Weight Loss Drug Side Effects: The condition causing concern is called nonarthritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, or NAION. It is a condition involving the optic nerve of the eye.

Side Effects of Weight Loss Drugs

FDA Warning on Weight Loss Drugs Ozempic Wegovy: Eye health concerns have now emerged regarding some popular medicines used for weight loss and diabetes treatment. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday decided to issue new warnings for these medicines. These include medicines like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepabound. The FDA has asked to include new information in the warning labels of these medicines regarding a possible increased risk of a rare eye disease.

Which disease can increase the risk?

This condition typically causes sudden and painless loss of vision in one eye. Symptoms may include blurred vision or a blind spot in the front of the eye. Currently, there is no known treatment that can reverse vision loss caused by NAION.

Warnings about which medicines?

The FDA has mandated that all GLP-1 medications, including Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy, Eli Lilly's Monzaro and Zepabound, and Sanofi's Soliqua, include warnings about this potential risk.

These drugs are used to treat diabetes and weight loss. However, pharmaceutical companies have expressed differing opinions about this possible link. Novo Nordisk stated that available research does not prove that GLP-1 drugs cause NAION. The company stated that it is confident in the balance of benefits and risks of its drugs and is continuously monitoring their safety. Eli Lilly also stated that the FDA's safety information applies to all drugs with GLP-1 activity and does not mention any specific findings related to the company's drugs.

Why did the FDA start the investigation?

The FDA began investigating a possible link between GLP-1 drugs and NAION after a 2024 study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found an increased risk of the condition in patients taking semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. However, the FDA noted some limitations of the study. The agency subsequently conducted a comprehensive review of clinical trials and other research.

How many cases were revealed in the research?

An FDA analysis of 126 clinical trials, which included data from over 134,000 patients, found 15 potential cases of NAION. Ten of these cases occurred in people taking GLP-1 drugs and five in people taking a placebo or other diabetes medication. According to the FDA analysis, the incidence of NAION among those taking GLP-1 drugs was 6.4 cases per 100,000 person-years, compared to 3.8 cases per 100,000 person-years among those taking a placebo or other diabetes medication.

Can these medicines really cause loss of eyesight?

It has not yet been directly proven that GLP-1 drugs cause NAION. Other studies have shown inconsistent results. Medical experts say more research is needed to understand this potential link. The FDA has stated that cases of NAION have been reported with all currently used GLP-1 drugs. However, a review of animal data did not provide a definitive explanation for how these drugs may increase the risk of this condition.

Do not ignore these symptoms at all.

If a person taking a GLP-1 medication suddenly experiences decreased vision in one eye, blurred vision, or blind spots, they should immediately consult a doctor. If a patient is diagnosed with NAION, the FDA recommends that they discuss with their doctor whether to continue taking the GLP-1 medication. The decision regarding medication should be made based on the doctor's advice.