Ozempic and Zepbound eye risk warnings
The gist
The US FDA told GLP-1 drugmakers to add a rare eye-condition risk to their labels.
The condition is uncommon, and regulators have not told patients to stop the drugs.
How it unfolded
- Jul 2024A study in JAMA Ophthalmology found a potential link between semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, and the rare eye condition NAION.
- Feb 10, 2025An investigatory review in JAMA Ophthalmology reported nine people taking semaglutide and tirzepatide experienced vision issues including NAION, plus two other potentially blinding eye conditions.
- 2025A large study tracking nearly 175,000 diabetic patients on semaglutide and an equal number on non-GLP-1 medicines found NAION risk more than doubled after two years on a GLP-1 drug.
Key terms
- FDA
- A U.S. federal agency that regulates food safety, drugs, vaccines, medical devices, cosmetics and related products.
- GLP-1
- A class of medications that activate the GLP-1 receptor, reducing blood sugar, appetite, and energy intake.
- NAION
- A non-inflammatory condition causing vision loss from insufficient blood supply to the front of the optic nerve.
Source: Wikipedia