Tirzepatide Lawsuits

People filing tirzepatide lawsuits allege that upon taking these medications, they’ve experienced serious side effects that the drug manufacturer failed to disclose. The tirzepatide lawsuits claim drugmaker Eli Lilly knew about the risks and failed to adequately warn consumers.

Both of Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide drugs are self-injected medication: 

• Zepbound is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used in combination with diet and exercise to manage obesity.
• Mounjaro is FDA-approved to be used in combination with diet and exercise to manage type 2 diabetes. 

However, tirzepatide usage may cause other medical problems or worsen certain health conditions.

What are the risks of tirzepatide?

Allergic reactions, gallbladder problems, increased thirst and upset stomach may occur with tirzepatide use. These side effects are all listed on the drug’s prescribing label. However, some of the more severe health complications associated with tirzepatide use are not listed on the drug’s warning label. They include: 

• Blood clots: Recent studies have found that GLP-1 RA drugs like tirzepatide may cause blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism.
• Gastrointestinal issues: Decreased appetite, diarrhea and nausea occur in approximately 10% of tirzepatide users. Issues such as acid reflux, constipation and vomiting are also common. These symptoms may become so serious that they require hospitalization. They may also be indicators of more serious conditions like stomach paralysis (gastroparesis) or an intestinal blockage. Neither of those two conditions are adequately described on tirzepatide’s warning labels.

Common listed tirzepatide side effects

Some common side effects associated with tirzepatide use include:

• Accelerated heartbeat
• Chronic fever
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Face, throat or tongue swelling
• Feelings of fullness
• Heartburn
• Itching, redness or rash of the skin
• Stomach pain
• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Vomiting
• Yellowed eyes or skin

Some side effects of tirzepatide can be indicative of severe health conditions, such as:

• Acute kidney injury (AKI): AKI is a condition that causes the kidneys to stop filtering waste from the blood. Symptoms of AKI include blood in the urine, decreased urination, lethargy, nausea, seizures, sudden weight gain, muscle twitches and swelling of the ankles, face or hands.
• Pancreatitis: Tirzepatide can cause swelling and inflammation of the pancreas, called pancreatitis. Chills, constipation, fever, nausea, and sudden and severe stomach pain may be signs of pancreatitis.
• Severe allergic reactions: Tirzepatide may lead to serious allergic reactions like anaphylaxis or angioedema. Reactions to be concerned about include difficulty breathing or swallowing; a hoarse voice; itching; rashes; swelling of the ankles, face and hands; and unusual fatigue. These allergic reactions require immediate medical attention and can result in death if not treated.
• Thyroid tumors: Dizziness, a hoarse voice, a lump or swelling in the neck or throat, and difficulty swallowing or breathing may be indicative of a thyroid tumor.

If you experience any of these side effects with tirzepatide usage, consult your healthcare provider for advice. If your side effects are severe, consider speaking with a tirzepatide lawyer. 

People who have experienced severe, unlisted side effects from using tirzepatide are filing cases against Eli Lilly and other GLP-1 RA manufacturers, including Novo Nordisk. If a person passed away after experiencing one or more of these side effects, their family likewise may be eligible to file a tirzepatide lawsuit.

These lawsuits claim that Eli Lilly:

• Failed to warn users and prescribing physicians about the severe health risks associated with these medications (A failure-to-warn lawsuit can help encourage proper labeling of drugs, allowing future patients to be aware of all associated risks.)
• Portrayed tirzepatide medications as safe both on their labels and via advertising (None of Eli Lilly’s marketing warned consumers about the risk of certain severe conditions after taking the drug.)
• Marketed tirzepatide medications aggressively for weight loss

Is there a tirzepatide class action lawsuit?

No, as of September 2024, there was no tirzepatide class action lawsuit. Class action lawsuits are one way of handling large personal injury cases (called mass torts). Multidistrict litigation (MDL) is another way. 

An MDL has been created in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania under U.S. District Judge Karen S. Marston. As of February 3, 2025, the MDL had 1,443 pending lawsuits. 

MDLs are similar to class action lawsuits because the claims of multiple plaintiffs against specific defendants are consolidated before one court. However, unlike class actions, each plaintiff’s case in an MDL remains individually active. MDL cases can go to trial, and any verdicts or settlements can be specific to each plaintiff’s harm. Class action awards are divided among all plaintiffs.

Who makes tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company, which markets the medication under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound. The FDA approved Mounjaro to treat type 2 diabetes on May 13, 2022. On November 8, 2023, Zepbound was FDA-approved as a weight-loss drug for obese and overweight people with at least one related health condition (high cholesterol, hypertension or type 2 diabetes).

How do I know if tirzepatide caused my symptoms?

Tirzepatide symptoms are most often reported after a person first starts taking the drug or their dosage is changed. In clinical trials, larger doses have been more likely to result in side effects. If you believe you’re experiencing side effects related to tirzepatide use, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Can tirzepatide cause stomach paralysis?

Research has shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists like tirzepatide can cause delayed gastric emptying. Also known as gastroparesis or stomach paralysis, delayed gastric emptying is a condition that delays or prevents movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine — even when no blockages in the stomach or intestines exist. 

Symptoms of gastroparesis include acid reflux, bloating, quickly feeling full, heartburn, lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting of undigested food. There is no cure for gastroparesis.

What are the payouts in the tirzepatide lawsuit?

No payouts have been made and no settlements have been reached in any GLP-1 RA lawsuits. The cases are still in the beginning stages. If there are payouts, amounts will likely vary based on numerous factors, including the type of lawsuit (personal injury versus wrongful death), the severity of the conditions, and other case details. 

Plaintiffs in a tirzepatide lawsuit may seek damages for:

• Healthcare costs from the treatment of tirzepatide complications
• Pain and suffering experienced because of health issues from tirzepatide
• Attorney’s fees for the costs of pursuing justice against Eli Lilly
• Punitive damages to punish Eli Lilly for its alleged disregard for public safety

As the litigation continues to evolve, knowing exactly how the cases will progress is impossible. Any attorney who guarantees funds or an exact amount may not have your best interests in mind. A Motley Rice lawyer can help you understand whether you’re in a good legal position to file a lawsuit against Eli Lilly.

Our medical attorneys have represented thousands of patients seriously injured by dangerous prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including lawsuits involving diabetes medications. If you believe a weight loss or diabetes medication like tirzepatide made you sick or harmed your health, our attorneys have the resources needed to investigate your potential claim thoroughly.

A Motley Rice lawyer can help you by:

• Investigating your harm: Our team can help you analyze medical costs, lost wages and other damages for which you may be eligible.
• Building your case: Filing a tirzepatide lawsuit is complex. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you by identifying what is necessary to build a claim.
• Gathering evidence: We may be able to help you understand what documentation is needed for your claim and request documents from medical providers for you.
• Litigating your claim: Our team can litigate the claim in court on your behalf.

Read more on our medical drug litigation experience.