The weight loss market represents a multi-billion-dollar industry in the United States. It is multi-faceted, of course, ranging from dietary advice to supplements to physical fitness. However, there remains a thriving industry in so-called miracle weight loss cures. You’ll be bombarded with adverts online promising that you can shed pounds with “one simple trick.” Sometimes, those miracle cures can be found in the form of drugs that treat other conditions, with weight loss being one of the byproducts. Such is the case with drug treatments like Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy (brand names for the generic drug semaglutide, and Mounjaro (a brand name for tirzepatide). These drugs are primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. However, they have been marketed – notably on social media by influencers – as miracle weight loss drugs.

Whether they help people lose weight or not is something of a moot point: taking these drugs can be dangerous without the correct medical advice, perhaps even fatally so. The problem, however, has become more complex as there is a shortage of drugs like Ozempic, not to mention that they are quite expensive. This has led to people seeking cheaper compounded (mixed) versions of the drugs. This has prompted the FDA to send out a warning in June 2023. The situation is messy, but there is a growing threat of legal action as people have not been properly warned about the dangers of semaglutide and tirzepatide before facing serious side effects.

• August 3, 2023 - Woman sues drug makers of Ozempic and Mounjaro over severe gastrointestinal issues.

As highlighted earlier, the weight loss drug lawsuits involving Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are quite complex. The problem is not the drugs in and of themselves, but rather how and why they are used. The drugs have FDA approval for treating type 2 diabetes, with only Wegovy having approval for weight loss, and that is to treat conditions of chronic obesity. Legal action stems from the marketing of the drugs as cosmetic solutions for weight loss. So, who is to blame if someone gets ill from taking semaglutide or tirzepatide? The producers of the drug? The doctors who prescribe them? The celebrities and influencers who promote them? The weight loss & wellness clinics who recommend the drugs for cosmetic reasons? The compound pharmacies selling off-brand versions of the drugs?

The answer, as of June 2023, seems to be a bit of everyone. As we said, it’s complex. For example, Novo Nordisk, the company that makes Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, has launched a lawsuit against a group of US medical spas and weight-loss clinics for selling copycat compounded versions of semaglutide. It is worth noting, however, that both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, which is the producer of Mounjaro, may face lawsuits. Both firms have been aggressively pushing for their drugs to be approved for weight loss. Mounjaro looks the most likely to be approved by the FDA, but there are concerns over its safety. Indeed, it’s also worth pointing out that Novo Nordisk was suspended from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) in the UK for sponsoring weight loss courses that promoted Wegovy.

Semaglutide and tirzepatide have similar purposes (treating type 2 diabetes), and both are administered as injections. But they are different in how they achieve that. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist that helps the pancreas manage insulin production. Tirzepatide is considered a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, acting in different ways to lower blood sugar levels. Both drugs can reduce appetite, a fact that has led to their popularity as weight loss drugs. To be clear: these drugs are approved for diabetes treatment, but they are not approved by the FDA for weight loss. Taking either drug can lead to serious side effects.

Side effects of semaglutide can include swelling, redness, and itchiness around the area of the skin where the drug was injected. More serious side effects can include kidney problems, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and stomach pains. It is also possible that semaglutide can lead to serious gallbladder or pancreatic diseases, as well as a severe allergic reaction. Finally, there is some evidence linking semaglutide to thyroid cancers. An important factor to consider about semaglutide is that it is supposed to be administered on the advice of a doctor for treating type 2 diabetes. This often comes in tandem with strict regimen changes – diet, exercise, etc., – to combat the impact of diabetes. Taking semaglutide for cosmetic reasons (for weight loss) without the advice of a doctor can be dangerous.

There are reports of lawsuits, including a class action case, against Novo Nordisk. However, it is also possible that people will take action against the compound pharmaceutical companies and weight loss centers that promoted off-brand versions of Ozempic. The FDA has warned about the dangers of the copycat versions of these drugs. Due to the warnings about Ozempic, law firms are asking those that suffered adverse reactions to come forward for initial consultations.

Ozempic side effects can include nausea, vomiting, irritation, and vision problems. More serious long-term side effects may include gallbladder problems like cholelithiasis (gallstones).

There is not yet an Ozempic recall. However, the FDA has warned about compounded versions of the drug. Please also note that Ozempic is not approved as a weight loss drug.

Right now, there are no reports of a lawsuit filed against Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Mounjaro. However, some have raised concerns about the safety of the drug, particularly as a method for weight loss. Anyone who has suffered serious Mounjaro side effects should contact a law firm for a consultation on their legal rights.

Mounjaro side effects include nausea, vomiting, irritation, and blurred vision. There are some studies that show that Mounjaro might be more dangerous than semaglutide drugs.

There is not yet a Mounjaro recall. However, the FDA has warned about compounded versions of the drug. Please also note that Mounjaro is not approved as a weight loss drug.

Rybelsus is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, which also makes Wegovy and Ozempic. However, Rybelsus is taken as an oral pill. Nonetheless, as some of the side effects (see below) have many similarities, it is possible that those who have taken Rybelsus will form part of the same lawsuit against Novo Nordisk.

Rybelsus shares many of the same side effects as Ozempic and Mounjaro. These can include nausea, vomiting, stomach problems, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. There is also a linkage between Rybelsus and serious side effects like hyperglycemia, pancreatitis, and gallbladder problems.

There is not yet a Rybelsus recall. However, the FDA has warned about compounded versions of the drug. Please also note that Rybelsus is not approved as a weight loss drug.

Wegovy is very similar to Ozempic, both in its chemical makeup and how it is administered. However, there are important differences. For a start, Wegovy is usually administered in stronger doses. Secondly, Wegovy can be used for type 2 diabetes but is also used (with FDA approval) for weight loss purposes for chronic cases. Nonetheless, if people weren’t warned properly about the dangers of Wegovy, they may pursue legal action.

As it is a form of semaglutide, Wegovy can have similar side effects to other semaglutide drugs, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irritation, and blurred vision. It has also been linked to problems with the kidneys, pancreas, and liver. Like all drugs on this list, there is a link between Wegovy and thyroid cancer. 

There is not yet a Wegovy recall. However, the FDA has warned about compounded versions of the drug. While Wegovy has FDA approval as a weight loss drug, it is for chronic cases of obesity. It should not be used for cosmetic purposes without the oversight of medical professionals.

What weight loss pill got sued?

There is no specific lawsuit against a weight loss pill. However, there are growing concerns over the use of drugs used to treat diabetes being used for weight loss. This includes compound versions of drugs like Ozempic.

What is the diet drug settlement?

A diet drug settlement is an example of a public health settlement, where manufacturers of a defective drug agree to create a settlement fund. This was the case in 1999, when American Home Products, which was the maker of the diet drug fen-phen, created a $4.83 billion fund to settle lawsuits after users developed heart problems.

Is there a lawsuit against Ozempic?

Not specifically. There are reports of lawsuits against Novo Nordisk, which manufactures Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. However, it is also possible that people injured by weight loss drugs may bring lawsuits against the manufacturers and promoters of compounded versions of these drugs, which may be even more dangerous.

What is the most common side effect of Ozempic?

Nausea is widely cited as the most common Ozempic side effect. However, there are more serious concerns over Ozempic’s – and Ozempic compounds’ – links to serious diseases of the pancreas and gallbladder.

Does Mounjaro have long-term side effects?

Some of the reported Mounjaro side effects are unfortunately some of the most serious, including the risk of developing thyroid cancer and severe kidney, liver, and gallbladder problems.