Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (aka GLP-1 drugs) are pharmaceutical drugs that have been approved by regulators as treatments for type 2 diabetes and – in some cases – for chronic weight management. These medications work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, slow digestion, and suppress appetite. As a result, they’ve become widely prescribed. Among the most popular GLP-1 drugs are:
- Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy (all of which contain the active ingredient semaglutide);
- Saxenda and Victoza (liraglutide);
- Trulicity (dulaglutide); and
- Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide).
These drugs are frequently advertised and promoted for their effectiveness. However, growing concerns have emerged regarding their safety profile, especially when used over extended periods.
Side effects of GLP-1 drugs
GLP-1 drugs have been linked to serious harms, including gallbladder disorders, gastrointestinal problems (such as gastroparesis and blockages), blood clotting issues, intraoperative pulmonary aspiration, necrotizing pancreatitis, vision loss (including non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy), and malnutrition.
Health Canada approved warnings for severe stomach problems added to popular GLP-1 drugs
In 2024, the Canadian product information for in-demand type 2 diabetes drugs Trulicity, Mounjaro, and Ozempic were updated with new warning language describing certain serious gastrointestinal risks, including gastroparesis (aka stomach paralysis).
Siskinds is assisting Canadians who have been harmed by GLP-1 drugs
Siskinds LLP and Siskinds Desmeules (together "Siskinds") are seeking to recover compensation for Canadians who suffered injuries arising from the consumption of GLP-1 drugs. Siskinds has filed proposed class actions alleging that GLP-1 drugs expose patients to risks of serious harm.
If you or a member of your family has suffered injuries or complications from GLP-1 drugs, our pharmaceutical class action team is available to try to assist you in seeking compensation.
Are you part of these GLP-1 drug class actions?
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Sign up for updates on this class action today
Click the Join button and complete the form to subscribe to our database and receive all updates and notices regarding the GLP-1 drugs class actions.
Still have questions?
Email us at [email protected], or contact us by phone at 519.672.2121 or toll-free 1.800.461.6166.
By emailing Siskinds, I agree that I have read and accept the Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, and I understand that my personal information will be collected, used, and/or disclosed (“processed”) to respond to my inquiry.
Developments
Semaglutide Litigation
British Columbia
On October 6, 2023, Siskinds LLP filed a class action in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, alleging that semaglutide drugs (Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy) manufactured and marketed by the Novo Nordisk group of pharmaceutical companies were defective, and that the manufacturers failed to adequately warn users, and their health care providers, that semaglutide drugs increase the risk of serious complications, including gastroparesis (“stomach paralysis”), acute gallbladder disease, gallstones, and other internal blockages.
You can view a copy of the Notice of Civil Claim by clicking here.
The semaglutide drugs class action is in its early stage and has not yet been authorized by the court.
Quebec
On November 6, 2023, Siskinds Desmeules filed an application for authorization to institute a class action before the Superior Court of Quebec, alleging manufacturer liability on the part of Novo Nordisk for safety defects with the drugs Ozempic and Rybelsus in that there was a lack of sufficient indications as to the health risks and dangers they involve or as to the means to avoid them, in particular the risks of gallbladder disease, intestinal obstruction, intestinal paralysis, gastroparesis and malnutrition.
You can consult the application for authorization by clicking here. (French Only)
On July 22, 2024, the Superior Court of Quebec stayed the Quebec Action to give precedence to the BC Action. You can view a copy of the order by clicking here. (French only).
Dulaglutide and Tirzepatide Litigation
Quebec
On December 23, 2025, Siskinds Desmeules filed an application for authorization to institute a class action before the Superior Court of Quebec, alleging manufacturer liability on the part of Eli Lilly for the safety defects with the drugs Mounjaro, Trulicity, and Zepbound in that there was a lack of sufficient indications as to the health risks and dangers they involve or as to the means to avoid them, in particular the risks of gallbladder disorders, severe gastrointestinal injuries (including gastroparesis, or “stomach paralysis”), blood clots, aspiration during surgery, necrotizing pancreatitis, vision loss (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy), and malnutrition.
