Does Ozempic Cause Gastroparesis? [2026 Update]

Q: Is Ozempic linked to gastroparesis?

More research is needed to determine whether there is a direct link between Ozempic and gastroparesis. However, there have been a number of patients who have reported the severe stomach disorder after taking the drug.

Q: Does Ozempic mess up your digestive system?

The mechanism of action for semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, as a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist, may cause gastrointestinal issues, including delayed emptying of the stomach, which can be severe and lead to gastroparesis.

Q: Is gastroparesis a side effect of Ozempic?

Gastroparesis may be a side effect of Ozempic, although it is not listed on the drug’s label. There have been reports of people experiencing serious gastrointestinal issues, including stomach paralysis, after taking the medication.

Q: What is the risk of getting gastroparesis with Ozempic?

Approximately 1% of Ozempic users get gastroparesis. While this may seem like a small amount, the widespread use of this drug makes the number of people who may experience this serious side effect significant.

Q: Does semaglutide cause delayed gastric emptying?

The mechanism of action of semaglutide is known to cause delayed gastric emptying.

Q: Is gastroparesis a side effect of semaglutide?

Gastroparesis may be a side effect of semaglutide. An increasing number of people have reported experiencing stomach paralysis after taking medications like Ozempic.

Q: Why does Ozempic cause gastroparesis?

It is believed that Ozempic’s stimulation of GLP-1 receptors may cause a temporary delay in gastric emptying. In some instances, this may be severe, causing gastroparesis.

Q: Can Ozempic cause permanent gastroparesis?

While the delay in gastric emptying is expected to alleviate once a person stops taking the medication, some patients have reported continued adverse health effects for at least one year after they discontinued use.

Q: Does gastroparesis go away after stopping Ozempic?

Typically, gastroparesis goes away shortly after stopping Ozempic; however, some users have reported continued discomfort, including nausea and vomiting, for up to a year after they stopped taking the drug.

The Ozempic Lawsuit is an active lawsuit

Ozempic and Gastroparesis Overview

Recent studies have suggested that taking a semaglutide (like Ozempic) may be associated with an increase in someone’s chances of developing gastroparesis, especially if they take Ozempic for weight loss. Gastroparesis is a condition that makes a person’s stomach contents take longer to move down the intestinal tract, which may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other complications. Lawsuits accuse Novo Nordisk of failing to warn patients that Ozempic may increase the risks of gastroparesis.

A multidistrict litigation has been formed to consolidate lawsuits filed by patients who took a GLP-1 (like Ozempic) and suffered from gastroparesis or another gastrointestinal complication. Ozempic patients who were diagnosed with gastroparesis can contact an attorney at King Law to see if they qualify for compensation.

Ozempic and Gastroparesis Developments [2026 Update]

March 2026: A man filed a wrongful death lawsuit after his wife died due to complications that he believes were caused by Ozempic. According to the complaint, his wife took Ozempic from March 2024 to July 2024, and suffered from gastroparesis, ileus, and aspiration (when stomach contents enter the lungs). The lawsuit claims these conditions led to her death in August 2024. The complaint accuses Novo Nordisk of failing to warn about these risks.

August 2025: The judge overseeing the GLP-1 MDL (MDL No. 3094) entered an order clarifying what tests can be used as evidence to show an Ozempic patient was diagnosed with gastroparesis. According to that order, Ozempic patients seeking compensation must have had a gastric emptying study performed when they had gastroparesis symptoms. The judge also discussed which expert opinions could be used as evidence in Ozempic gastroparesis lawsuits in the MDL.

April 2025: A recent medical review found an increased rate of gastroparesis among patients in their database who took semaglutide for weight loss versus those taking another drug or who had a sleeve gastrectomy. Ozempic’s active ingredient is semaglutide.

February 2024: The United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation creates an MDL to consolidate claims that Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs may be associated with higher rates of gastroparesis and other complications.

January 2024: A case report published by the National Library of Medicine discusses a patient who developed gastroparesis after taking Ozempic (semaglutide). The patient took semaglutide for help with weight loss.

