UK – A popular weight loss drug safety review conducted by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have concluded that semaglutide-based medications (these are; Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus) increase the risk of a serious eye condition that can lead to sudden vision loss.
It however stated that non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) should be listed as a “very rare” side effect of semaglutide – the main component of weight-loss and anti-diabetic drugs produced by Novo.
The “very rare” side effect classification indicates that the condition may affect up to 1 in 10,000 users.
NAION is the second most common cause of optic nerve-related blindness after glaucoma. Patients experiencing sudden vision loss or rapidly worsening eyesight while on semaglutide are advised to seek immediate medical attention and discontinue use if NAION is diagnosed.
A recent study also indicated that Ozempic and similar medications may increase the risk of kidney cancer. However, the drugs reportedly lower the risk of more than a dozen other cancers, suggesting their overall benefit may still outweigh the hazards.
The EMA’s recommendations will now be reviewed by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) before a final decision is adopted by the European Commission.