A new study published in JAMA has found a potential link between the weight loss medication Ozempic (semaglutide) and a rare eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). The study observed seven cases of NAION in patients taking semaglutide, while one patient developed vision loss in both eyes within weeks of starting treatment.
NAION is a condition characterized by sudden vision loss due to decreased blood flow to the optic nerve head. Symptoms include blurred vision, peripheral vision loss, dark spots in vision, and changes in color perception. The exact mechanism behind NAION is not fully understood, but researchers believe that rapid blood sugar reduction caused by semaglutide may contribute to this condition.
While a causal link between Ozempic and NAION cannot be established, the study suggests that rapid correction of hyperglycemia induced by the medication may be associated with the development of NAION. The manufacturer of Ozempic, Novo Nordisk, maintains that the benefit-risk profile of semaglutide remains unchanged and has conducted internal safety assessments to confirm this.
The study’s findings have raised concerns among healthcare professionals and patients taking Ozempic, who are advised to consult their doctors about potential risks and benefits. As more people use Ozempic for weight loss, further research into its side effects is likely to continue.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/ozempic-blindness-weight-loss-side-effects-2029517