Millions are turning to GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss, but at what cost? While these medications promise transformative results, a growing number of patients are filing lawsuits, claiming drug companies downplayed serious side effects. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about nausea or diarrhea—some users report life-altering conditions like gastroparesis, a debilitating stomach disorder. But here's where it gets controversial: are pharmaceutical giants prioritizing profits over patient safety? Let’s dive in.
Chances are, you or someone you know has heard of—or even taken—GLP-1 medications. Sold under brand names like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro, these drugs have become household names for their effectiveness in treating diabetes, obesity, and other health conditions. But while their popularity soars, so do concerns about their safety and transparency.
In a week-long investigative series, WRTV is exploring the benefits, costs, and controversies surrounding these medications. On Monday, they examined the financial burden and weight-loss benefits of GLP-1 drugs. But the story doesn’t end there. These medications come with a laundry list of potential side effects, including muscle loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. While some users, like Sue Seyfert, report no issues, others aren’t so lucky. Seyfert, an Indiana native who takes Ozempic for diabetes, considers herself fortunate: “I’ve never had any side effects,” she said. But her experience isn’t universal.
Here’s where it gets complicated: Andy Schmelz, an associate professor of pharmacy practice at Butler University, explains that gastrointestinal side effects are common. “Most patients will experience some kind of stomach-related issue,” he said. Even more alarming, GLP-1 drugs carry a black box warning for thyroid tumors, based on studies showing an increased risk in mice. “Patients with a history of thyroid cancer should use these medications with caution,” Schmelz warned.
But the controversy deepens. WRTV Investigates uncovered dozens of lawsuits filed by patients in Marion County against drug giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. These patients claim the companies downplayed severe side effects, including gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach struggles to empty itself. One such lawsuit, filed by Terry Smith of Indiana, alleges that after taking Ozempic, Trulicity, and Victoza, he suffered from gastroparesis, severe vomiting, abdominal pain, and required emergency treatment. Smith’s lawsuit accuses the companies of prioritizing profits over patient safety, even alleging that Eli Lilly invested in drugs to combat muscle loss instead of warning consumers about it.
Here’s the kicker: While these lawsuits are pending, drug companies are raking in billions. Eli Lilly reported a 54% revenue increase in Q3 2025, driven largely by sales of Mounjaro and Zepbound. Novo Nordisk isn’t far behind, with semaglutide (sold as Wegovy and Ozempic) bringing in nearly $8 billion in the same quarter. Last month, U.S. regulators approved a pill version of Wegovy, the first daily oral medication for obesity, further boosting sales.
Both companies defend their products. Eli Lilly stated, “Patient safety is our top priority, and our medicines include robust, FDA-approved warnings.” Novo Nordisk echoed this, emphasizing that semaglutide has been extensively studied and proven safe and effective. They called the lawsuits “without merit” and vowed to defend themselves vigorously.
But the question remains: Are these companies doing enough to warn patients about potential risks? And as GLP-1 drugs continue to dominate the market, who’s really paying the price? On Wednesday, WRTV Investigates will delve into the financial ties between pharmaceutical companies and Indiana doctors, raising even more questions about transparency and accountability.
What do you think? Are GLP-1 drugs worth the risk, or is there a darker side to their success? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that needs to happen.