October 2023: A study suggested that patients with obesity who took Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (such as Ozempic) for weight loss had a higher risk of gastroparesis than those in the dataset who took bupropion-naltrexone.

July 2023: Public reports tell the stories of several women who experienced gastroparesis after taking Ozempic or a similar product to help treat Type 2 diabetes or manage their weight. One woman says her gastroparesis lasted for at least a year after she stopped taking Ozempic, and it required her to take time off work.

June 2023: The American Society of Anesthesiologists recommended that patients ask their surgeon if they should stop Ozempic before surgery. According to that notice, early reports suggested that patients taking a GLP-1 like Ozempic may be at a higher risk of aspirating (inhaling) their spit or vomit while under anesthesia because of gastroparesis.

What Is Gastroparesis From Ozempic?

Gastroparesis is when the stomach muscles do not move food into the small intestine when they should. Instead, the food stays in the stomach for much longer, which can cause vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, and other symptoms. Studies have suggested that some people with Type 2 diabetes and those taking semaglutide (like Ozempic) for weight loss may have a greater risk of developing gastroparesis than others. However, research is needed to understand the possible connection between Ozempic and gastroparesis.

This infographic describes the adverse events being reported by those on Ozempic, and lists information about Ozempic. Graphic of an Ozempic semaglutide pen is shown.

Can Ozempic Cause Gastroparesis?

Some observational research has found a possible association between taking semaglutide (like Ozempic) and a higher risk of gastroparesis and other gastrointestinal complications. Some of those reviews have suggested that the rates of gastroparesis increase if the person takes a GLP-1 for weight loss or obesity compared to another weight loss drug. However, researchers are still investigating this potential link between gastroparesis and Ozempic.

How Might Ozempic Cause Gastroparesis?

Ozempic may be associated with gastroparesis because it is a GLP-1 that delays when your body moves stomach contents from the stomach into the intestines. However, researchers have not confirmed a direct connection between Ozempic and gastroparesis. Ozempic belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA). GLP-1s work by mimicking the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which helps your body regulate blood sugar, helps you know when you are full, and slows the movement of food from your stomach to your small intestine.

This infographic describes how GLP-1 receptor agonists work and how they may cause stomach paralysis. A list of gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) symptoms is shown. Silhouette of a stomach shown.

Gastroparesis Symptoms and Side Effects

Gastroparesis can cause a wide range of symptoms, from bloating and pain to bouts of severe nausea and vomiting. It can also result in serious complications, including bezoars, severe dehydration, and unpredictable blood sugar changes. Individuals who are taking Ozempic and begin experiencing adverse gastrointestinal issues are encouraged to seek medical treatment for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms and possible complications of gastroparesis:

Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal bloating
Pain
Early satiety
Acid reflux
Vomiting undigested food
Changes in blood sugar levels
Lack of appetite
Weight loss
Malnutrition
Formation of bezoars (hardened masses that can block the digestive tract)
Constipation
Heartburn

Any adverse gastrointestinal issues experienced while taking Ozempic should be evaluated by a medical professional. It is important to note that the severity of gastroparesis is not directly correlated with the amount of pain you experience. In some cases, you may not have significant pain or discomfort despite having a serious condition.

How Common Is Gastroparesis With Ozempic Users?

Research suggests that gastroparesis may be more common in patients who take GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic than in people who take other weight loss drugs. For example, one analysis found that patients taking a GLP-1 drug had a 3.67 times higher risk of gastroparesis compared to patients who took bupropion-naltrexone, a different weight-loss drug.

Due to its popularity, consumers must be fully informed of the potential risk of serious side effects from using the medication. Studies show that gastroparesis may be one of many significant risks associated with the use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic; however, these studies are not conclusive. More research, including longer-term studies with a greater number of participants, is needed to ensure that all of the potential risks associated with semaglutide are discovered.

Is Gastroparesis From Ozempic Reversible?

Gastroparesis that may be caused by medications such as Ozempic may be reversible. However, there is some evidence to suggest that gastroparesis may continue for some time after the drug is discontinued. In rare cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve symptoms or address complications.

