J.D. v. Novo Nordisk: Ozempic Gastroparesis Settlement

Case Background

J.D., a 52-year-old woman from Chicago, Illinois, was prescribed Ozempic in January 2022 for management of her type 2 diabetes. She had no prior history of gastrointestinal disorders and her gastric emptying studies were normal before starting the medication.

After approximately 8 months of treatment, J.D. began experiencing severe nausea, vomiting, and early satiety. Her symptoms progressively worsened over the following months, leading to significant weight loss, malnutrition, and multiple emergency room visits.

Medical Diagnosis

In March 2023, after 14 months on Ozempic, J.D. was diagnosed with severe gastroparesis based on:

• Gastric emptying scintigraphy showing delayed emptying (retention of 65% of meal at 4 hours, normal is <10%)
• Upper endoscopy ruling out mechanical obstruction
• Clinical symptoms including persistent nausea, vomiting, early satiety, and bloating

Her gastroenterologist confirmed that the gastroparesis was likely medication-induced, as her diabetes was well-controlled and she had no other risk factors.

Legal Proceedings

J.D. filed a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk in August 2023, alleging that the company failed to adequately warn about the risk of gastroparesis. The case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Key Evidence

• Medical records showing normal gastric emptying prior to Ozempic use
• Expert testimony from a board-certified gastroenterologist linking Ozempic to gastroparesis
• FDA adverse event reports showing a pattern of gastroparesis cases associated with semaglutide
• Internal Novo Nordisk documents (obtained through discovery) showing awareness of gastrointestinal risks

Legal Hurdles

The primary challenge was establishing causation. The defense argued that J.D.'s type 2 diabetes was the more likely cause of her gastroparesis, as diabetic gastroparesis is a known complication of long-standing diabetes. However, expert testimony established that:

1. J.D.'s diabetes was relatively recent (diagnosed in 2020) and well-controlled
2. She had no signs of diabetic neuropathy, which is typically present in diabetic gastroparesis
3. The onset of symptoms correlated directly with the duration of Ozempic use
4. The mechanism of GLP-1 receptor agonists — slowing gastric emptying — provided a clear pharmacological basis for the injury

Settlement

After 6 months of litigation and a successful mediation, Novo Nordisk agreed to a $1.2 million settlement. The settlement was structured to cover:

• Past medical expenses: $340,000
• Lost wages: $180,000
• Pain and suffering: $400,000
• Future medical care (including potential gastric pacemaker): $280,000

J.D. continues to suffer from gastroparesis symptoms and requires ongoing medical treatment, including dietary modifications, prokinetic medications, and regular monitoring.

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