Liability Litigation. As of November 2, 2026, there were 278 lawsuits pending in MDL No. 3163, In re: Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Products Liability Litigation. Motley Rice attorneys hold leadership roles in both MDLs.

Rybelsus lawsuit news and recent updates

11.03.26

MDL numbers grew leading into November

There were 4,082 pending actions in the GLP-1 Gastrointestinal Injury MDL, while the Vision Loss/Blindess MDL increased to 278 actions.

08.03.26

More cases added to GLP-1 RA NAION MDL

Two hundred lawsuits alleging semaglutide-related eye injuries were reported pending in MDL No. 3163.

08.03.26

Pending actions grew leading into August

The weight loss drug MDL grew to 3,928 pending actions.

04.30.26

Judge sets status conferences in MDL

Judge Marston issued an amended order setting five upcoming status conferences in MDL No. 3094.

02.04.26

Rybelsus to be rebranded, folded under Ozempic

Novo Nordisk announced it would rebrand Rybelsus as the pill form of Ozempic. The approvals for the two drugs are very similar, but Ozempic has more brand recognition. The new Ozempic pill will be launched in the spring.

02.03.26

MDL 3094 continues to increase

MDL No. 3094 grew to include 3,191 lawsuits.

01.30.26

FDA approves labeling update for semaglutide tablets

The FDA updated the Rybelsus label to include “semaglutide tablets” and a branded reference to Novo Nordisk’s new oral semaglutide medication.

12.15.25

MDL 3163 formed for eye harm lawsuits

The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) established MDL No. 3163, In Re: Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Products Liability Litigation. This MDL consolidates cases alleging that GLP-1 RA drugs caused them to develop non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). MDL No. 3163 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has 29 pending cases.

12.03.25

MDL 3094 continues to grow

The total number of cases pending in MDL No. 3094 grew to 2,947.

07.28.25

Novo Nordisk faces vision loss lawsuits related to semaglutide

Lawyers for 21 plaintiffs filed for consolidation of their vision loss lawsuits. They allege that semaglutide users have developed severe vision conditions, including NAION.

06.27.25

WHO issues alert about semaglutide-linked NAION

After reviewing medical literature, clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the World Health Organization (WHO) issued an alert for healthcare professionals and regulatory authorities concerning the alleged link between semaglutide and NAION. Based on this review, the EMA concluded that NAION could affect up to 1 in 10,000 semaglutide users.

01.03.24

GLP-1 RA MDL grows to over 1,000 active lawsuits

MDL No. 3094, which includes Rybelsus lawsuits, grew to 1,331 cases.

12.09.24

Updates added to Rybelsus warning label

The Rybelsus warning label was updated to include acute pancreatitis and cholecystitis. It was amended to include new information regarding the likelihood of developing severe gastrointestinal issues, based on clinical trials.

12.01.24

DVT, blood clots won’t be included as injuries in MDL

Deep vein thrombosis and blood clot cases will not be included as injuries in MDL No. 3094.

11.01.24

New warning added to Rybelsus label

The FDA expanded the warning section of the Rybelsus, Ozempic and Wegovy labels to include the risk of pulmonary aspiration for patients during sedation or while undergoing general anesthesia.

07.01.24

FAERS records 66 Rybelsus deaths

The FDA Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) recorded 3,310 adverse events, including 66 deaths, involving patients who took Rybelsus.

07.01.24

Study links semaglutide to serious eye condition

The Journal of American Medicine published a study linking semaglutide drugs to NAION, an incurable eye condition that occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is blocked, potentially leading to vision loss.

05.01.24

Motley Rice attorneys appointed to MDL leadership roles

Motley Rice attorneys Jonathan Orent and Sara Couch were co-appointed to MDL No. 3094 leadership. Jonathan Orent serves as co-lead counsel of the Executive Committee. Sara Couch is Chair of Marketing Discovery on the Plaintiffs Executive Committee (PSC).

