If you or someone you care about currently takes or has taken Ozempic, it is important for you to know about the vision dangers that this prescription drug presents. While many people have already been informed about the gallbladder, gastrointestinal, and mental health problems that Ozempic causes, there is a new study that has recently surfaced, which shows that users of Ozempic may now face vision loss.
Why do people take Ozempic?
People usually take Ozempic because their doctor prescribed it to them. This medication is used to mainly help individuals manage their type 2 diabetes. It is an injection that goes directly underneath the skin and lowers the individual’s blood sugar by urging the body to develop more insulin, which can also reduce their chances of having a stroke or heart attack. Even though Ozempic has not been approved or recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), many doctors are prescribing it to help their obese patients lose or manage their weight.
What health-related complaints are common after taking Ozempic?
Ozempic has been in the news frequently over the past couple of years for causing various health conditions. Some of the most common complaints made about this prescription drug include:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Hypoglycemia
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder disease, inflammation of the gallbladder, and gallstones
- Thyroid cancer and tumors
- Mental health issues (increased depression, anxiety, etc.)
- Diabetic retinopathy
What vision dangers does Ozempic present?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recently released an article informing the public about a recent study indicating that Ozempic presents vision dangers. The study was published by medical doctors and researchers in JAMA Ophthalmology and reveals that the main ingredient in Ozempic, which is semaglutide, can negatively affect the user’s eyes. The following are a few of the vision dangers that Ozempic presents:
- Vision changes or alterations
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Worsening of diabetic retinopathy
- Macular issues
- Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
- Vision loss or blindness
What are the signs or symptoms of vision loss from taking Ozempic?
If you or someone you know takes Ozempic, you should know and be aware of the signs and symptoms of vision loss, such as:
- Headaches
- Pain near the eyes
- Sensitive to light or brightness
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Inability to see objects clearly
- Seeing more and frequent dark or shadow areas
- Sudden vision loss or total blindness in one eye
Individuals who experience vision loss from taking Ozempic typically do not have any pain. Instead, they may wake up one day and no longer be able to see as clearly or at all anymore. An ophthalmologist may examine the eyes and see inflammation around the optic disc, an optic disc hemorrhage, or deterioration of the optic nerve, which are clear indicators of vision problems.
Why is Ozempic causing blindness?
Although researchers express that there is not enough available data on Ozempic causing blindness, the study released shows a strong connection between using this product and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which is a disease that causes blindness. It is believed that those who have diabetes already have a strong possibility of developing NAION and becoming blind even if they do not take Ozempic. However, the use of semaglutide, the main ingredient in Ozempic, increases the chances of being diagnosed with NAION and losing your eyesight. Joel Kopelman, MD provides two theories on why this drug and ingredient may be causing blindness, which are:
- Semaglutide “may influence vascular health and blood flow, potentially contributing to ischemic events in predisposed individuals.”
- Since GLP-1 receptors were found on the optic nerve in the study, this may be an indication that when you activate these receptors, they may affect the blood supply that the optic nerve receives, which could potentially cause NAION.
Should I stop taking Ozempic out of fear of losing my vision?
After learning about the risk of Ozempic causing vision loss, you may decide that you would like to stop taking the drug out of fear of losing your vision. This may be a good idea because once you develop NAION and lose your vision, you will never be able to see out of the affected eye or restore your vision again. Andrew Lee, MD states that “It is premature to conclude that the association is a causal association. More research is necessary to test the hypothesis. Until then, patients should be aware of this information and, in consultation with their care team, make a careful, informed choice based on their individual risk profile.” Therefore, it is crucial that you make an appointment with your doctor or ophthalmologist as soon as possible to determine whether the benefits outweigh the risks based on your personal situation and circumstances.
At Kwartler Manus, LLC, we take Ozempic vision loss cases very seriously. If you have questions or concerns about Ozempic and the vision problems that this medication is causing, our Ozempic vision loss attorneys are ready and available to help you. Our team is currently reviewing cases of clients who have been injured by Ozempic, and we would be more than glad to assist you as well. Please contact our firm to schedule a free case evaluation and begin exploring your legal options today. We are located in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, New Jersey for your convenience.