FDA warns GLP-1 drugs may raise blindness risk

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 10 Nov, 00:13 · Archive

The FDA has ordered new warning labels on GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes drugs over a rare vision-loss condition that can lead to permanent blindness.

The Food and Drug Administration announced on Monday that it is requiring new safety labels on all GLP-1 drugs, the popular weight-loss and diabetes medications including Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro, to alert patients and healthcare providers to the risk of a rare vision-loss condition.

The condition, known as nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), is caused by a sudden drop in blood flow to the front of the optic nerve. There is currently no proven treatment to cure or reverse vision loss caused by the condition, which can lead to blindness. Warning signs include painless vision loss in one eye, which patients may first notice upon waking, as well as blurred vision, missing patches of sight, distorted colours and hazy spots affecting central vision.

The FDA's action followed a 2024 study showing that diabetes patients taking semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, were four times more likely to develop NAION than those not prescribed the medication. The agency said it conducted a comprehensive evaluation of clinical trial data, animal data and post-marketing information. NAION cases have been reported across all currently marketed GLP-1 products, though the FDA noted that reports were difficult to interpret because NAION risk factors often overlap with conditions common among patients taking these medications.

The FDA advised patients to contact their healthcare professional immediately if they experience any vision-loss symptoms.

How it is being reported

• GLP-1s must now include warning for potential increased risk of vision loss, FDA announcesThe FDA announced that GLP-1 weight loss drugs will now include warning labels indicating a potential increased risk of vision loss.CBS News · 10 Nov, 00:44
• FDA warns of rare vision-loss side effect from GLP-1 drugsThe Food and Drug Administration is adding a new warning about possible rare cases of vision loss reported with GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and other brands.CBS News · 10 Nov, 00:01
• GLP-1 drugs must have new warning label over incurable blindness condition, says FDAYou're going to want to keep an eye on this.New York Post · 9 Nov, 20:51

In this story: FDA · Novo Nordisk · Ozempic · Wegovy · Zepbound · Mounjaro · Joseph Rizzo

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log