04.01.24

MDL grows, MR attorneys join leadership selection committee

The number of pending actions in MDL No. 3094 grew to 74. Attorneys from multiple firms, including Motley Rice, joined a committee designed to select the leadership for MDL No. 3094.

12.31.23

Rybelsus-related adverse events double the number reported in 2020

FAERS recorded 894 adverse events involving patients who took Rybelsus, more than double the number of adverse events reported in 2020.

12.01.23

MDL 3094 established

Rybelsus lawsuits were transferred into MDL 3094, In Re: Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) Products Liability Litigation.

12.31.20

Rybelsus-related adverse events reported in 2020

FAERS recorded 445 adverse events in 2020 involving patients taking Rybelsus.

12.31.19

First Rybelsus-related adverse events reported to FDA

FAERS recorded two adverse events involving patients taking Rybelsus.

09.20.19

Rybelsus enters the market

Novo Nordisk launches Rybelsus as a type 2 diabetes treatment.

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Why are people filing Rybelsus lawsuits?

People are filing lawsuits against Novo Nordisk, Rybelsus’ manufacturer. The lawsuits claim Novo Nordisk knew of potential long-term side effects related to Rybelsus but didn’t adequately warn consumers. The lawsuits seek compensation for those harmed people as well as updates to the warning labels.

Inadequate warning labels fail to effectively communicate critical safety risks and potential side effects to patients and healthcare providers. This has led to severe adverse reactions, hospitalizations and legal product liability claims.

The Rybelsus lawsuits are part of a broader MDL involving other GLP-1 RA medications. Defendants in the MDL include Novo Nordisk, which manufactures Ozempic®, Rybelsus and Wegovy®. Another defendant is Eli Lilly, which makes Mounjaro®, Trulicity® and Zepbound®. All MDL cases involve patients who took one or more GLP-1 RA medications and experienced severe unlisted side effects. 

Unwarned severe side effects

The severe side effects of Rybelsus not listed on the “Warnings and Precautions” section of the Rybelsus label include:

  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Gastroparesis (stomach paralysis)
  • Ileus
  • Intestinal blockages
  • Necrotizing pancreatitis
  • Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)

Who is eligible to file a Rybelsus lawsuit?

To be eligible to file a Rybelsus lawsuit, an individual:

  • Must have been prescribed brand-name Rybelsus (not compounded)
  • Must have taken the brand-name Rybelsus as directed by your doctor and the prescribing label
  • Must have a diagnosed qualifying injury not listed on the medication’s warning label
  • Must have an injury occurring before specific FDA label updates
  • Must have an injury occurring within the applicable statute of limitations

Contact a lawyer to see if you qualify to file a Rybelsus lawsuit

If you or someone you love suffered from a severe side effect not listed on the label of a GLP-1 RA drug, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit and collect damages.

Contact us today

For more information, contact our team by filling out our online form or call 1.800.768.4026.

Rybelsus lawsuit status

Both GLP-1 RA federal lawsuit dockets are in their early stages. Claim numbers continue to increase each month as more people discover the cause of their medical issues.

Status conferences have been scheduled for the lawsuit dockets and bellwether trials are being established. No trials have taken place yet.

Rybelsus payouts

There have been no Rybelsus settlements or payouts, so no public estimates are currently available. Eventual verdicts or settlements will likely depend on a number of factors, including the severity of the plaintiff’s injuries.

What is Rybelsus and how does it work?

Rybelsus is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medication that helps lower blood sugar. It is no longer on the market under this name, as it was discontinued in mid-2026 and rebranded as the pill form of Ozempic.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 is a hormone that naturally occurs in the human body to help release insulin. When your body isn’t responding to GLP-1 correctly, such as when you have type 2 diabetes, your blood glucose levels can climb too high. GLP-1 receptor agonist medications attempt to correct this imbalance. They use a synthetic substance that mimics GLP-1 to aid in insulin release. The specific GLP-1 RA in Rybelsus is semaglutide, its active ingredient.

Is Rybelsus used for weight loss?

