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Makers of GLP-1 drugs ordered to add warnings about rare eye condition that can lead to blindness

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The mandate impacts widely used medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound following evaluations of user reports and medical literature. A previous study involving 17,000 individuals revealed that patients taking semaglutide faced a fourfold higher likelihood of being diagnosed with the disorder. European regulatory authorities have calculated that the complication could potentially develop in up to 1 in 10,000 people using the medications. Despite these warnings, doctors caution that the absolute risk remains low and urge patients to consult their physicians before halting therapy.

Key points

  • Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy causes painless vision loss in one eye fo…: Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy causes painless vision loss in one eye for which there is currently no reversing medical treatment.
  • Medical experts and manufacturer Novo Nordisk emphasize that a direct cause-and-effect re…: Medical experts and manufacturer Novo Nordisk emphasize that a direct cause-and-effect relationship between the drugs and the condition remains unproven.
  • The American Academy of Ophthalmology advises patients not to stop their medications with…: The American Academy of Ophthalmology advises patients not to stop their medications without consulting a doctor but to seek prompt care for sudden vision loss.

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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) told makers of popular weight-loss GLP-1 drugs that they must add warning labels about a rare eye condition that can cause sudden blindness.

Manufacturers of Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound must warn about nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). The disorder happens when vessels supplying blood to the optic nerves become blocked, depriving the nerves of oxygen.

The condition can cause painless decreased vision in one eye, which can be permanent, the FDA said.

In a statement to the BBC, the American Academy of Ophthalmology said "any added risk appears small, and it has not been established that these medications cause NAION".

"GLP-1 medications offer important benefits for people with diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, so our message to patients is simple," the group said. "Don't stop your medication without talking to your doctor, and if you notice sudden, painless vision loss in one eye, see an ophthalmologist promptly."

There is no known treatment to reverse vision loss caused by NAION. It is the most common cause of acute optic nerve…

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