Semaglutide Alert: WHO Links Drug to Vision Loss
Summary: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a safety alert about a rare but serious risk of vision loss called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in patients using semaglutide-based drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. These drugs, widely prescribed for type 2 diabetes and obesity, now carry updated warnings following reviews by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Here’s what healthcare providers and patients need to know.
WHO Issues Global Alert on Semaglutide - Linked Vision Loss
Semaglutide, the popular drug used in Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, is now under scrutiny for a rare but irreversible eye condition. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently sounded the alarm on non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a serious eye disorder causing sudden, painless vision loss in one eye, which may be permanent.
These findings were shared in a global safety alert issued after growing concerns and new safety data emerged.
What Is NAION and Why Is It Concerning?
NAION is the second most common optic neuropathy after glaucoma, mostly affecting middle-aged and older adults. It typically presents as:
- Sudden loss of vision in one eye
- No pain
- Swollen optic disc (visible during eye examination)
The most troubling aspect? NAION is generally irreversible and currently has no effective treatment.
The Semaglutide Connection: What We Know
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), a drug class that improves blood sugar control and promotes weight loss. It’s the active ingredient in:
- Ozempic (type 2 diabetes)
- Wegovy (obesity)
- Rybelsus (oral form for diabetes)
These drugs have seen a surge in use globally. But according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), NAION might be a very rare side effect, possibly affecting up to 1 in 10,000 users.
EMA Review: What Triggered the Update?
The EMA’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) conducted an in-depth safety review using:
- Non-clinical research data
- Clinical trial results
- Post-marketing surveillance
- Published medical literature
PRAC concluded that although rare, NAION is a potential risk. The committee recommended updating product information for all semaglutide medicines to reflect this.
What WHO and Global Regulators Are Saying
The WHO Advisory Committee on Safety of Medicinal Products (ACSoMP) reviewed case reports submitted from various countries via VigiBase, the global adverse event reporting system.
As a result, the WHO:
- Recommended revising the Risk Management Plan for semaglutide
- Stressed the need for increased pharmacovigilance
- Issued a public safety alert to inform healthcare providers and patients worldwide
Guidance for Doctors and Patients
Doctors are urged to:
- Educate patients on the early signs of NAION
- Immediately discontinue semaglutide if NAION is suspected
- Report suspected cases to national pharmacovigilance programs
Patients should:
- Seek urgent medical help if they experience sudden or rapidly worsening vision
- Not restart semaglutide without professional guidance
Conclusion
The link between semaglutide and NAION is rare but serious. With updated drug safety labels and active global monitoring, the focus now is on
- Early detection
- Timely action
Both healthcare providers and patients must stay informed to minimise risk and preserve vision while still benefiting from the powerful therapeutic effects of semaglutide.
Dane
I am an MBBS graduate and a dedicated medical writer with a strong passion for deep research and psychology. I enjoy breaking down complex medical topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content, aiming to educate and inspire readers by exploring the fascinating connection between health, science, and the human mind.