Rybelsus does not have FDA approval as a weight-loss drug. It only has FDA approval for use in adults with type 2 diabetes. However, Novo Nordisk marketing materials say that Rybelsus “may help you lose some weight.”

Using Rybelsus for weight loss is considered an off-label use of the drug. Some doctors prescribe Rybelsus for this off-label use, even for adults who do not have type 2 diabetes. Patients who take Rybelsus off-label and develop complications may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Meet Our Team

Sara O. Couch

Member

Sara Couch is a trial lawyer who contributes to litigation across several of the firm’s practice areas, including defective medical devices, harmful drugs, toxic…
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Jonathan D. Orent

Member

Jonathan Orent is a seasoned trial lawyer who advocates for people hurt by medical devices, pharmaceutical drugs, social media addiction and other consumer products.
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Christina M. Behm

Associate

Christina Behm litigates in state and federal courts for people who experienced life-altering complications allegedly caused by defective medical devices…
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Grace P. Chandler

Associate

Grace Chandler advocates for people who have suffered severe, life-altering health complications caused by dangerous and defective medical devices.
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Mike Daly

Member

Mike Daly brings substantial experience representing clients harmed by defective products, pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, toxic substances, and corporate…
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Ashley J. Hornstein

Associate

Ashley Hornstein is a civil litigator who represents people and families in complex matters involving toxic exposure, product liability, and religious institutional…
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Daniel R. Lapinski

Member

Daniel Lapinski has nearly 20 years of litigation experience, with a focus on mass tort and complex litigation in state, federal and appellate courts.
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Roger M. "Hank" Young, Jr.

Member

Hank Young litigates complex civil matters including representing victims of defective medical drugs and devices as well as those harmed by toxic environmental…
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Frequently asked questions about Rybelsus

Is there a Rybelsus class action lawsuit?

No, there is currently no Rybelsus class action lawsuit. GLP-1 lawsuits have been split into two multidistrict litigations (MDLs) in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. MDL 3094 alleges that GLP-1 RA medications like Rybelsus cause serious gastrointestinal injuries. MDL 3163 involves severe eye injuries like NAION allegedly linked to GLP-1 use.

A class-action lawsuit and an MDL aren’t the same. A class action lawsuit involves an individual or small group of people filing a lawsuit on behalf of a larger group of plaintiffs who share any award or settlement. In an MDL, multiple lawsuits with similar complaints are transferred to one federal court. Each member of the MDL has an individual lawsuit with individual rights of recovery.

What is Rybelsus used for?

Rybelsus is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes. It also reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and other heart-related events in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is now sold as the pill form of Ozempic.

Does Rybelsus cause weight loss?

When used with proper diet and exercise, Rybelsus can help with weight loss. Clinical trials have shown that Rybelsus can be effective for reducing blood sugar, managing body weight, and lowering blood pressure.

Who makes Rybelsus?

Novo Nordisk manufactures Rybelsus. It is a brand-name drug and no generic version of it is available. Novo Nordisk also makes Ozempic and Wegovy.

Is there a recall on Rybelsus?

As of August 2026, there is no recall on Rybelsus. If a recall does occur, the FDA recommends that patients get advice from their healthcare providers.

Our medical drug litigation experience

If you believe that a medication harmed your health, you may have the right to file a lawsuit and seek financial compensation. The medical drug attorneys at Motley Rice will:

  • Review information about the drug that you believe harmed you
  • Look for evidence that the drug creates harmful effects
  • Review the manufacturer’s warnings and marketing materials to determine whether you received adequate warning about the medication’s side effects
  • Determine the manufacturer’s compliance with all FDA regulations regarding the drug

Reach out to our Rybelsus lawyers to discuss your case and explore your legal options today.

Read more on our medical drug litigation experience.

Do not stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice can result in injury or death. Rybelsus, Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Trulicity and Zepbound  remain approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Rybelsus lawsuit news and recent updates

Why are people filing Rybelsus lawsuits?

Rybelsus lawsuit status

What is Rybelsus and how does it work?

