The number of Ozempic lawsuits has exploded during the last year. According to the latest status report from the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, there were 2,947 lawsuits pending in the national multidistrict litigation (MDL) at the beginning of December. Most of these focus on either severe gastrointestinal issues like gastroparesis and intestinal blockages or a rare form of blindness, called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy or NAION.
But that’s not the whole story.
Depression, suicidal ideation, weight loss and powerful drugs
GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs, work by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite. Well-documented side effects have sparked growing litigation. In addition however, international research has raised concerns about potential psychiatric side effects, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have launched formal safety reviews after receiving hundreds of adverse event reports. Both have emphasized the need for ongoing monitoring and transparent communication between patients, prescribers, and manufacturers. In the US, Wegovy, carries a warning to professionals to monitor patients for suicidal thoughts and discontinue the medication if necessary.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia, which is similar to the FDA, warns that a concerning number of patients who take Ozempic and other GLP-1s reported suicidal ideation and self-harm. The TGA and its partners did not find a direct causal link between taking a drug like Ozempic and experiencing suicidal or self-harm tendencies. However, enough patients who took Ozempic reported these adverse mental health events that the TGA thought a label change was necessary.
Researchers at the University of Toronto are looking into the impact of the drugs on major depressive disorder. A team at the University of Copenhagen is examining the effect of GLP-1 medications on schizophrenia.
Part of a bigger health puzzle
The most common side effects of GLP-1 agonists include:
- loss of appetite;
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- dizziness; and
- increased heart rate.
More severe complications are:
- pancreatitis;
- gastroparesis;
- medullary thyroid cancer;
- kidney injury; and
- loss of vision, either as a result of NAION or worsening diabetes-related retinopathy.
The FDA has recently issued specific warnings about the risks of compounded versions of these drugs.
“A compounded drug might be appropriate if a patient’s medical need cannot be met by an FDA-approved drug, or the FDA-approved drug is not commercially available. However, compounded drugs are not FDA approved. This means the agency does not review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness or quality before they are marketed.”
Attorneys General in some states have taken action against medical spas and online clinics that promote unauthorized compounded versions of drugs like semaglutide — the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. In some cases, warning letters were issued; in others, lawsuits were filed against companies marketing bootleg or “research grade” versions of the drugs.
The bigger Ozempic lawsuit picture
Bellwether trials in the Ozempic MDL are expected to begin in late 2026, and settlement negotiations will likely start in 2027. Some lawsuits, particularly those relating to NAION blindness, are also proceeding in multi-county litigation in New Jersey state courts. These are being centrally administered in Bergen County. Patients who have been injured by taking Ozempic or Wegovy should consult with experienced Ozempic lawyers for help in evaluating their options.
But the darkest days of December can be difficult for many people, and lawsuits may not be at top of mind for vulnerable individuals. Preventing harm is the urgent concern for Ozempic patients and their families.
Patients with a pre-existing history of mental health struggles may be at greater risk. However, some patients who had no psychiatric history developed symptoms while on GLP-1 therapy.
Patients and loved ones should be particularly alert for sudden mood changes, withdrawal from activities, increased irritability, or thoughts of self-harm that require immediate medical attention. Keeping detailed records of when symptoms started and which medication the patient took are particularly important for both health and legal review.
If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. In the U.S., call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
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