Ozempic Linked to Vision Loss, Study Confirms
Ozempic Users May Face Increased Risk of Vision Loss, New Study Suggests
Copenhagen, Denmark - A new study has raised concerns about a potential link between Ozempic, the popular weight-loss drug from Novo Nordisk, and a rare eye condition that can lead to blindness.
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Southern Denmark, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, and the University of Copenhagen, found a possible association between semaglutid, the active ingredient in Ozempic, and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). NAION occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is blocked, resulting in sudden vision loss.
Published on the preprint server medRxiv, the study analyzed data from Danish and Norwegian national health registries. It suggests that a type 2 diabetes patient taking Ozempic for two decades could have a 0.3% to 0.5% chance of developing NAION.
“Given the perhaps serious nature of this potential side effect of semaglutid, we investigated this association further using national health records from Denmark and Norway,” the authors stated.
The study’s findings come just months after a similar study by Massachusetts Eye and Ear, affiliated with Harvard University, also found an increased risk of NAION in Ozempic users.
Vision loss from NAION is typically irreversible and there is no known cure.
“while semaglutid has well-established benefits in managing both diabetes and obesity,it is essential to weigh the potential risk of NAION against these substantial therapeutic benefits,” the authors emphasized.
The Nordic study highlights the need for further research to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of semaglutid.
In addition to the risk of vision loss, Ozempic and Wegovy users have also reported developing “Ozempic Face,” a gaunt appearance caused by rapid weight loss.
Following the release of the study, shares of Novo Nordisk fell by as much as 5.4% in Copenhagen.
Could Ozempic Increase Risk of Vision Loss?
Copenhagen, Denmark – A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Southern Denmark, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, and the University of Copenhagen suggests a possible link between ozempic, a popular weight-loss drug, and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare eye condition that can lead to blindness.
Published on the preprint server medRxiv, the study analyzed data from Danish and Norwegian national health registries. Researchers found that a type 2 diabetes patient taking Ozempic for two decades could have a 0.3% to 0.5% chance of developing NAION.
“Given the perhaps serious nature of this potential side effect of semaglutid, we investigated this association further using national health records from Denmark and Norway,” the authors stated.
These findings echo a similar study by Massachusetts Eye and Ear, affiliated with Harvard University, which also found an increased risk of NAION in Ozempic users.
Vision loss from NAION is typically irreversible and currently has no known cure.
“While semaglutid has well-established benefits in managing both diabetes and obesity,it is essential to weigh the potential risk of NAION against these substantial therapeutic benefits,” the authors emphasized.
The study highlights the need for further research to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of semaglutid. Concerns surrounding Ozempic have been growing, with users also reporting side effects like ”Ozempic Face,” a gaunt appearance caused by rapid weight loss.
Following the release of the study, shares of Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of ozempic, fell by as much as 5.4% in copenhagen.