Frequently asked questions about Rybelsus

Our medical drug litigation experience

About the Author

Roger M. "Hank" Young, Jr. | Motley Rice Attorney

Roger M. "Hank" Young, Jr.

Member

Hank Young litigates complex civil matters including representing victims of defective medical drugs and devices as well as those harmed by toxic environmental contamination.

Sources
  1. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Can Ozempic Affect Eye Health? Here’s What Ophthalmologists Want You to Know.
  2. Andersen A, Knop F, Vilsbøll T. A Pharmacological and Clinical Overview of Oral Semaglutide for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. Drugs. 2021 May 8;81(9):1003–1030.
  3. Cleveland Clinic. Gastroparesis.
  4. Food and Drug Administration. Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes
  5. Food and Drug Administration. Novo Nordisk Inc. - 717576 - 03/05/2026 | FDA
  6. Global Newswire: Novo Nordisk Files for Regulatory Approval of Once Weekly Semaglutide in the US and EU for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes.
  7. GoodRx. Rybelsus.
  8. GoodRx. Who makes Rybelsus?.
  9. Hathaway JT, Shah MP, Hathaway DB, Zekavat SM, Krasniqi D, Gittinger JW, et al. Risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in patients prescribed semaglutide. JAMA Ophthalmology. 2024 Jul 3;142(8):732–739.
  10. Law360. Novo Nordisk Faces Possible Mass Tort Over Ozempic In NJ.
  11. Law360. Ozempic MDL Plaintiffs Say Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk Hid Risks.
  12. Mayo Clinic. Diabetic retinopathy.
  13. Mayo Clinic. Gastroparesis.
  14. Nakatani Y, Maeda M, Matsumura M, Shimizu R, Banba N, Aso Y, Yasu T, Harasawa H. Effect of GLP-1 receptor agonist on gastrointestinal tract motility and residue rates as evaluated by capsule endoscopy. Diabetes & Metabolism. 2017 Oct;43(5):430-437.
  15. NovoCare: Type 2 Diabetes and the Role of GLP-1.
  16. Rybelsus. Rybelsus Results.
  17. Rybelsus.com. What to Expect With RYBELSUS® (semaglutide) tablets.
  18. Sodhi M, et al. Risk of Gastrointestinal Adverse Events Associated With Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss. JAMA. 2023 Oct 5;330(18):1795-1797.
  19. The University of British Columbia. Weight-Loss Drugs Linked to Stomach Paralysis, Other Serious Gastrointestinal Conditions.
  20. U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania. MDL 3163 In Re: Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) Products Liability Litigation.
  21. U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. MDL Statistics Report - Distribution of Pending MDL Dockets by Actions Pending, August 3, 2026.
  22. United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. In Re: Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Products Liability Litigation, Case Management Order No. 16.
  23. United States Food and Drug Administration. Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC).
  24. United States Food and Drug Administration. FAERS Public Dashboard for Rybelsus.
  25. United States Food and Drug Administration. FDA Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) Public Dashboard.
  26. United States Food and Drug Administration. FDA’s Role in Drug Recalls.
  27. United States Food and Drug Administration: FDA Approval Letter for Rybelsus.
  28. United States Food and Drug Administration. Medications Containing Semaglutide Marketed for Type 2 Diabetes or Weight Loss.
  29. United States Food and Drug Administration. Warnings and Precautions, Contraindications, and Boxed Warning Sections of Labeling for Human Prescription Drug and Biological Products — Content and Format.
  30. United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. MDL Report Date: 10/1/24 MDL Statistics Report - Distribution of Pending MDL Dockets by Actions Pending.
  31. United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. Pending MDLs by Actions Pending (June 3, 2024).
  32. United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. Pending MDL by Actions Pending (April 1, 2024).
  33. United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. Pending MDL Dockets by Actions Pending 
  34. Vilz T, Stoffels B, Strasbourg C, Schild H, Kalff J. Ileus in Adults. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International. 2017 Jul 24;114(29-30):508–518.
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