Full Breakdown
Lawsuit Filed Against Novo Nordisk Over Ozempic-Related Death
3/19/2026, 1:27:41 PM
Allegations of Wrongful Death
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of the diabetes medication Ozempic, faces a wrongful death lawsuit following the death of 76-year-old Marsha Ettinghoff. The lawsuit, filed by her husband Tracy Ettinghoff, claims that the drug contributed to her death from gastroparesis, a condition characterized by delayed stomach emptying. According to the complaint, Ettinghoff experienced severe nausea and vomiting while on vacation, leading her family to believe she had food poisoning. After several days of worsening symptoms, she was found struggling to breathe and subsequently aspirated on her vomit while being transported to a hospital, resulting in her death in August 2024.
Context of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit is part of a broader trend, with over 2,000 individual lawsuits consolidated in federal multidistrict litigations in Pennsylvania, all alleging similar gastrointestinal complications linked to GLP-1 receptor agonist medications like Ozempic. While Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and has been associated with weight loss, it is not specifically approved for that purpose. The attorneys representing Ettinghoff allege that Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about the potential risks associated with the drug, including severe gastrointestinal issues.
Official Statements & Responses
Novo Nordisk has denied the allegations, asserting that the claims are without merit. A spokesperson stated, "Patient safety is our top priority at Novo Nordisk, and we work closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to continuously monitor the safety profile of our medicines." The company maintains confidence in the benefit-risk profile of its GLP-1 medications when used according to their indications.
Tracy Ettinghoff expressed his grief, stating, "I am certain had [Marsha] known this injury could occur in taking this medicine, she never would have taken this drug." He emphasized the emotional toll of witnessing his wife's final moments.
Criticism of Novo Nordisk's Warnings
Attorneys from the law firm Motley Rice argue that the warnings provided by Novo Nordisk have historically downplayed the severity of gastrointestinal side effects associated with Ozempic. Grace Chandler, an attorney with the firm, noted that while the label has recently added warnings about severe gastrointestinal reactions, it has not sufficiently conveyed the seriousness of these conditions. "These can be life-threatening conditions—they are not just uncomfortable side effects," she stated.
What's Next
The lawsuit seeks damages and a jury trial, with the outcome potentially influencing ongoing multidistrict litigations against Novo Nordisk. Additionally, the case reflects a growing scrutiny of the safety profiles of GLP-1 medications, as more individuals come forward with claims of severe side effects.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications for Novo Nordisk and the broader pharmaceutical industry regarding drug safety and patient communication remain significant.
