Study Links Wegovy to Elevated Risk of Rare Eye Condition That Can Cause Vision Loss
A new analysis of FDA side-effect reports is raising questions about the safety profile of Wegovy, the popular weight-loss medication.
Researchers examined millions of reports in the FDA's adverse event database and found that Wegovy showed a risk signal for non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) — commonly referred to as an "eye stroke" — that was nearly five times stronger than for Ozempic.
Both medications contain semaglutide as their active ingredient, manufactured by Novo Nordisk. The discrepancy in risk signals between the two drugs is notable and warrants further investigation, according to researchers.
NAION occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is reduced, potentially leading to sudden vision loss. While the condition is rare, it is considered a medical emergency that can result in permanent blindness in the affected eye.
Patients currently taking Wegovy or Ozempic are advised not to discontinue use without consulting their healthcare provider. Anyone experiencing sudden vision changes should seek medical attention promptly.
The findings highlight the importance of ongoing pharmacovigilance for widely prescribed medications and underscore that drugs with identical active ingredients may still carry different risk profiles depending on formulation, dosing, or other factors.