Ozempic, Wegovy Potentially Linked to Rare Eye Disease in New Study

Ozempic, Wegovy Potentially Linked to Rare Eye Disease in New Study

Semaglutide, the Active Ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, Associated with Rare Blinding Disease

A new study has found that patients with type 2 diabetes or obesity who take semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, may be at a higher risk of developing a rare blinding disease. The condition, known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), causes sudden blindness in one eye, often upon waking in the morning.

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What is NAION?

NAION is a rare blinding disease that causes sudden blindness in one eye, often after waking. It is caused by a lack of blood flow (ischemia) to the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. The condition is rare, occurring in only 2-10 per 100,000 people. It is the second most common cause of blindness due to optic nerve damage, behind glaucoma.

The Study

Researchers at Massachusetts General Brigham used patient data to look for any retrospective correlation between semaglutide and NAION over a one-year period. They investigated two cohorts, each representing one of the FDA-approved indications for semaglutide: obesity and type 2 diabetes. In total, the records of nearly 17,000 patients were included in the study.

Findings

Among patients with type 2 diabetes, the average age was 59 years old, and more than half were female. The age of patients in the overweight or obese group skewed younger, with an average age of 47 years old, and 72% were female.

The study found a clear signal: patients with type 2 diabetes were more than four times as likely to have a diagnosis of NAION, while patients with obesity were more than eight times as likely. Over the one-year period, there were 17 incidences (8.9%) of NAION among those taking semaglutide in the diabetes cohort, but only six (1.8%) among those taking a non-GLP-1 drug. The results were even more pronounced among overweight and obese patients: 20 NAION events (6.7%) occurred in those taking semaglutide, compared to just three (0.8%) for those who did not.

Expert Insights

Experts told Healthline that the findings are still early and do not demonstrate causality. "It does not establish causality. It does not establish danger. It does not do anything besides call attention to this and the potential need for us to think about this and study it more carefully," said Nicholas J. Volpe, MD, a neuro-ophthalmologist and Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.

Conclusion

While the study’s findings are concerning, experts emphasize that the results are preliminary and observational. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of prescribed medications. It is essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits of semaglutide and other medications with a healthcare provider to make an informed decision.

FAQs

Q: What is NAION?
A: NAION is a rare blinding disease that causes sudden blindness in one eye, often after waking.

Q: What causes NAION?
A: The exact cause of NAION is still unknown, but it is believed to be associated with vasculopathic risk factors, including diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

Q: Is NAION a common condition?
A: No, NAION is a rare condition, occurring in only 2-10 per 100,000 people.

Q: Can NAION be treated?
A: There is no known treatment for NAION, and it is a serious complication.

Q: Are there other medications associated with NAION?
A: Yes, some studies have suggested that other common medications, including antihypertensives and erectile dysfunction drugs, may also be associated with NAION.