Maryland Man Sues Novo Nordisk, Claims Ozempic Caused Blindness

A Maryland man is suing Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, alleging that the popular diabetes and weight-loss drug caused him to become legally blind. Todd Engel, 63, claims the medication led to nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a condition that can cause sudden and permanent vision loss.

Engel, who was prescribed Ozempic in 2023 for diabetes management, first noticed vision problems on New Year's Eve 2024, when he lost sight in his right eye. Approximately ten months later, he experienced vision loss in his left eye. Doctors diagnosed him with NAION, also referred to as an "eye stroke," and informed him that his vision could not be restored.

"I didn't go blind — I had my vision taken from me, which was catastrophic to me and to my family," Engel stated in an interview with Fox News Digital. He added that his condition has impacted every aspect of his and his family's lives, preventing him from continuing his 40-year career as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver.

Engel is among hundreds of patients pursuing legal action against manufacturers of GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy. These lawsuits allege that the drugs caused NAION and that manufacturers failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about the potential risks. Engel's attorney, Jonathan Orent, is seeking labeling changes for Ozempic in the U.S., similar to warnings provided in Europe.

Novo Nordisk has contested these claims, stating that available data does not confirm a causal relationship between GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic), and NAION. The company pointed to an analysis of its clinical trials, which reportedly found very few confirmed cases of NAION and no increased incidence among patients taking semaglutide. Novo Nordisk maintains that the lawsuits are without merit and is defending itself in court. The company stated it continues to monitor NAION as part of its routine drug-safety surveillance.

Engel shared his story to warn others, stating that if he had been aware of the potential risks, he would not have taken the drug. "Do the research for yourselves to make sure that my catastrophic injuries do not happen to you or anybody else," he urged. "If we can help one person, then that’s a pleasure to Shelley and I."