The popular diabetes drug Ozempic (semaglutide), also prescribed off-label for weight loss, is facing mounting legal and medical scrutiny. More than 1,800 lawsuits have been filed in the U.S., alleging that the drug caused serious side effects such as gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), persistent vomiting, intestinal blockages, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, kidney issues, and even vision loss.

These claims, consolidated under MDL 3094 in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, argue that manufacturer Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn patients and doctors, particularly regarding off-label use. Potential liability is estimated at $2 billion, with new cases still being added.

Beyond the courtroom, the controversy highlights larger issues in medicine:

• Transparency & Informed Consent – Patients need the full risk profile, not just benefits.
• Regulatory Oversight – Are post-market monitoring and labeling requirements strong enough?
• Prescriber Responsibility – Doctors must stay updated and communicate emerging risks.

Looking ahead, this litigation could reshape how the pharmaceutical industry handles risk disclosure, labeling, and post-market surveillance. Regulators like the FDA may demand stricter warnings or new studies, while physicians and patients will need closer collaboration in decision-making.

The case also raises broader questions: How should pharma balance innovation vs. responsibility? Will lawsuits push for stricter regulation and stronger side-effect reporting? And how might this affect drug pricing and global access to generics?