EU medicines agency identifies minimal association between Ozempic use and vision impairment
Caution! Side Effect Alert for Weight- Loss Meds
The pharmaceutical world has received a warning from Europe's drug regulator. People using weight-loss medications, such as Novo Nordisk A/S's Ozempic and Wegovy, may potentially develop a rare eye condition called Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION). This condition can lead to vision loss.
The European Medicines Agency's safety committee found that NAION is a "very rare" side effect of semaglutide, a key ingredient in diabetes and obesity drugs. This issue might affect as many as 1 in 10,000 individuals taking these medicines, according to a statement released last Friday. Consequently, the product labels must now be updated to reflect this potential risk.
The Danish Medicines Agency initiated a review of two studies that found people with type 2 diabetes who took Ozempic had more than twice the risk of developing this eye condition. The link between semaglutide and NAION was previously suggested in a Harvard University study.
The EMA advises that if patients experience sudden vision loss or rapid worsening of eyesight during treatment with semaglutide, they should promptly contact their doctor.
NAION generally occurs when reduced blood flow damages the optic nerve, most commonly observed in individuals over the age of 50. Though uncommon, this condition is irreversible, untreatable, and potentially blinding. Healthcare providers suggest that patients should be informed of this potential risk.
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Insights:
- The risk level of NAION is considered very rare, potentially affecting up to 1 in 10,000 users.
- Semaglutide-based medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, have shown a twofold increase in the risk of developing NAION compared to non-users, particularly in individuals with diabetes.
- The EMA recommends updating product information for semaglutide medications to include NAION as a very rare side effect.
In Seattle, the health and wellness community is urging caution for those using weight-loss medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, due to a potential link to a rare medical condition – Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION). This condition, which can lead to vision loss, is caused by reduced blood flow damaging the optic nerve.
Furthermore, healthcare providers should consider including eye-health information in their discussions about nutrition and weight loss, as this condition is particularly relevant to individuals with medical conditions like diabetes.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) suggests that eye specialists, eye health associations, and other relevant organizations should collaborate with the pharmaceutical industry to educate patients about this very rare but potential side effect of semaglutide-based medications.
