If you or someone you love has experienced sudden vision loss or severe gastrointestinal injury after taking Ozempic®, Wegovy®, or Rybelsus®, you may have the right to seek compensation.
Fabbrini Law Group, a Chicago-based personal injury law firm, is actively investigating claims for Illinois residents harmed by these popular GLP-1 receptor agonist medications.
This comprehensive guide explains:
- What recent research says about Ozempic and vision loss
- The connection to NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy)
- Other serious side effects linked to semaglutide drugs
- The status of the federal multidistrict litigation (MDL)
- How Illinois law applies to dangerous drug claims
- Steps to take if you suspect an Ozempic injury
- How our attorneys can help you pursue a claim
Understanding Ozempic and GLP-1 Medications
Ozempic® is the brand name for semaglutide, a once-weekly injectable medication developed by Novo Nordisk. It belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic a naturally occurring hormone to:
- Stimulate insulin release
- Reduce appetite
- Slow gastric emptying
Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes management but has also been widely prescribed off-label for weight loss. Other semaglutide brands include Wegovy® (approved for weight management) and Rybelsus® (an oral tablet form).
The Link Between Ozempic and Vision Loss
NAION: A Rare but Serious Eye Condition
NAION stands for non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, a condition in which blood flow to the optic nerve is reduced or blocked, causing sudden vision loss — often permanent — in one eye.
In 2024, researchers at Harvard Medical School and Mass Eye & Ear published a study in JAMA Ophthalmology showing that patients prescribed semaglutide had a higher rate of NAION diagnoses compared to patients on other treatments. While the study did not prove causation, the association was significant enough to draw national attention.
NAION symptoms may include:
- Sudden, painless vision loss in one eye
- Dark or blurry spots in the visual field
- Reduced color perception or contrast sensitivity
- Visual field defects, sometimes noticed upon waking
If untreated, NAION damage to the optic nerve is usually permanent.
FDA Warnings About Ozempic and Vision Changes
The FDA label for Ozempic warns about diabetic retinopathy complications and advises patients to report any vision changes to their healthcare provider. However, NAION is not specifically listed under Warnings and Precautions.
Other serious warnings include:
- Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain)
- Acute kidney injury
- Gallbladder problems
- Pancreatitis
- Ileus (intestinal blockage) — added to the label in 2023
Other Severe Ozempic Side Effects Under Investigation
While vision injuries are a growing area of litigation, many Ozempic lawsuits also focus on severe gastrointestinal injuries, including:
- Gastroparesis — delayed stomach emptying, causing chronic nausea and vomiting
- Ileus — a dangerous intestinal blockage that may require hospitalization or surgery
- Bowel obstruction — leading to severe abdominal pain, distention, and inability to pass stool or gas
These conditions can lead to long-term disability, lost income, and reduced quality of life.
The Federal Ozempic Lawsuit – MDL No. 3094
To streamline litigation, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) has centralized Ozempic and other GLP-1 drug cases in MDL No. 3094 in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The MDL includes claims involving:
- Ozempic®
- Wegovy®
- Rybelsus®
- Other GLP-1 drugs from different manufacturers
Judge Karen Marston now oversees the MDL after the passing of Judge Gene Pratter. This consolidation allows for coordinated discovery, expert testimony, and pretrial rulings — improving efficiency when thousands of similar claims are involved.
What Plaintiffs Are Alleging
- Failure to Warn – Novo Nordisk allegedly failed to provide adequate warnings about NAION, gastroparesis, and other risks.
- Negligent Marketing – Promotional campaigns may have minimized or omitted information about serious side effects.
- Defective Design – Plaintiffs argue that the drug’s mechanism of action may inherently carry unacceptable risks without proper safeguards.
Some plaintiffs’ attorneys are advocating for a “vision injury track” within the MDL to specifically address NAION-related cases.
Illinois Law and Dangerous Drug Claims
Illinois product liability law allows injured consumers to bring claims for:
- Strict liability – Holding a manufacturer accountable if the product was unreasonably dangerous, regardless of intent.
- Negligence – Proving the manufacturer failed to exercise reasonable care in design, testing, or warning.
- Failure to warn – Showing that inadequate instructions or warnings made the product unsafe.
Statute of Limitations: In Illinois, most personal injury and product liability claims must be filed within two years of the injury or its discovery. However, certain exceptions and tolling provisions may apply in drug injury cases. Acting quickly preserves your rights.
Do You Qualify for an Ozempic Lawsuit?
You may have a case if you:
- Took Ozempic®, Wegovy®, or Rybelsus® before your injury
- Experienced sudden vision loss or were diagnosed with NAION
- Developed severe gastrointestinal injuries requiring hospitalization
- Have supporting medical records linking your injury to the medication
What Compensation Could Be Available?
Potential damages in an Ozempic lawsuit may include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability and disfigurement
- In rare cases, punitive damages
What to Do if You Suspect an Ozempic Injury
- Seek Immediate Medical Care – NAION and GI blockages are medical emergencies.
- Document Everything – Save medication packaging, pharmacy receipts, and medical records.
- Consult an Experienced Attorney – A lawyer familiar with dangerous drug litigation can guide you through MDL participation or filing in Illinois state court.
Why Choose Fabbrini Law Group for Your Ozempic Case
- Experience in pharmaceutical and defective product litigation
- Illinois-based team with deep knowledge of local courts and law
- Contingency fee representation – No legal fees unless we win
- Proven track record of securing high-value settlements and verdicts
- Personal attention from intake through resolution
We understand the emotional and financial toll that vision loss and serious injuries can have on your life — and we fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Ozempic cause blindness?
Research has linked Ozempic to NAION, a condition that can cause permanent partial vision loss. While causation is still being studied, lawsuits allege inadequate warnings about this risk.
How long do I have to file an Ozempic lawsuit in Illinois?
Generally, two years from the date of injury or discovery. Contact a lawyer immediately to avoid missing the deadline.
Do I have to pay upfront for a lawyer?
No. Fabbrini Law Group handles these cases on a contingency fee basis — we only get paid if you win.
Will my case be part of the federal MDL?
Possibly. Many cases are being transferred to MDL No. 3094, but your attorney can advise on the best venue.
Take the Next Step – Free Case Review
If you believe Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus caused your vision loss or serious injury, call Fabbrini Law Group today.
Fabbrini Law Group
181 W Madison St., 47th Floor
Chicago, IL 60602
📞 312-494-3131
📧 contact@WindyCityLawFirm.com
No fee unless you win. Let us help you fight for justice and the compensation you deserve.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Rybelsus® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk; no affiliation is implied