Wegovy, a higher-dose version of semaglutide, was FDA-approved for weight loss in 2021, while Ozempic remains approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Since then, many patients have reported severe gastrointestinal and vision complications that were not clearly disclosed in early labeling or marketing materials.
If you’ve experienced unexpected side effects such as gastroparesis or vision loss after taking Ozempic or Wegovy, you may have legal options. Call a California Ozempic lawyer at Ernst Law Group today at (805) 541-0300 for a free consultation.
Why clients trust Ernst Law Group for Ozempic lawsuits
The Ernst Law Group has been a dedicated member of the community for nearly 40 years. Our founder, Don Ernst, established the Lawyer Referral and Information Service to help connect injury victims to the right kind of lawyer. Still, 45 years later, our firm is still committed to serving the community and honoring our history.
“Hands down best law group in town! Patient, kind, honest, hardworking, and in it to win it! Thank you for taking such good care of us, Ernst Law Group. You’re appreciated! Times aren’t always easy, and people aren’t always honest, so thank you for proving different!”
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“The entire team at Ernst Law Group and specifically Don Ernst, treated me with such kindness and empathy throughout a lengthy and difficult case. I could not be more appreciative of their consistent communication, organization, and efficient navigation of the legal process. I am so grateful I was able to work with this team.”
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“The Ernst Law Group went above and beyond anything we ever expected! Because our case was based on a unique matter, we were having trouble finding a firm to represent us, and then we contacted the Ernst Law Group. I would not hesitate for one second in referring the Ernst Law Group to anyone who needs legal assistance. I have experienced firsthand why they are a leader in their trade and in the community!”
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What are GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, and how do they work?
Initially approved to treat type 2 diabetes, physicians have begun to prescribe Ozempic for weight loss. Semaglutide also goes by the brand names Rybelsus and Wegovy, and is part of a medication class referred to as a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1 RA). The medication mimics the body’s GLP-1 hormone, which is released when we eat.
At lower doses, GLP-1 causes the body to create more insulin, which is why it was beneficial as a diabetes treatment. But in higher doses, it can work as an appetite suppressant and support weight loss.
What conditions is Ozempic approved to treat?
Ozempic was developed to help manage type 2 diabetes and certain related health risks. As of January 28, 2025, the FDA has approved Ozempic for 3 uses:
- Improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes
- Reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or death) in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease
- Reduce the risk of kidney disease progression and cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease
While Ozempic can lead to weight loss at higher doses, it has not been approved as a weight loss medication. That approval applies only to Wegovy, another semaglutide product. Misuse or off-label prescribing has led to a growing number of patients experiencing severe complications.
Ozempic warnings and safety concerns
When weight loss became a more common off-label use for Ozempic, the number of patients taking it at higher doses increased. More recent research indicates that higher doses increase the risk of significant side effects.
Common side effects linked to the Ozempic lawsuit
Semaglutide (sold as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus) often causes gastrointestinal side effects, especially when starting or after dose increases. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are the most common and usually improve within a few weeks. The concerns below are less common but more serious and are the focus of many claims.
Gastroparesis and stomach paralysis
Semaglutide slows how quickly food leaves the stomach. In some people, this can be more severe and present as gastroparesis. Symptoms of gastroparesis can include persistent nausea, repeated vomiting, early fullness after small meals, abdominal pain, and dehydration or weight loss. These symptoms can look like typical GLP-1 stomach effects; the difference is that they do not improve or get worse over time. Ongoing or severe symptoms need medical evaluation to rule out complications and to adjust treatment.
Intestinal blockage (ileus)
There have been reports of ileus, which is a form of intestinal paralysis that can lead to bowel obstruction. Warning signs include severe or worsening abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, inability to pass gas or stool, and abdominal swelling. This requires urgent medical care.
Other serious effects to discuss with your doctor
Although rare, the following serious events have been reported with semaglutide use and should be taken seriously if symptoms appear:
- Pancreatitis: severe, persistent upper or middle abdominal pain, often with nausea or vomiting
- Gallbladder disease; right-upper abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, pale stools
- Acute kidney injury; reduced urination, swelling in legs or arms, fatigue, especially if dehydrated from GI symptoms
- Vision changes; any sudden vision loss or significant visual disturbance that resembles anterior ischemic optic neuropathy should prompt immediate evaluation
Legal rights after experiencing Ozempic side effects
California law allows consumers certain rights after injury from negligence:
| Pursue compensation from the negligent physician, pharmacy, or manufacturer |
| File a claim with the negligent party’s insurance company |
| Obtain legal representation |
| You have the right to seek medical care for any injuries sustained after taking Ozempic |
The Ernst Law Group will help you recover damages for your injuries
If you have taken Ozempic and suffered medical complications like those mentioned above, you may be entitled to damages to compensate you for the time, money, and stress. Every situation is different, but some of the more common damages Ozempic injury victims may claim include:
- The cost of medical bills
- Time missed from work due to illness
- Pain and suffering
- The cost of mobility aids or modifications to your home
- Loss of earning capacity if you must leave your job or field due to blindness
Some of these complications can be life-threatening. If you have lost a loved one as a result, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit on their behalf and on behalf of surviving family members.
Contact our California Ozempic lawyers for a free consultation
It can be challenging to determine if you should pursue something like a lawsuit. Oftentimes, medical teams suggest that your complications were due to pre-existing conditions like diabetes or obesity. Doctors may attribute your complications to pre-existing conditions like diabetes or obesity, but that doesn’t mean you have no recourse.
Our team offers free case consultations so we can learn more about your situation and discuss your options. Call us today at (805) 541-0300 to hold these large companies accountable for their negligence.
Frequently asked questions about Ozempic lawsuits
In California, you typically have a 2-year statute of limitations to file a lawsuit for your injuries. However, this can vary depending on when you identified the issue and who you are filing the lawsuit against. Our team will try to help you at any point in your case, but the sooner you contact us, the more we can do to help you.
At the Ernst Law Group, we believe you should have access to legal representation regardless of your financial situation. We know that finances may be particularly tight if you have been saddled with medical bills, and a lawyer should not add to that stress. Therefore, we offer our services on contingency. This means you do not owe us a penny in legal fees until we recover compensation on your behalf.
It can be difficult to determine the exact value of your case without a thorough review of the facts. The goal of your Ozempic injury claim is to recover the money you lost due to medical needs. However, we will always fight to include compensation to cover the emotional toll and inconvenience as well.
In situations like this, the defendant is often motivated to settle the situation outside of court to minimize a loss of time and money, as well as their risk. However, if the case goes to court, we will continue to represent your interests through the pretrial and discovery phases, as well as in the courtroom.
It can be difficult to predict how long your case will take to resolve. It can take months to fully investigate the situation and begin negotiations out of court. In larger cases and class action lawsuits, there are often many delays, and it can take more than a year to make significant progress.
Ready to discuss your Ozempic case? Call (805) 541-0300 or contact Ernst Law Group for a free consultation with a California Ozempic attorney today.
Local resources
Ernst Law Group offices
Phone: (805) 541-0300
1020 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone: (310) 362-9008
400 S Beverly Dr, Suite 240
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Medical Resources:
Dignity Health French Hospital Medical Center
Phone: (805) 543-5353
1911 Johnson Ave
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Community Health Center
Phone: (805) 269-1500
Address: 77 Casa Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Central Coast Gastroenterologist
Phone: (805) 434-5530
Address: 1551 Bishop St
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401