Serious Injuries Linked to Ozempic & Wegovy — You Have Rights

From vision loss to stomach paralysis, patients across South Carolina are suffering life-altering side effects. Joe Cunningham Law fights to hold drug manufacturers accountable.

What You Need to Know About Ozempic Injury Lawsuits

Novo Nordisk manufactures Ozempic (semaglutide) and Wegovy to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Millions of Americans — including thousands of South Carolinians — started using these GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs. Many never received a full warning about the risk of severe and permanent side effects.

Patients who developed NAION, gastroparesis, stomach paralysis, ileus, and intestinal blockages are now filing lawsuits across the United States. They allege that Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about these serious risks.

At Joe Cunningham Law, we review claims from patients throughout Charleston and South Carolina who believe Ozempic caused them permanent harm.

Do You Qualify for an Ozempic Lawsuit?

You may have a valid claim if you:

• Used Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, or another semaglutide drug
• Received a diagnosis of NAION, gastroparesis, stomach paralysis, ileus, or intestinal blockage
• Suffered vision loss or significant gastrointestinal injury
• Never received a warning about these risks from Novo Nordisk
• Experienced hospitalization, surgery, or long-term complications

Even if you are unsure, contact us. Our consultations are completely free and confidential.

Serious Conditions Linked to Ozempic & Semaglutide

Medical research and ongoing litigation connect GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy to several severe and potentially permanent conditions. If you or a loved one received a diagnosis of any of the following, you may be entitled to significant compensation.

01 — NAION: Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

NAION is a serious eye condition. It occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve suddenly drops, causing rapid and often permanent vision loss. A landmark 2024 study in JAMA Ophthalmology found that patients taking semaglutide faced a significantly higher risk of developing NAION than non-users. Many victims wake up unable to see out of one eye — with no warning and no reversal.

02 — Gastroparesis: Delayed Stomach Emptying

Gastroparesis prevents the stomach from emptying properly. It causes severe nausea, vomiting, bloating, and malnutrition. Ozempic slows gastric emptying by design — but for some patients, this becomes permanent even after stopping the drug. Many patients need feeding tubes and long-term medical management, fundamentally altering their quality of life.

03 — Stomach Paralysis

Stomach paralysis is closely related to gastroparesis. It describes a complete or near-complete loss of the stomach’s ability to move food through the digestive system. Typical drug side effects resolve when patients stop taking the medication. Stomach paralysis linked to Ozempic has been reported to persist long-term, resulting in severe disability and the need for ongoing medical care.

04 — Ileus: Paralysis of the Intestines

Ileus occurs when the intestines stop moving altogether, blocking the passage of food and waste. This can quickly become life-threatening. It can lead to bowel obstruction, rupture, and sepsis. Patients who develop ileus while taking Ozempic or related GLP-1 drugs may need emergency surgery and extended hospitalization.

05 — Intestinal Blockage: Bowel Obstruction

Intestinal blockages occur when the normal flow through the intestines meets a physical or functional barrier. Ozempic slows gut motility — a known risk factor for obstruction. Severe cases require emergency intervention. They can result in permanent bowel damage, surgical removal of intestinal segments, and lifelong complications.

06 — Other Reported Complications

Additional injuries under investigation in Ozempic litigation include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease (cholecystitis), thyroid tumors, and aspiration during surgery. Surgeons have linked aspiration events to undisclosed delayed gastric emptying. If you suffered any serious medical event during or after Ozempic use, contact our legal team to evaluate your options.

The Growing Ozempic Lawsuit — What’s Happening & What It Means for You

Federal Courts Consolidate Cases

Federal courts consolidated many Ozempic injury claims into multi-district litigation (MDL) in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Hundreds of lawsuits name Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly — makers of Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. Plaintiffs allege these companies knew about severe gastrointestinal and ocular risks and chose not to warn patients.

The FDA Acts — But Too Late for Many

In January 2024, the FDA required Novo Nordisk to add an ileus warning to the Ozempic label. This confirmed the drug’s link to intestinal paralysis. Many patients’ attorneys argue this warning came far too late. Thousands of patients had already suffered permanent harm before the label changed.

