Published 04/07/2024 – 15:23 GMT+2•Last updated 15:23
Ozempic and Wegovy, popular diabetes and obesity drugs, may be linked to a rare condition that causes blindness in one eye, a new study suggests.
People taking the weight-loss and diabetes drugs Wegovy and Ozempic may be at increased risk of going blind in one eye due to a rare condition, according to a study published in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology. The study analyzed medical records of 17,000 people.
It found that diabetic patients prescribed semaglutide, sold under the names Wegovy and Ozempic, were about four times more likely to be diagnosed with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a disease that does not cause pain but has no cure. Overweight patients who took the drug were seven times more likely to develop NAION than those who did not.
Weigh the risks
NAION occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, is reduced, causing sudden and permanent blindness in one eye. It is a very rare condition, affecting between 2 and 10 out of 100,000 people. However, the researchers say their findings should give doctors and patients pause.
“The use of these drugs in industrialized countries has peaked and in many cases, they provide very good benefits, but in the future, when prescribing them, the doctor and the patient must take NAION into account as a potential risk,” said Dr. Joseph Rizzo, one of the study’s authors and director of the neuro-ophthalmology service at Massachusetts General Hospital, in his statement. In the summer of 2023, Rizzo and his colleagues diagnosed NAION in three patients taking weight-loss drugs in one week. Finding this suspicious—given the rarity of the disease—the doctor decided to analyze the patients’ data retroactively.
The check is not finished
The study has some important limitations. For example, the scientists do not yet know whether the drug itself caused the blinding or whether their sample just happened to include an unusually high percentage of patients with a rare eye disease, which affected the overall results. However, the analysis showed that the highest risk of developing NAION in patients was observed in the first year after semaglutide was prescribed, suggesting that the blindness may be caused by taking the drug.
The researchers said their findings were “significant but preliminary,” calling for more research into the link between semaglutide and vision loss. “This study is useful for identifying a potential link between treatment and NAION, but it is not the type of study that can prove that treatment definitely caused NAION,” said Andrew Lee, a clinical spokesman for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a neuro-ophthalmologist at Houston Methodist Hospital in the US.
The new findings are especially important for people considering the drug, especially if they have optic nerve problems such as glaucoma, Dr. Rizzo said.
Other studies have found that anti-obesity drugs may reduce the risk of developing cancer, heart attack and stroke, but at the same time are associated with rare, but serious stomach problems.
Semaglutide, which belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, gained popularity after Danish company Novo Nordisk launched the diabetes drug Ozempic in 2017 and the weight management drug Wegovy in 2021.
Demand has grown so much that the European Union is facing a shortage of Ozempic. Against this backdrop, the European Medicines Agency called on doctors not to prescribe the drug only for “cosmetic purposes” and warned against the risk of counterfeiting.
Published 04/07/2024 – 15:23 GMT+2•Last updated 15:23
Ozempic, Wegovy, popular diabetes and obesity drugs, may be linked to a rare condition that causes blindness in one eye, a new study suggests.
ADVERTISEMENTPeople taking the weight-loss and diabetes drugs Wegovy and Ozempic may be at increased risk of going blind in one eye due to a rare condition, according to a study published in the journal JAMA OphthalmologyAs part of this study, medical records of 17 thousand people were studied.
It found that patients with diabetes who were prescribed semaglutide, sold under the names Wegovy and Ozempic, were about four times more likely to be diagnosed with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, a disease that does not cause pain but has no cure. And overweight patients who took the drug were seven times more likely to develop NAION than those who did not.
Weigh the risks
NAION occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, is reduced, causing sudden and permanent blindness in one eye. It is a very rare condition, affecting between 2 and 10 out of 100,000 people. However, the researchers say their findings should give doctors and patients pause.
“The use of these drugs in industrialized countries has peaked and in many cases they provide very good benefits, but in the future, when prescribing them, the doctor and the patient must take NAION into account as a potential risk,” he said. in his statement Dr. Joseph Rizzo, one of the study’s authors and director of the neuro-ophthalmology service at Massachusetts General Hospital. In the summer of 2023, Rizzo and his colleagues diagnosed NAION in three patients taking weight-loss drugs in one week. Finding this suspicious—given the rarity of the disease—the doctor decided to analyze the patients’ data retroactively.
