From ABC7 New York · · 1m 20s
GLP-1 Users Face Rare Vision Loss Risk
GLP-1 drugs may cause rare vision loss, but benefits outweigh risks for most.
In brief
GLP-1 drugs may cause rare vision loss, but benefits outweigh risks for most. GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy carry a small risk of NAION vision loss, but medical experts say the benefits for diabetes and obesity outweigh this rare side effect. Originally reported by ABC7 New York.
Quick answers
- Who Is at Risk?
- Diabetics and those with low blood pressure may face higher NAION risk.
- What is the key takeaway from GLP-1 Users Face Rare Vision Loss Risk?
- GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy carry a small risk of NAION vision loss, but medical experts say the benefits for diabetes and obesity outweigh this rare side effect.
GLP-1 Drugs Linked to Vision Loss
Dozens of lawsuits claim GLP-1 drugs caused rare vision loss.
“Dozens of americans have filed personal injury lawsuits against the makers of popular glp-1 drugs, like ozempic, wegovy and mounjaro, claiming they were not properly warned of the risk of a rare type of sudden vision loss, called nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, or naion, when taking the medications.”
NAION Explained
NAION is sudden vision loss from poor blood flow to the optic nerve.
“Naion is the most common acute optic neuropathy in patients over the age of 50. It's essentially a lack of blood flow to the optic nerve, where patients typically have pretty acute onset of painless vision loss.”
Permanent Vision Loss Risk
Vision loss from NAION is usually permanent with no treatment.
“That vision loss is usually permanent, and there is no specific treatment for the condition at this time.”
Who Is at Risk?
Diabetics and those with low blood pressure may face higher NAION risk.
“People with diabetes, regardless of glp-1 use, can be at increased risk of developing this condition, and other risks include overnight low blood pressure or a very small optic nerve cup.”
FDA Safety Monitoring
FDA tracks potential risks but hasn't confirmed a link to GLP-1 drugs.
“The fda routinely monitors the safety of drug products postmarketing. The fda identifies safety signals from a variety of sources, evaluates the available data and takes regulatory actions when appropriate.”
Drug Makers' Stance
Novo Nordisk and Lilly say their drugs are safe and lawsuits are unfounded.
“Novo believes the personal injury lawsuits filed in the u.s. are without merit and are vigorously defending them.”
European Warning
Europe requires warnings about NAION risk for GLP-1 users.
“Other countries have required the drug makers to include a warning that there may be a possible increased risk of developing naion if taking some of these medications based on their review of available evidence.”
Research Shows Mixed Results
Studies show a possible link but no proof GLP-1 causes NAION.
“Several studies suggest that there is a potential link between naion, or eye stroke, and glp-1 use. However it is important to note that causation has not been proven.”
Risk is Very Low
NAION affects 1 in 10,000 GLP-1 users with diabetes.
“The european medicines agency estimates this eye condition could possibly impact 1 out of every 10,000 glp-1 users who have diabetes, based on their analysis of available information.”
What Users Should Do
Discuss risks with doctors before starting GLP-1 treatment.
“For any patients already taking semaglutide who have not experienced any symptoms, they should continue to do so as instructed and discuss any questions or concerns with their primary care physician.”
Experts Recommend Continued Use
GLP-1 benefits for diabetes and obesity outweigh vision loss risk.
“We're not sure if the glp-1 is connected or not. We know this helps with diabetes, heart disease, and severe obesity.”
What it means
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy carry a small risk of NAION vision loss, but medical experts say the benefits for diabetes and obesity outweigh this rare side effect.
