Gastroparesis & GLP-1 Medications
Thousands of patients who used Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and other GLP-1 medications have developed gastroparesis and other severe gastrointestinal injuries. Federal litigation is underway against the manufacturers.
What Is Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis, often called stomach paralysis, is a condition in which the muscles of the stomach stop working properly, preventing food from moving through the digestive system at a normal pace. Patients with gastroparesis experience severe nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, and an inability to eat normally.
In serious cases, gastroparesis can lead to dangerous complications including malnutrition, severe dehydration, bowel blockages, and unpredictable blood sugar fluctuations. Some patients require hospitalization, feeding tubes, or surgical intervention. The condition can be chronic and life-altering.
GLP-1 receptor agonist medications work by slowing gastric emptying — the very mechanism that, in some patients, crosses the line from therapeutic benefit to dangerous injury. Lawsuits allege that manufacturers knew the drugs could cause permanent or prolonged gastroparesis and failed to adequately warn patients and prescribers.
Other Qualifying GI Injuries
In addition to gastroparesis, the following gastrointestinal injuries related to GLP-1 medications are included in the current litigation:
Ileus / Bowel Obstruction
A temporary or permanent paralysis of the intestines that prevents food and waste from passing through the bowel. This can require emergency surgery and hospitalization.
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas that causes severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Acute pancreatitis can be life-threatening and may lead to chronic pancreatic damage.
Gallbladder Disease
GLP-1 medications have been associated with gallstones and gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), often requiring surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy).
Severe Vomiting / Cyclic Vomiting
Persistent, uncontrollable vomiting episodes that can lead to dehydration, esophageal damage, and hospitalization.
Gastric Emptying Study Requirement
Judge Marston, who is overseeing the GLP-1 gastrointestinal MDL (MDL 3094), has ruled that claimants alleging gastroparesis or delayed gastric emptying must provide objective medical evidence to support their claims. Specifically, a gastric emptying study (also known as a gastric emptying scintigraphy) is expected to be required.
This test measures how quickly food leaves your stomach by having you eat a small meal containing a harmless radioactive tracer, then tracking its movement through imaging over a period of several hours. It provides objective, measurable data about your gastric function.
If you have not yet had a gastric emptying study performed, this does not disqualify you from filing a claim. Your attorney can help you coordinate this testing as part of the litigation process. However, having this test completed strengthens your case significantly.
Do You Qualify?
You may be eligible to file a GLP-1 gastrointestinal injury claim if the following apply:
Used a GLP-1 Medication
You were prescribed and used Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or another GLP-1 receptor agonist medication.
Developed a GI Injury
You were diagnosed with gastroparesis, bowel obstruction, ileus, pancreatitis, or gallbladder disease after starting the medication.
Have Medical Documentation
You have medical records documenting your diagnosis. A gastric emptying study, while strongly recommended, is not required to begin the process.
Not Already Represented
You are not currently represented by another attorney for this specific claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach cannot empty food normally. It is sometimes called stomach paralysis. Symptoms include severe nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, and the inability to eat normally. In severe cases, gastroparesis can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and require hospitalization or surgical intervention.
How do GLP-1 medications cause gastroparesis?
GLP-1 medications work by slowing gastric emptying to help control blood sugar and reduce appetite. In some patients, this mechanism causes the stomach to slow down to a dangerous degree, resulting in gastroparesis. The manufacturers are accused of failing to adequately warn patients and doctors about the severity and permanence of this risk.
What is the gastric emptying study requirement?
Judge Marston, overseeing MDL 3094, has indicated that claimants alleging gastroparesis or other GI injuries will need objective medical testing — specifically a gastric emptying study — to support their claims. This test measures how quickly food moves through the stomach and provides objective evidence of delayed gastric emptying. If you have not yet had this test, your attorney can help coordinate it.
What other GI injuries qualify besides gastroparesis?
In addition to gastroparesis, qualifying gastrointestinal injuries include bowel obstruction, ileus (temporary paralysis of the intestines), pancreatitis, and gallbladder disease requiring surgery or removal. All of these injuries must have occurred after starting a GLP-1 medication.
How long do I have to file a GLP-1 GI injury claim?
The statute of limitations varies by state and typically runs from the date of injury or date of discovery. Because deadlines vary and can expire, it is important to have your case evaluated as soon as possible. An initial case review is free and can help determine your specific timeline.
What does it cost to file a claim?
There is no cost to you. Attorneys handling GLP-1 injury cases work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive compensation. NuLegal's initial case review is completely free with no obligation.
Don't Wait
Statutes of limitations may limit how long you have to file. Get a free, no-obligation case review today to find out if you qualify for compensation.
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