Diabetes Drugs Ozempic, Wegovy Use for Weight Loss May Increase Risk of Rare Blindness [Study]

Diabetes Drugs Ozempic, Wegovy Use for Weight Loss May Increase Risk of Rare Blindness [Study]
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Ozempic and Wegovy, which have been used for weight loss, may have another side effect leading to blindness.

Diabetes Drugs Use For Weight Loss Increase Risk of Rare Blindness

A new study discovered that Ozempic and Wegovy, diabetes drugs that have been used by many for weight loss, could increase one's risk of an eye condition that causes vision loss.

The disorder in question is called nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), and it is characterized by an abrupt loss of vision in one eye due to decreased blood supply to the optic nerve. The uncommon illness is more likely to strike those with diabetes.

Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health have linked Ozempic and the risk of getting NAION.

The study used patient data from an eye clinic to identify 710 individuals with type 2 diabetes and 979 individuals with obesity who were receiving either semaglutide or a different drug. Over the course of three years, 8.9% of diabetic patients taking semaglutide had an NAION diagnosis, compared to 1.8% of individuals taking a different medication.

The probability of developing the eye problem was 6.7% among the overweight and obese group and 0.8% among the other medication group.

A Novo Nordik's representative said they consider reports about adverse effects of their medicines very seriously, as their top priority is their patients' safety. The major Danish pharmaceutical company continued by pointing out that the study's important measurement limitations should be considered when interpreting the results.

Overall, the study's results do not prove a link between semaglutide, GLP-1RA, and NAION use. The study's authors have acknowledged the need for more research, and the pharmaceutical company that manufactures the pills has emphasized that there is no proof of a causal association between semaglutide and the condition.

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What Is Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION)?

Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is the most prevalent type of visual neuropathy caused by a decrease in blood supply to the optic nerve, which links the brain and eyes. Usually, this disorder results in abrupt, painless vision loss in one eye.

Poor blood flow to the front of the optic nerve causes this. Because decreased blood flow without actual vascular inflammation is referred to as "non-arteritic."

Although the precise mechanism causing reduced blood flow to the optic nerve in NAION is unknown, patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea are more likely to have this illness.