The check is not finished
The study has some important limitations. For example, the scientists do not yet know whether the drug itself caused the blinding or whether their sample just happened to include an unusually high percentage of patients with a rare eye disease, which affected the overall results. However, the analysis showed that the highest risk of developing NAION in patients was observed in the first year after semaglutide was prescribed, suggesting that the blindness may be caused by taking the drug.
The researchers said their findings were “significant but preliminary,” calling for more research into the link between semaglutide and vision loss. “This study is useful for identifying a potential link between treatment and NAION, but it is not the type of study that can prove that treatment definitely caused NAION,” said Andrew Lee, a clinical spokesman for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a neuro-ophthalmologist at Houston Methodist Hospital in the US.
The new findings are especially important for people considering the drug, especially if they have optic nerve problems such as glaucoma, Dr. Rizzo said.
Other studies have found that anti-obesity drugs may reduce the risk of developing cancer, heart attack and strokebut at the same time are associated with rare, but serious stomach problems.
Semaglutide, which belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, gained popularity after Danish company Novo Nordisk launched the diabetes drug Ozempic in 2017 and the weight management drug Wegovy in 2021.
Demand has grown so much that the European Union is facing a shortage of Ozempic. Against this backdrop European Medicines Agency called on doctors not to prescribe the drug only for “cosmetic purposes” and warned against the risk of counterfeiting.
health, medicine, study, research, European Medicines Agency">
Ozempic and Wegovy Linked to Rare Eye Condition Causing Blindness
Possible Link Between Semaglutide and NAION
A new study published in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology has raised concerns about a potential link between the popular diabetes and obesity drugs Ozempic and Wegovy and a rare eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
The study, which analyzed medical records of 17,000 individuals, found that patients with diabetes taking semaglutide (the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy) were four times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION. Similarly, overweight patients taking semaglutide were seven times more likely to develop NAION compared to those who didn’t.
Understanding NAION
NAION is a condition that occurs when the blood supply to the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, is disrupted. This disruption causes a sudden and permanent loss of vision in one eye. While rare, the condition affects between 2 and 10 out of 100,000 individuals.
The study’s findings have led to increased caution around semaglutide prescriptions, particularly for individuals with pre-existing optic nerve issues such as glaucoma. “This study is useful for identifying a potential link between treatment and NAION, but it is not the type of study that can prove that treatment definitely caused NAION,” said Andrew Lee, a clinical spokesman for the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Further Research Needed
Despite the study’s significant findings, it’s important to note that it doesn’t definitively establish a causal relationship between semaglutide and NAION. Further research is needed to confirm this link and understand the underlying mechanisms involved.
The study’s authors have called for more research into this potential side effect, especially considering the widespread use of semaglutide for weight management and diabetes control.
Weighing the Benefits and Risks
While this study highlights a potential risk associated with semaglutide, it’s crucial to consider the drug’s potential benefits. Semaglutide has been shown to be effective in managing diabetes and promoting weight loss. In many cases, the benefits may outweigh the risks, especially when carefully considered by a healthcare professional.
For individuals taking semaglutide, especially those with pre-existing eye conditions, it’s important to be aware of the potential risk of NAION. Regular eye exams can help detect any early signs of vision changes, which could indicate a potential issue.
The Future of Semaglutide
The recent surge in demand for Ozempic and Wegovy, driven by their weight management benefits, has led to shortages and prompted regulatory bodies like the European Medicines Agency to issue warnings against using the drugs solely for “cosmetic purposes.”
The findings of the study on NAION add another layer of complexity to the discussion surrounding these drugs. While further research is crucial to solidify the link between semaglutide and NAION, it emphasizes the importance of careful consideration of both the benefits and potential risks of any medication.
Key Considerations
- If you are considering semaglutide, discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor, especially if you have pre-existing eye conditions.
- Monitor your vision closely for any signs of changes, such as blurred vision or loss of peripheral vision.
- Regular eye exams are important for everyone, but particularly for those taking semaglutide.
Conclusion
The current research on the link between semaglutide and NAION presents important questions for patients and healthcare providers. While further research is needed to clarify the relationship, it’s essential to remain informed about potential risks, especially when making decisions about medications that have become increasingly popular.