Many users of Ozempic are being warned and even urged to stop taking the medication as it can potentially cause vision loss. This medication was already known to increase the risk of gallstones, gastrointestinal problems, and mental health conditions. However, this new threat is another huge concern for those who are taking Ozempic.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a type of medication prescribed by doctors to treat type 2 diabetes. It is typically given in the form of an injection, which goes underneath the skin. Most people take Ozempic to help them manage their blood sugar and reduce their risks of having a heart attack or stroke. While this medication is not necessarily intended for weight loss, doctors have prescribed it to patients to help them manage or lose weight. It is important to know that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved the use of Ozempic for weight loss.
What types of issues does Ozempic cause?
Individuals who have taken Ozempic have reported the following issues:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal cramps or stomach pains
- Diarrhea
- Pancreatitis
- Hypoglycemia
- Gallbladder disease
- Gallstones
- Thyroid tumors or cancer
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts
What are the signs of Ozempic vision loss?
Recently, Ozempic made headlines as recent research indicated that it increases the risk of developing a serious eye condition that may result in permanent vision loss. Researchers revealed that patients who took Ozempic had a high chance of developing non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which is a health condition that impacts the optic nerve. When the optic nerve is affected or damaged, it cannot communicate with the brain, preventing individuals from ever seeing again. Therefore, those with NAION experience sudden and irreparable vision loss. While the researchers mention that further studies must be conducted, people taking Ozempic are being warned about the possibility of developing NAION, which is the second commonly diagnosed optic nerve disease in the United States. The following are the signs of NAION or Ozempic vision loss:
- Sudden loss of vision in one eye
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Headaches
- Pain around the eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Seeing shadows or dark areas
Most of the time, NAION does not cause any pain. Instead, individuals will abruptly lose their eyesight, which is typically painless. An ophthalmologist may perform an exam and evaluate your eye condition, which may show swelling or inflammation of the optic disc, deterioration of the optic nerve, or optic disc hemorrhage.
How does Ozempic potentially cause blindness?
The study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found a direct connection between semaglutide, a prominent ingredient in Ozempic, and NAION, which is described by Dr. Joseph Rizzo as “a stroke of the optic nerve.” There needs to be more research conducted to determine exactly how Ozempic causes blindness. However, a few hypothetical ways that have been mentioned include:
- Ozempic may cause intense swelling that affects the optic nerve.
- Alterations in blood pressure from the diabetes medication treatment could affect the blood’s ability to reach the optic nerve.
- Ozempic may affect the optic nerve’s overall health.
- Semaglutide may affect the blood vessels, which could decrease the amount of blood flowing to the optic nerve.
How common is blindness after taking Ozempic?
Even though there was a significant link between Ozempic and blindness, doctors believe that blindness after taking Ozempic is still a low risk. The researchers looked at almost 16,827 people who were overweight or had diabetes and made comparisons between the individuals who took semaglutide and those who didn’t. These were the results of the study:
- 8.9 percent of the individuals who took semaglutide were diagnosed with NAION.
- 1.8 percent of the individuals who did not take semaglutide but were taking other diabetic medications were diagnosed with NAION.
- 6.7 percent of the individuals who were overweight and took semaglutide were diagnosed with NAION.
- 0.8 percent of the individuals who were overweight and took other medications besides semaglutide were diagnosed with NAION.
What should I do if I take or have taken Ozempic?
If you are currently taking Ozempic, you most likely cannot suddenly stop taking this medication without speaking to your doctor first. Therefore, as soon as you can, you should schedule an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss your concerns, the risks involved, and whether there are any alternative medications available. Make sure that the doctor listens to your concerns and answers your questions as you have the right to switch medications if you wish. If you have taken Ozempic in the past and experienced any vision issues, you may want to schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist to evaluate your eyes and find out whether the medication could have affected your vision in any way.
If you or a family member has taken Ozempic and experienced vision loss or other health-related problems, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Philadelphia personal injury attorneys from Kwartler Manus, LLC at your earliest convenience. We will listen to your experience, look over the facts and circumstances of your case, inform you of your rights, gather information and evidence to support your case, and help you pursue the best course of action possible. Our team has the experience, skills, and knowledge to handle cases involving Ozempic, and we will do everything we can to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the financial recovery you need and deserve to move forward with your life. Fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation in Philadelphia or Cherry Hill today.