The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is adding a new warning to the labeling of popular GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, regarding rare cases of vision loss. These medications are widely used for treating obesity, diabetes, and other medical conditions.
The eye condition, known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, can cause significant vision loss and is believed to be caused by decreased blood flow to the optic nerve, though the exact mechanism is not fully understood. The FDA stated that the problem has been reported with all GLP-1 drugs.
FDA scientists initiated an investigation into the issue following the publication of a 2024 medical paper linking the condition to semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic. An analysis of over 125 clinical trials by the FDA indicated that the condition occurred in approximately 6 out of every 100,000 patients taking a GLP-1 medication for at least one year. In comparison, the rate for patients taking a placebo or other glucose-lowering medications was less than 4 per 100,000.
Reports of this vision problem were also found in the FDA's electronic reporting system for drug injuries and side effects. Symptoms can include blurred vision, blind spots, and distorted colors. Patients experiencing such visual disturbances are advised by the FDA to seek immediate medical attention from a health care professional.