Semaglutide Use Linked to Double the Potential Risk of NAION in New Study

New research has intensified concerns about the potential vision loss side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy, two widely used medications prescribed for diabetes management and weight loss. According to a study published this month in JAMA Ophthalmology, people who take Ozempic or Wegovy face double the potential risk of developing nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) compared to those taking other diabetes drugs called sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i).

Semaglutide and Ozempic Uses

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that has gained popularity for its effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss. Initially approved for diabetes management, Ozempic has become a go-to option for many healthcare providers due to its dual benefits. Wegovy, a higher-dose formulation of semaglutide, is specifically marketed for obesity management.

Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone that regulates appetite and insulin secretion, thereby helping to control blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. The increasing prevalence of obesity and diabetes in the United States has led to a surge in prescriptions for semaglutide-based medications, and estimates suggest that 15 million American adults will be using these drugs for weight loss by 2030, not including diabetes patients.

The Study: Key Findings on Potential NAION Risk with Semaglutide

This latest semaglutide study, conducted by researchers at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, analyzed data from over 102,000 veterans with type 2 diabetes. The findings indicated that patients initiating semaglutide therapy had a significantly higher risk of developing NAION compared to those starting SGLT2 inhibitors.

According to the researchers, there was an incidence rate of 123 instances of NAION per 100,000 person-years among semaglutide users, compared to just 67 instances per 100,000 person-years for SGLT2i users. The hazard ratio for NAION among semaglutide users was calculated at 2.33, indicating a more than twofold increased risk. Despite the increased relative risk, the study authors noted that the absolute risk of developing NAION remains low, with cumulative risks of 0.29% for semaglutide users and 0.13% for SGLT2i users.

Potential Implications for Ozempic, Wegovy Users

Given the potential risk of NAION associated with semaglutide, healthcare providers are encouraged to engage in thorough discussions with patients regarding the benefits and potential risks of these medications. Patients taking or considering Ozempic or Wegovy should be made aware of the potential for serious vision-related complications, including blurred vision and permanent vision loss associated with NAION. 

The Mechanism Behind NAION

While the exact biological mechanism allegedly linking semaglutide to NAION remains unclear, several hypotheses have been proposed. Changes in blood pressure and volume depletion due to gastrointestinal side effects may contribute to impaired blood flow to the optic nerve, which could potentially increase the risk of NAION in Ozempic users. Rapid improvements in blood sugar levels could also lead to transient microvascular dysregulation, affecting the optic nerve’s blood supply.

Regulatory Response and Ongoing Semaglutide NAION Research

The findings from this and other semaglutide NAION studies have prompted regulatory bodies to review the safety profiles of semaglutide-based medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently evaluating the evidence surrounding NAION and semaglutide, but has not yet issued formal warnings. In 2025, the EMA classified NAION as a very rare side effect of semaglutide, recommending updates to product labeling to inform patients and healthcare providers.

A Growing Number of Ozempic NAION Lawsuits

As awareness of the alleged vision loss risks associated with semaglutide grows, so too does the number of claims being filed against the manufacturers of these medications. Dozens of federal claims brought against the makers of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) like Ozempic and Wegovy have been consolidated in Pennsylvania federal court under U.S. District Judge Karen S. Marston for coordinated pretrial proceedings as part of a multidistrict litigation (MDL). Other Ozempic and Wegovy injury claims are pending in state courts across the country. 

What Does This Mean for Ozempic Users?

Emerging evidence linking semaglutide to a potential increased risk of NAION underscores the importance of vigilance in patient care. As healthcare providers continue to prescribe these medications for their benefits in managing diabetes and obesity, they must also remain aware of the potential risks and engage in open conversations with patients.

Consumers deserve to be fully informed about the pharmaceutical drugs they are taking, so they can make educated decisions regarding their treatment options. Ongoing research and regulatory scrutiny will be essential in ensuring the safety and efficacy of semaglutide-based treatments like Ozempic and Wegovy in the future.