Ozempic® Lawsuits for Vision Loss and Severe Injuries – What Illinois Patients Need to Know

If you or a loved one have suffered sudden vision loss or a serious injury after taking Ozempic® (semaglutide), you are not alone.

Ozempic, a GLP-1 receptor agonist manufactured by Novo Nordisk, has helped many patients manage type 2 diabetes and aid weight loss — but recent medical research and lawsuits raise concerns about severe side effects, including a rare but potentially permanent form of optic nerve damage known as NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy).

At Fabbrini Law Group, we are actively investigating claims on behalf of Illinois residents who experienced vision problems, gastroparesis, intestinal blockages, and other serious complications after using Ozempic, Wegovy®, or Rybelsus®.

What Is NAION and Why Is It a Concern With Ozempic?

NAION is an injury to the optic nerve caused by reduced blood flow, leading to sudden and often permanent vision loss in one eye.

A 2024 Harvard/Mass Eye & Ear study, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, reported a higher rate of NAION among patients prescribed semaglutide compared to patients on other medications.

While association is not the same as causation, the findings have raised alarms among doctors, patients, and attorneys. Early symptoms of NAION can include:

  • Sudden, painless vision loss in one eye
  • Dark spots or “missing areas” in your vision
  • Colors appearing less vivid
  • Loss of contrast sensitivity

If you notice these symptoms while taking Ozempic, you should seek immediate medical attention.

FDA Warnings and Labeling

The current FDA-approved label for Ozempic warns about diabetic retinopathy complications and instructs patients to report any vision changes. However, NAION is not specifically named in the Warnings and Precautions section as of the most recent update.

Other known risks listed on the label include:

  • Pancreatitis
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Acute kidney injury
  • Gastrointestinal side effects — including ileus (intestinal blockage), which the FDA added to the label in 2023

The Federal Ozempic Lawsuit (MDL No. 3094)

Lawsuits against Novo Nordisk and other manufacturers of GLP-1 drugs are now centralized in Multidistrict Litigation (MDL No. 3094) in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

This MDL includes claims involving Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Rybelsus®, and other GLP-1 medications.

What Plaintiffs Allege

  • Failure to warn about serious side effects — including NAION and severe gastrointestinal injuries like gastroparesis and bowel obstruction
  • Negligent marketing that downplayed risks
  • Inadequate post-market safety monitoring

Within the MDL, some attorneys are pushing for a dedicated “vision injury track” to coordinate discovery and expert testimony specifically on NAION.

Do You Have an Ozempic Case?

You may qualify for compensation if:

  1. You used Ozempic®, Wegovy®, or Rybelsus® before your injury; and
  2. You were diagnosed with NAION or experienced sudden vision loss; or
  3. You developed severe gastrointestinal injuries requiring hospitalization, surgery, or long-term treatment.

Potential Compensation in an Ozempic Lawsuit

If your case is successful, you may recover damages for:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disability and disfigurement
  • In certain cases, punitive damages

What to Do if You Suspect an Ozempic Injury

  1. Get medical care immediately. Vision loss and severe GI symptoms require urgent evaluation.
  2. Preserve your evidence. Keep medication packaging, pharmacy receipts, and all medical records.
  3. Contact an experienced dangerous drug attorney. The deadlines to file (statutes of limitations) vary, but in Illinois many claims have a two-year window from the date of injury or discovery.

Why Choose Fabbrini Law Group

  • Experience with complex pharmaceutical litigation and Illinois injury law
  • No fee unless you win — we work on a contingency basis
  • Personalized attention from a Chicago-based law firm that fights for injured patients
  • Free consultations to assess your case and explain your options

Get a Free, Confidential Case Review

If you or someone you love has suffered vision loss or other serious side effects after taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus, call Fabbrini Law Group today at 312-494-3131 or email contact@WindyCityLawFirm.com.

Fabbrini Law Group

181 W Madison Street, 47th Floor
Chicago IL 60602

312-494-3131 | contact@WindyCityLawFirm.com

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Ozempic® and Wegovy® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk; no affiliation is implied