The FDA wants GLP-1 manufacturers to alert patients about a rare condition that can damage the optic nerve and cause permanent vision loss
People taking popular weight-loss and diabetes drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy may soon see a new eye safety warning on their medication labels.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wants GLP-1 manufacturers to alert patients about a rare condition that can damage the optic nerve and cause permanent vision loss.
Called NAION or “eye stroke,” the condition occurs when the optic nerve loses its blood supply. The FDA says doctors have reported cases involving all currently available GLP-1 medications.
What patients should know
The warning follows concerns raised by medical studies and patient reports. However, researchers have not confirmed that GLP-1 drugs directly cause the condition.
An ophthalmology professor at Northwestern University said the risk remains extremely low, affecting around six in every 100,000 people. She added that the drugs’ overall health benefits still outweigh this rare complication.
The FDA advises patients to seek immediate medical attention if they experience vision problems and consult their doctors about continuing treatment. More research will help clarify the possible link.
GLP-1 drugmakers like Novo Nordisk are already facing numerous lawsuits alleging vision loss and NAION after using the medications.