You can consult the application for authorization by clicking here. (French only)
The dulaglutide and tirzepatide drugs class action is in its early stage and has not yet been authorized by the court.
FAQs
Do I have to pay anything to participate in the GLP-1 drugs class actions?
Class action lawyers are usually paid on a contingency basis. This means that class action legal counsel are only paid if successful. Class counsel are paid a percentage of any settlement or court award. Class counsel fees are subject to court approval.
Who is affected by the GLP-1 drugs class actions?
You may be affected by the class actions (a “class member”) if you are a Canadian who was prescribed one or more of the GLP-1 drugs listed below and you suffered serious problems such as gallbladder disorders, severe gastrointestinal problems (such as gastroparesis or bowel obstructions), blood clotting problems, intraoperative lung aspiration, necrotizing pancreatitis, vision loss, and malnutrition.
GLP-1 drugs included:
- Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy (semaglutide);
- Saxenda and Victoza (liraglutide);
- Trulicity (dulaglutide); and
- Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide).
Can I join the class action?
There are no steps required to “join” the Ozempic/GLP-1 class action. Assuming you fall within the scope of the class definition, you are automatically included in the class action unless you “opt-out” (exclude yourself from the class action).
Can I opt-out of the class action?
Yes. Once the Ozempic/GLP-1 class action has been authorized, you will have the opportunity to opt-out of the class action within a period of time to be determined by the Court. If you exclude yourself, you will not be entitled to any compensation awarded under a settlement agreement or court order. You may however pursue your own action on an individual basis.
Generally, class members will wish to exclude themselves from a class action if they intend to bring their own legal action. In the majority of cases, it will be more economical to participate in the class action because the legal costs will be shared among a very large number of people
What should I do to protect my rights throughout the case?
- Keep a record of medical expenses incurred — appointments not covered by your provincial health care provider, prescriptions, medical devices, etc.;
- Keep a record of all medical treatments, including the names and contact information of the health care provider (doctor, surgeon, physiotherapist etc.);
- If possible, keep a journal of symptoms associated with the GLP-1 drugs and note any times when you are unable to attend work or school as a result of your symptoms.
- Register to updates by clicking on the Join button and complete the form to subscribe to our database to receive all updates and notices regarding this class action lawsuit.
If you have not already done so already, you can contact Siskinds, so that we can help you obtain your relevant medical and pharmaceutical records. The more time goes by, the more difficult it may be to collect this information.
All personal information provided to Siskinds will be kept private and confidential.
How Family Members Can Support Class Members
If you are a family member of the class member, you should keep record of:
- Any expenses reasonably incurred for the benefit of the class member;
- Travel expenses incurred in visiting the class member during his/her treatment(s) and/or recovery(ies);
- Any services provided for the class member as a result of the injury (i.e., nursing, housekeeping); and
- If the class member is deceased, any funeral expenses reasonably incurred.
I still have a question. Who should I contact?
For answers to common questions about class actions in Canada, such as timelines, eligibility, and settlement information, please visit our Class Action Lawsuit FAQ page.
If you have any other questions, please complete the form below, call us toll free at 1.877.735.3842 or email us at [email protected]. For information in French or to contact our Quebec office Siskinds Desmeules, call us at 418.694.2009 or toll free at 1.877.735.3842 or email us at [email protected].
By emailing Siskinds, I agree that I have read and accept the Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, and I understand that my personal information will be collected, used, and/or disclosed (“processed”) to respond to my inquiry.
Documents
Semaglutide Litigation
British Columbia
Notice of Civil Claim– filed October 6, 2023
Quebec
Application for authorization to institute a class action - November 6, 2023 (French only).
Stay Order – July 22, 2024 (in French only)
Dulaglutide and Tirzepatide Litigation
Quebec
Application for authorization to institute a class action – December 23, 2025 (French only).