Reducing the Risk of Gastroparesis When Taking Ozempic

GLP-1 products, like Ozempic, slow down gastric emptying and digestion, which helps make someone feel full sooner and for longer. However, medical research has suggested that this may be associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal complications, such as gastroparesis. Researchers are continuing to investigate how Ozempic and other GLP-1s may affect gut health and function. In the meantime, patients taking Ozempic or another GLP-1 drug should talk to their doctor about new or worsening symptoms.

This infographic lists the ways someone on Ozempic can help prevent gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), or ease the side effects of gastroparesis (stomach paralysis). It also notes that gastroparesis may not be immediately reversible. Image of a person holding their stomach.

Other GLP-1 Drugs That Are Named in Gastroparesis Lawsuits

Lawsuits have also been filed by people claiming that other GLP-1 drugs may have caused them to suffer from gastroparesis. The drugs named in some of those lawsuits include Rybelsus and Wegovy, which both contain semaglutide and are made by Novo Nordisk. Lawsuits have also claimed that Novo Nordisk’s other GLP-1 products (like Saxenda, a liraglutide drug) may have caused patients to suffer from gastroparesis and other serious gastrointestinal conditions. Lawsuits have also been filed against Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), and Zepbound (tirzepatide), over similar gastrointestinal concerns.

Have You Experienced Gastroparesis While Taking Ozempic?

Individuals who have experienced gastroparesis while taking Ozempic are strongly encouraged to contact King Law to discuss their right to compensation. Our office can help you understand your rights and help you pursue compensation if you qualify to file an Ozempic lawsuit.

Contact an Ozempic Gastroparesis Lawyer

If you were diagnosed with serious gastrointestinal issues, such as gastroparesis, after taking Ozempic, you may be entitled to compensation. At King Law, we are well-versed in helping individuals take legal action against the manufacturers of dangerous and defective drugs. Call us at (585) 496-2648 or contact our office today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Find answers to any major questions you have regarding side effects from Ozempic below.

Is Ozempic linked to gastroparesis?

More research is needed to understand the link between Ozempic and gastroparesis. However, several studies suggest that people who take GLP-1 drugs (like Ozempic) may have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with gastroparesis than others.

What are the long-term side effects of Ozempic?

Researchers are still learning about how taking Ozempic can affect someone long-term.

Does Ozempic mess up your digestive system?

The active ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, is a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist. Research suggests that these types of drugs may cause gastrointestinal issues, including delayed emptying of the stomach, which some studies suggest may increase the likelihood of gastroparesis.

Is gastroparesis a side effect of Ozempic?

Gastroparesis is not listed on the current Ozempic label. However, the label says that patients who have or who have had gastroparesis should ask their doctor before taking Ozempic.

Does Ozempic give you gastroparesis?

Additional long-term studies are needed to determine whether Ozempic can cause a person to develop gastroparesis.

What is the risk of getting gastroparesis with Ozempic?

Medical professionals are still working to understand how common it is for patients to develop gastroparesis after taking Ozempic.

Does semaglutide cause delayed gastric emptying?

Semaglutide is known to cause delayed gastric emptying.

Is gastroparesis a side effect of semaglutide?

Researchers do not know if semaglutide causes gastroparesis. An increasing number of people have reported experiencing gastroparesis after taking medications like Ozempic, which contain the active ingredient, semaglutide.

Why does Ozempic cause gastroparesis?

Researchers do not know if Ozempic causes gastroparesis. However, its active ingredient, semaglutide, causes a temporary delay in gastric emptying, which some researchers think may lead to gastroparesis.

Can Ozempic cause permanent gastroparesis?

It is not known if Ozempic can cause gastroparesis or, if so, if it would be permanent.

Does gastroparesis go away after stopping Ozempic?

Researchers are still learning about the possible connection between Ozempic and gastroparesis. Some users have reported continued discomfort, including nausea and vomiting, for up to a year after they stopped taking the drug.

Is Ozempic gastroparesis reversible?

Drug-induced delayed gastric emptying may improve after stopping the drug. However, some patients may experience persistent symptoms, even after stopping Ozempic.

Does Ozempic Cause Gastroparesis?