Health · Pharma & Biotech · 1 hr ago
At least 90 lawsuits allege weight-loss drugs caused vision loss
Patients in the US have filed at least 90 legal claims saying drugs including Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro caused them permanent vision loss.
The claims involve NAION, a condition that reduces blood flow to the optic nerve and can cause sudden, lasting sight loss.
Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide, while the drugs are used for weight loss or, in some cases, type 2 diabetes.
The drugs' role in causing NAION has not been proven, and some experts say the evidence is limited.
A 2024 study found semaglutide users were around four times more likely to develop the condition than people taking other diabetes treatments, while another expert estimate suggests a twofold increase, mainly among higher-risk patients.
UK regulators have warned of a possible link, and symptoms can include sudden blurred vision or a dim or dark patch in one eye.
People who notice sudden vision changes should seek medical attention; no further court or regulatory steps are specified.
At least 90 legal claims allege that weight-loss and diabetes drugs caused patients to develop a condition linked to permanent vision loss.
The claims say patients developed non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, or NAION, while using GLP-1 drugs.
Some research and a UK regulator’s warning have raised concerns about a possible link, but experts say the evidence that the drugs cause NAION is limited.
Patients described sudden vision changes, including blurred vision and loss of peripheral sight.
- Who
- Patients in the US have filed claims against drugmakers, including Novo Nordisk.
- What
- At least 90 legal claims allege that the drugs caused NAION and vision loss.
- When
- The claims have been filed since 2025, according to the article.
- Where
- The claims are in the US.
- Why
- Claimants say they developed NAION while taking the drugs. Whether the drugs cause the condition is disputed.
Claimants alleging drug-related vision loss
Experts questioning whether the drugs cause NAION
Cause
Claimants alleging drug-related vision loss
Claimants say they developed NAION while using the drugs.
Experts questioning whether the drugs cause NAION
Some experts say there is little scientific evidence proving the drugs cause NAION.
Evidence
Claimants alleging drug-related vision loss
The article reports a 2024 study finding semaglutide users were around four times more likely to develop the condition than people taking other diabetes treatment.
Experts questioning whether the drugs cause NAION
Experts have questioned the validity of the claims, and the article says the possible mechanism has not been fully proven.
Jay Vandegriff was prescribed Ozempic for type 2 diabetes.
Research reported that semaglutide users were around four times more likely to develop NAION than people taking other diabetes treatment.
Just short of 100 lawsuits have been filed against Novo Nordisk, according to the article.
The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency issued a warning about the injections' link to NAION.
- Claims
- At least 90 legal claims
- Drugmaker named
- Novo Nordisk
- Condition
- Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
- UK cases per year
- Around 1,400 to 7,000
- Research finding
- Semaglutide users were around four times more likely to develop NAION than people taking other diabetes treatment
What people are saying
[The doctor] said right away, stop taking Ozempic
It's affecting every minute of every day
I'd almost pay anything to get my eyesight back.
But the best estimates thus far suggest a twofold increase in risk with these medications, and that typically only occurs in patients at high risk.
Sources
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