Study establishes link between Ozempic and rare vision loss risk

Diabetes drug Ozempic, which gained popularity owing to its role in weight loss, can potentially cause a rare vision loss risk, study suggests.

According to Bloomberg, a recent non-peer reviewed study revealed a link between Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and a rare eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which can ultimately cause vision loss.

Researchers analysed patient data from Denmark and Norway and found that Ozempic users were twice as likely to develop NAION compared to those on other diabetes medications.

The study however, emphasises that the overall risk of NAION remains extremely low. The estimated additional risk for a type 2 diabetes patient taking Ozempic for 20 years is only 0.3% to 0.5%.

According to Quartz findings for Wegovy, however, the weight-loss drug sharing Ozempic’s active ingredient, were inconclusive due to limited data, the study highlights the importance of monitoring for potential side effects. NAION is a serious eye condition affecting the optic nerve, leading to sudden and irreversible vision loss. While rare, it’s crucial to weigh the potential risk of NAION against the significant benefits of semaglutide in managing diabetes and obesity.

Wegovy has been approved to manage weight in adults and kids 12 and up who have obesity. Ozempic is approved to lower blood sugar when you have type 2 diabetes.

Ozempic has been dubbed as “the worst-kept secret in Hollywood”, and gained immense popularity over TikTok as a quick solution to lose weight especially among young women.