New Lawsuits Claim Ozempic and Similar Drugs Caused Vision Loss

A new group of lawsuits has been formed against makers of the popular weight-loss and diabetes drug Ozempic. These cases claim Ozempic and similar drugs may cause serious vision problems, including partial or total blindness.

On December 15, 2025, a federal court officially combined these lawsuits into a new multidistrict litigation, also called an MDL. This allows similar cases from across the country to be handled together during the early stages of the legal process.

How Common Are These Drugs?

Drugs like Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications are now widely used in the United States.

Estimates suggest that between 15 and 20 million Americans are currently taking Ozempic or a similar GLP-1 drug. Looking more broadly, as many as 35 million American adults may have used a GLP-1 drug at some point in their lives.

Because so many people take these medications, even rare side effects can affect a large number of patients nationwide.

What Is This New MDL About?

The new MDL focuses on claims that GLP-1 drugs may cause a condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, often referred to as NAION.

NAION happens when blood flow to the optic nerve is reduced. The optic nerve carries visual information from the eye to the brain. When it is damaged, vision loss can occur suddenly and may be permanent.

At the time the MDL was created, about 30 federal lawsuits had already been filed. More than 40 additional cases were pending in state courts, and those numbers may continue to grow.

Why Was a Separate MDL Created?

GLP-1 drugs are already involved in another large MDL that focuses on stomach and digestive injuries. That earlier litigation includes claims involving conditions such as gastroparesis, intestinal blockages, and severe vomiting.

The court decided that vision-loss cases should be handled separately. These cases involve different injuries, different medical questions, and different scientific evidence. Creating a separate MDL helps the court focus specifically on eye-related injuries without mixing them with gastrointestinal claims.

Both MDLs are being overseen by the same federal judge in Pennsylvania, which helps keep the overall process organized.

What Are the Lawsuits Claiming?

People filing these lawsuits say the drug makers did not properly warn doctors or patients about the risk of serious vision damage.

Many plaintiffs say they experienced sudden vision loss after using GLP-1 drugs for diabetes or weight loss. Some report losing vision in one eye, while others say both eyes were affected. In several cases, patients say their symptoms were first mistaken for diabetic eye problems, delaying proper diagnosis and treatment.

Some lawsuits point to medical studies suggesting a possible link between GLP-1 drugs and optic nerve damage.

What Does This Mean for Patients?

The creation of an MDL does not mean the drug companies are guilty, and it does not mean cases are settled. It simply means the court is handling similar cases together to make the process more efficient.

An MDL allows the court to:

• Share evidence across many cases
• Avoid repeating the same steps in different courts
• Address major medical and scientific questions in one place

In many MDLs, a small number of cases are selected for early trials. These trials can help show how juries may respond to the evidence and sometimes lead to settlements. Other cases may later return to their original courts.

What Happens Next?

In the coming months, the court will set schedules, organize discovery, and decide how expert evidence will be handled. Plaintiffs’ lawyers will continue gathering medical records and expert opinions. Drug makers are expected to argue that their products were tested, approved by regulators, and properly labeled.

As awareness of the lawsuits grows, more people who experienced vision problems after using GLP-1 drugs may come forward.

What if You’ve Experienced Adverse Effects While Using Ozempic?

If you’ve experienced serious side effects while taking Ozempic, reach out to Thomas J. Henry for a free case evaluation.

For 30 years, Thomas J. Henry has been a dedicated advocate for individuals who have suffered injuries in cases involving personal injury and product liability. During this time, Thomas J. Henry has built a reputation for his firm’s unwavering commitment to clients and his ability to litigate against large corporations, including Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies.

Don’t delay and jeopardize your well-being. Contact Thomas J. Henry today. We are available around the clock, seven days a week, including nights and weekends, to assist you.