Ozempic Use and the Risk of NAION

Ozempic Use and the Risk of NAION. As a Texas Defective Drug Attorney and Texas medical doctor, I am highlighting the risk of Ozempic Use and the Risk of NAION.

Ozempic (semaglutide) has improved the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes and, more recently, gained significant attention for its role in weight management. Now, recent studies have highlighted a rare but serious concern: a link between Ozempic use and an eye condition called Non-Arteritic Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION).

This article aims to shed light on what NAION is, the current understanding of its connection to Ozempic, and what patients need to know.

What is NAION? A Quick Look at the Optic Nerve

The optic nerve is the critical cable connecting your eye to your brain, transmitting all the visual information. Non-Arteritic Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) occurs when the blood supply to the front part of this optic nerve is suddenly disrupted, leading to damage and often, sudden, painless vision loss in one eye.

NAION is not new. It’s the most common cause of sudden vision loss in people over 50. While the exact cause isn’t always clear, several risk factors are well-established:

1. Underlying Medical Conditions: High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea significantly increase the risk.
2. Anatomical Predisposition: Some individuals are born with a “crowded” optic disc (where the optic nerve exits the eye), making it more vulnerable to blood flow issues.
3. Other Factors: Smoking and even certain medications (like erectile dysfunction drugs) have been linked.

The vision loss from NAION can range from mild to severe and is often permanent. While it typically affects one eye, there’s a risk of the other eye being affected in the future (around 15% within 5 years).

Ozempic and the Emerging Link to NAION

Ozempic, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, works by stimulating insulin release, lowering glucagon secretion, and slowing gastric emptying, which helps control blood sugar and promote a feeling of fullness. While highly effective, post-market surveillance and recent research have brought a potential association with NAION to the forefront.

Several studies, including large epidemiological analyses, have suggested an increased risk of NAION in individuals using semaglutide. For instance:

One study reported a 32% increased relative risk of NAION in semaglutide users compared to those not taking the drug.

Other research has indicated an approximately twofold increase in NAION risk for semaglutide users with Type 2 Diabetes compared to those on other diabetes medications.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has acknowledged NAION as a “very rare” side effect, potentially affecting up to 1 in 10,000 people taking semaglutide.

Important Considerations:

The individuals prescribed Ozempic often have pre-existing conditions like diabetes and obesity, which are themselves independent risk factors for NAION. Researchers attempt to account for these confounding factors, but the precise mechanism linking Ozempic to NAION is still under investigation.

Rapid Metabolic Changes: Some hypotheses suggest that rapid shifts in blood sugar levels or rapid weight loss, which can occur with Ozempic, might play a role in precipitating NAION in susceptible individuals.

Overall Risk: Despite the increased relative risk, the absolute risk of developing NAION while on Ozempic remains low. For every 10,000 people treated in a year, it’s estimated there might be between 1.5 and 2.5 additional cases of NAION.

What Does This Mean for the Ozempic user?

If you are currently taking Ozempic or considering it, here’s what you need to know:

Be Aware of Symptoms: The most important thing is to be vigilant for any sudden changes in your vision. NAION typically presents as sudden, painless vision loss in one eye. Other symptoms can include blurry or dim vision, partial vision loss, dark or shadowy spots, or impaired color vision.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention: If you experience any sudden vision changes, contact your doctor or an ophthalmologist immediately. Prompt evaluation is crucial.

Discuss Your Risk Factors: Talk openly with your healthcare provider about your personal risk factors for NAION, including any history of high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, or a family history of eye conditions.

In Conclusion Ozempic Use and the Risk of NAION

Ozempic remains a valuable medication for many individuals. The potential link to NAION is a serious concern that warrants attention; it’s important to view this risk in context. Prompt medical attention is required if vision changes occur, as it is key to safely navigating treatment with Ozempic.

Eligibility for an Ozempic and NAION Lawsuit

Financial compensation may be available via an Ozempic and NAION lawsuit settlement for people who received name-brand Ozempic injections and suffered from NAION.

Dr. Shezad Malik Law Firm is investigating Ozempic and NAION lawsuits against Novo Nordisk for people throughout the United States who have developed NAION injuries that could have been prevented.

To determine if you or a loved one qualifies for an Ozempic and NAION Lawsuit, submit information for review, and we will evaluate the circumstances of your potential claim. There are no fees or expenses paid unless a settlement or lawsuit payout is received.

Contact Dr Shezad Malik Law Firm Now for NAION Injuries

If you or a loved one uses Ozempic for weight loss or diabetes treatment and has developed NAION, contact the attorneys at Dr. Shezad Malik Law Firm to learn more about your legal rights. You can speak with one of our representatives by calling 214-390-3189 or by filling out the case evaluation form on this page.

Our law firm’s principal office is in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Shezad Malik Law Firm represents clients in dangerous drug and dangerous medical device lawsuits nationwide.

Primary Research Articles:

• Hathaway, J. T., Shah, M. P., Hathaway, D. B., et al. (2024). Risk of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy in Patients Prescribed Semaglutide.
  • This study, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, is often referenced as one of the first to highlight a potential association. It investigated the risk of NAION in patients prescribed semaglutide for type 2 diabetes and obesity.
• Simonsen, E., Lund, L. C., Ernst, M. T., et al. (2025). Use of semaglutide and risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy: A Danish–Norwegian cohort study. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
  • This large Danish-Norwegian cohort study also found an increased risk of NAION associated with semaglutide use in patients with type 2 diabetes. It provides real-world data from a significant population.
• Cai, C. X., et al. (2025). Semaglutide and Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy. JAMA Ophthalmology.
  • This paper, accepted for publication in JAMA Ophthalmology, contributes to the growing body of evidence, employing robust statistical analysis methods.

Official Regulatory and Health Organization Statements:

European Medicines Agency (EMA): PRAC concludes eye condition NAION is a very rare side effect of semaglutide medicines Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy. (Published June 6, 2025).

• The EMA’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) reviewed available data and officially concluded that NAION is a “very rare” side effect of semaglutide, recommending an update to product information.

• World Health Organization (WHO): The use of semaglutide medicines and risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). (Published June 27, 2025).
  • The WHO also issued a safety alert due to the widespread use of semaglutide and the serious nature of NAION, aligning with the EMA’s conclusions and calling for revisions to risk management plans.