Over a dozen lawsuits claim Ozempic and Wegovy caused patients to go blind
The Independent is reporting that lawsuits claiming the popular weight-loss medication Ozempic is causing blindness are piling up, with more than a dozen legal filings pending across the country.
Broadly, patients are claiming to have developed non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which coincided with taking semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, the two most popular brands of the drug.
The condition is rare and involves a loss of blood flow to the optic nerves, resulting in sudden vision loss. Ozempic, Wegovy, and other forms of semaglutide do not currently carry a warning label alerting patients to this serious side effect, which tends to impact those with diabetes who take the drug.
Plaintiffs in the pending lawsuits want that to change, arguing a warning is necessary for the public to make an informed decision.
However, despite the growing number of reports, studies are inconclusive on whether blindness is causally linked to semaglutide, as research is still catching up to the drugs’ surge in popularity.
As an example, the Independent points to a study published in JAMA Ophthalmology that found diabetic and obese patients were experiencing vision issues while on semaglutide—and that most were diagnosed with NAION. This suggests a potential link between the drug and the condition, at least in patients with type 2 diabetes.
According to the authors, the risk of blindness appeared to be greatest within the first year of starting semaglutide treatment, and the total risk was higher compared to other therapies. However, they stopped short of concluding that there is a definitive link between the drug and NAION, citing the need for further research.
Regardless, the lawsuits are gaining traction, as firms are actively collecting more patient stories in what is likely to become a class-action filing against the manufacturers of Ozempic, Wegovy, and related drugs.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is known to be investigating the risks, but currently, no warning for NAION is required on any semaglutide product.
According to data from TrackDrugs, Ozempic alone generated $8.5 billion in global revenue in 2022, with the U.S. accounting for 65% of sales.
Read more from the Independent at the link below.
Chad is an award-winning writer and editor with over 15 years of experience working in media. He has a decade-long professional background in healthcare, working as a writer and in public relations.