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GLP-1 Medication Lawsuits in Austin, TX: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro & More

GLP-1 receptor agonist medications including Ozempic (semaglutide), Wegovy (semaglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide), and Zepbound (tirzepatide) have been among the most widely prescribed drugs in the United States over the past several years — and have generated one of the most rapidly growing waves of product liability litigation in the country. As of May 2026, 3,636 cases are pending in MDL 3094 (gastrointestinal injuries) and 86 cases in MDL No. 3163 (vision loss/NAION), both in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Austin’s tech-forward professional population and the heavy marketing of GLP-1 drugs through social media and influencer channels have made Ozempic and Wegovy particularly widely used in the Austin area — often in younger, healthier patients prescribed the drug primarily for weight management rather than diabetes. This population of weight-loss patients prescribed GLP-1 drugs is a significant component of the current litigation landscape.

The core allegation in GLP-1 litigation is that manufacturers Novo Nordisk (Ozempic, Wegovy) and Eli Lilly (Mounjaro, Zepbound) failed to adequately warn patients and prescribers about the risk of serious gastrointestinal injuries and permanent vision loss — despite having evidence of these risks. Edward O. Moody, P.A. evaluates GLP-1 injury claims for patients in Austin and across Texas.

What Injuries Are Covered in the GLP-1 Litigation?

Two separate MDLs have been established for GLP-1 injuries:

MDL 3094 — Gastrointestinal Injuries (3,636 cases pending as of May 2026): – Gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) — the inability of the stomach to properly move food into the small intestine, causing nausea, vomiting, and malnutrition. Ozempic’s label was updated in January 2025 to state the drug is “not recommended in patients with severe gastroparesis,” but plaintiffs allege this was inadequate and belated. – Ileus — impairment of normal bowel movement function – Intestinal obstruction — a blockage preventing passage of food or fluid through the intestine, sometimes requiring emergency surgery – Pancreatitis — inflammation of the pancreas; GLP-1 users face a 9x higher risk of pancreatitis, which can itself lead to gastroparesis

MDL No. 3163 — Vision Loss/NAION (86 cases pending as of May 2026): – Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) — a form of optic nerve stroke causing sudden, permanent vision loss. A 2024 study in JAMA Ophthalmology found semaglutide users had more than a fourfold higher risk of NAION. Overweight patients taking semaglutide for weight loss had a sevenfold higher risk. A second 2024 study of 400,000+ patients confirmed more than double the NAION risk.

Which Drugs Are Covered?

Ozempic (semaglutide — Novo Nordisk) — injectable, approved for Type 2 diabetes

Wegovy (semaglutide — Novo Nordisk) — injectable, higher dose, approved for weight management

Mounjaro (tirzepatide — Eli Lilly) — injectable, approved for Type 2 diabetes

Zepbound (tirzepatide — Eli Lilly) — injectable, approved for weight management

Victoza / Rybelsus (liraglutide/semaglutide oral) — also covered in the GLP-1 litigation

Trulicity (dulaglutide — Eli Lilly) — also included in litigation

Who May Qualify for a GLP-1 Claim in Austin?

Qualifying criteria generally include:

You used one or more of the covered GLP-1 medications listed above

You were diagnosed with a qualifying injury: gastroparesis, ileus, bowel obstruction, pancreatitis, NAION, or pulmonary aspiration during surgery while on a GLP-1 medication

Your injury required significant medical intervention: hospitalization, surgery, placement of a feeding tube, or ongoing treatment

Your injury was not pre-existing at the time you began GLP-1 therapy, or was substantially worsened by the medication

Both diabetes patients and weight management patients are eligible — the failure-to-warn claims apply regardless of the prescribing indication. Cases involving vision loss (NAION) are filed in MDL No. 3163 and are separate from gastrointestinal injury claims.

Current Litigation Status and What to Expect

Both GLP-1 MDLs are in active pretrial proceedings. Key developments as of May 2026:

August 2025: The presiding judge largely denied manufacturers’ motions to dismiss, allowing key failure-to-warn claims to proceed

January 2025: Ozempic’s label was updated to state it is “not recommended in patients with severe gastroparesis” — but does not acknowledge that the drug causes the condition

December 2025: MDL No. 3163 established for NAION/vision loss cases

March 2026: WHO warned that semaglutide drugs are linked to NAION

Mid-2026 or later: Bellwether trials expected in the gastrointestinal injury MDL

Settlement estimates: $400,000 to over $1 million for severe gastroparesis cases per industry analysis

The litigation is still in the filing stage — more cases are actively being accepted. Early filing may be advantageous as bellwether trial scheduling approaches.

FAQ

Yes. Off-label prescribing for weight loss is specifically addressed in the GLP-1 MDL — the failure-to-warn claims apply regardless of the indication for which the drug was prescribed. The allegation is that Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn about gastroparesis risk in all patients, not just those with diabetes. Please contact us for a free evaluation.

Yes — these are among the highest-value cases in the GLP-1 MDL. Documented permanent digestive damage with significant ongoing medical costs, lost earnings, and pain and suffering supports a substantial claim. Settlement estimates for severe gastroparesis cases range from $400,000 to over $1 million per industry estimates. Please contact us for a free evaluation of your specific situation.

These are two different types of claims. The lawsuit against the manufacturer (Novo Nordisk) is a product liability claim for failure to warn — arguing the drug itself lacked adequate warning labels. A separate medical malpractice claim against your doctor would require showing your doctor deviated from the standard of care. Many patients pursue the manufacturer claim independently. We can discuss both options during your free evaluation.

Austin patients who developed gastroparesis, bowel obstruction, pancreatitis, or vision loss after taking Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or another GLP-1 medication may be entitled to significant compensation. Contact Edward O. Moody, P.A. for a free confidential case evaluation. Call 501-376-0000. No fee unless we win.