European Medicines Agency Confirms Rare Eye Disorder Risk from Novo Nordisk Semaglutide Drugs

Novo Nordisk's weight-loss and diabetes drugs Wegovy and Ozempic, which contain the active ingredient semaglutide, have been linked to a very rare but serious eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) that can cause vision loss. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has confirmed this side effect for the first time and requested that Novo Nordisk update product information to include NAION as a very rare side effect, affecting up to 1 in 10,000 patients taking the drugs for at least one year. Studies indicate that patients with type 2 diabetes using semaglutide have about double the risk of developing NAION compared to those not on the medication. Novo Nordisk maintains that the overall benefit-risk profile of semaglutide remains favorable and will collaborate with regulators to update labeling accordingly. Additionally, new research suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide may increase the risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) in older adults with diabetes, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring of ocular risks. Patients experiencing sudden or rapid vision loss while on these medications are advised to consult their healthcare providers promptly.