Ozempic Doubles NAION Risk, European Authorities Investigate

Dec 31, 2024, 12:25 PM

European health authorities are investigating a potential link between the use of Ozempic, a popular weight-loss and diabetes drug, and a rare eye condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Recent studies, including Danish research, indicate that Ozempic may more than double the risk of developing NAION, which can cause sudden and severe vision loss. Harvard researchers raised concerns in 2023 after observing cases of NAION among Ozempic users, describing the condition as akin to 'optic nerve strokes.' A U.S. study found that diabetic patients on semaglutide were more than four times more likely to develop NAION compared to those not using the drug. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has initiated a review of these findings, following similar concerns raised in the United States earlier this year. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, maintains that the drug's benefit-risk profile remains unchanged and emphasizes that NAION is a very rare condition. While researchers caution against the immediate cessation of Ozempic use, they highlight the need for further studies to understand the mechanisms and identify patients at higher risk. NAION cases have reportedly increased in Denmark since Ozempic's introduction in 2018, with hospital admissions for the condition now predominantly involving patients with Type 2 diabetes.