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Fabbrini Law Group – Illinois’ Trusted Ozempic Injury & Vision Loss Attorneys

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

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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.

NAION is a particular condition that often strikes without warning and affects people over 50 years of age, many of whom have chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. When vision is lost due to NAION, recovery is rare. For professionals who rely on visual acuity, such as drivers, artists, teachers and surgeons, the impact can be devastating, leading to career ending. The Harvard study found that patients taking semaglutide had a 3.8 times higher risk of developing NAION compared to those taking other diabetes medications after adjusting for age and pre-existing risk factors. Novo Nordisk has not issued a recall yet, but mounting scientific evidence has led to increased scrutiny by regulators and litigation teams across the country.

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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

Critics argue that the current labeling for a product is insufficient. While “vision changes” are mentioned broadly, the absence of a specific warning about NAION (neovascularization of the optic nerve head) may have prevented doctors from recognizing early signs of this condition or discussing the risk with patients. In product liability law, pharmaceutical companies have a duty to update labels when new safety data becomes available. Plaintiffs in Ozempic-related lawsuits allege that Novo Nordisk (the company that produces Ozempic) knew or should have known about the risk of NAION based on internal safety reports and post-market surveillance, but failed to act promptly. They argue that this delay left thousands of patients exposed to an avoidable injury.

In addition, the FDA’s 2023 update on gastrointestinal risks was released only after numerous reports of adverse events flooded the agency’s database. Patients were hospitalized for weeks due to severe constipation, nausea, and pseudo-obstructions – conditions that mimic physical bowel blockages, but are caused by drug-induced paralysis of the digestive tract (gastroparesis). These complications may require surgery, feeding tubes, or lifelong dietary restrictions. However, many patients say they were never warned about these potential outcomes when their doctors prescribed Ozempic.

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.

MDLs are designed to simplify pre-trial proceedings for complex mass tort cases. By combining thousands of similar cases, courts can avoid redundant discovery, coordinate expert testimony, and ensure consistent rulings on crucial legal issues.

In MDL 3094, a judge appointed a lead counsel and scheduled bellwether trials, which are early cases that help determine how jurors will react to evidence and arguments. The trials are expected to start late in 2026 or early in 2027, and could significantly influence the settlement discussions for the entire lawsuit.

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.

  • The insurance company denied my claim but Fabbrini Law Group ended up getting me a huge settlement. Highly recommended.

    Eduardo

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

Learn More About Personal Injury

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

Common Ozempic® Lawsuits FAQs

What is the main allegation in the Ozempic lawsuits?

The core claim is that Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn patients and doctors about the risk of severe, permanent side effects, including a specific type of sudden vision loss (NAION) and severe gastrointestinal injuries like gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) and ileus (intestinal blockage).

Do I have a case if I took Ozempic for weight loss and not diabetes?

Yes. Whether the drug was prescribed for type 2 diabetes or off-label for weight management does not typically affect your eligibility to file a claim. The legal question focuses on whether the drug caused your injury and whether the manufacturer provided sufficient warning of the risks.

What is NAION, and how do I know if I have it?

NAION (Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy) is a sudden loss of vision in one eye caused by impaired blood flow to the optic nerve. Symptoms include painless, abrupt vision loss, dark spots, or loss of color vision. A formal diagnosis must be made by an ophthalmologist or retina specialist through an examination.

What is the status of the national litigation?

Lawsuits from across the country have been consolidated into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (MDL 3094). This streamlines the pre-trial process. The court is currently in the discovery phase, and the first “bellwether” test trials are expected in late 2026 or 2027, which will help shape potential settlements.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Illinois?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for a product liability claim is generally two years from the date you discovered or reasonably should have discovered your injury and its potential link to Ozempic. However, this deadline is strict and can be complex, so it is critical to consult an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

What kind of compensation could I recover?

If successful, you may be eligible for compensation for past and future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life. In cases of extreme misconduct, punitive damages may also be possible. Illinois law does not cap compensation for pain and suffering in these types of cases.

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