Eye doctors in Boston have recently observed a slight increase in cases of a rare type of sudden blindness among patients taking semaglutide, raising concerns about a potential link between the drug and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). NAION is a condition where blood flow to the optic nerve is disrupted, leading to sudden vision loss in one eye without pain.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that individuals taking semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, were slightly more likely to develop NAION compared to those with obesity or diabetes not taking the drug. Despite the small number of cases - only 37 out of over 16,000 patients in Massachusetts - the researchers noted that the risk of NAION was higher among those taking semaglutide.
Dr. Joseph Rizzo, the lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of discussing the potential risk of NAION with patients, especially if they have existing optic nerve issues. Novo Nordisk, the maker of semaglutide, stated that patient safety is a top priority and that they take reports of adverse events seriously. However, they raised concerns about the study's methodology and the ability to establish a causal link between semaglutide and NAION.
It is important to note that patients with diabetes and high blood pressure are already at an increased risk of developing eye problems, including blurry vision. While Novo Nordisk is conducting further research to determine the impact of semaglutide on diabetic retinopathy, NAION is usually permanent with no available treatment.
Overall, the findings suggest a potential association between semaglutide and NAION, although more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between the drug and this rare vision condition. Patients are advised to discuss any concerns with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about their treatment options.