The most notable lawsuit against Ozempic was filed in August 2023 by 44-year-old Juanita Gantt from Pennsylvania. She alleged that the weight loss drug caused severe gastrointestinal injuries, including gastroparesis (paralyzed stomach) and uncontrollable vomiting, ultimately requiring her to undergo colon removal surgery. Gantt claimed that Novo Nordisk, the drug’s manufacturer, failed to adequately warn consumers about these potential side effects.
This lawsuit highlighted alarming adverse reactions associated with Ozempic, a medication originally approved for Type 2 diabetes and widely prescribed off-label for weight loss. Gantt’s legal team argued that Novo Nordisk marketed Ozempic without sufficient disclosure of its risks, putting profits ahead of patient safety. Her case drew national attention, sparking broader scrutiny and leading to additional lawsuits.
By February 2024, her case and other Ozempic lawsuits were consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL-3094) in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Plaintiffs in these cases reported similar symptoms, including gastroparesis, vomiting, and intestinal damage. As of December 2024, the MDL encompasses over 1,300 lawsuits. Novo Nordisk denies wrongdoing, maintaining that Ozempic is safe when used as directed. However, the growing number of cases underscores concerns about its safety, particularly for off-label uses. Gantt’s lawsuit was pivotal in sparking this legal battle and ongoing public debate.
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