What Compensation May Be Available?

If you have a valid Ozempic injury claim, you may recover damages including:

• Medical expenses — past and future
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

Key Developments in the Ozempic Litigation

• 2024 — FDA adds ileus warning to Ozempic label
• 2024 — JAMA Ophthalmology study links semaglutide to NAION
• 2023 — MDL consolidated in Eastern District of Pennsylvania
• 2023 — First major gastroparesis lawsuits filed against Novo Nordisk

Act Now — Time Limits Apply

• South Carolina enforces strict deadlines for personal injury and product liability claims. Miss them and you permanently lose your right to recover.
• Preserve evidence quickly — medical records, prescription histories, and provider communications are critical to your case
• The earlier you retain an attorney, the stronger your claim
• Our firm handles all Ozempic cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win
• We serve clients throughout Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, North Charleston, and all of South Carolina

A Charleston Attorney Who Fights for Injured South Carolinians

Joe Cunningham is not just an attorney — he is a former U.S. Congressman and a lifelong advocate for South Carolina families. When pharmaceutical companies put profits over patients, Joe Cunningham Law fights back.

Personal Injury Experience We have deep roots in product liability and personal injury law. We know how to build and win complex pharmaceutical cases for injured patients.

Local Charleston Representation We are your neighbors. Joe Cunningham Law is based in Charleston, SC. We represent South Carolina residents — not out-of-state referrals.

No Fee Unless We Win We handle all Ozempic cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing out of pocket. We collect a fee only when we recover compensation for you.

Thorough Case Investigation We work with leading medical experts and investigators to build the strongest possible case. We gather evidence on your diagnosis, drug history, and the manufacturer’s conduct.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my illness was caused by Ozempic? You do not need to prove causation before contacting us. If you took Ozempic, Wegovy, or another semaglutide drug and later developed NAION, gastroparesis, stomach paralysis, ileus, or an intestinal blockage, you may have a claim. Our legal team works with medical experts to connect your drug use to your diagnosis.

What is NAION and how is it connected to Ozempic? NAION causes a sudden, often permanent loss of vision. It occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve decreases. A 2024 study in JAMA Ophthalmology found that semaglutide users developed NAION at a significantly higher rate than non-users. This raises serious questions about whether Novo Nordisk adequately warned patients and doctors.

Is gastroparesis from Ozempic permanent? For some patients, yes. Ozempic slows gastric emptying by design. Some users report that severe delayed stomach emptying — gastroparesis or stomach paralysis — persisted even after they stopped the drug. These patients may need permanent dietary changes, medications, or feeding tubes.

How long do I have to file an Ozempic lawsuit in South Carolina? South Carolina gives most personal injury and product liability claimants three years to file. That clock typically starts on the date of injury or the date you connected your injury to the drug. Deadlines in mass tort litigation can be complex. Contact Joe Cunningham Law now to protect your rights.

What is the difference between ileus and intestinal blockage? Ileus is a functional paralysis — the bowel stops moving with no physical obstruction present. An intestinal blockage involves a physical barrier that prevents contents from passing. Ozempic’s effects on gut motility can cause or worsen both conditions. Both are life-threatening emergencies that may require hospitalization or surgery.

Can I still file a lawsuit if I took Ozempic for weight loss and not diabetes? Yes. Many patients received off-label Ozempic prescriptions for weight loss before Wegovy became available. Others took Wegovy directly for weight management. The reason for your prescription does not determine your eligibility. If semaglutide caused you serious harm, you may have a valid product liability claim.

Were You Injured by Ozempic? Talk to Joe Cunningham Law Today.

Our legal team will review your case — for free, with no obligation. If you or a loved one suffered vision loss, gastroparesis, stomach paralysis, ileus, or an intestinal blockage after taking Ozempic or Wegovy, you deserve answers and you deserve justice.

📞 Call: (843) 633-3360 📍 Charleston, SC No Fee Unless We Win

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Attorney Advertising. The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Results depend on the specific facts of each case. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this page. Joe Cunningham Law serves clients throughout South Carolina.