Popular Weight-Loss Drug Linked to Sudden Blindness Risk, European Health Agency Warns
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has issued a warning that popular weight-loss and Type 2 diabetes medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus,
prativad 
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has issued a warning that popular weight-loss and Type 2 diabetes medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, may cause sudden blindness. The active ingredient in these drugs, semaglutide, has now been linked to NAION (Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy), a severe eye condition, as a "very rare" side effect.
The EMA's Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) released this conclusion after a comprehensive review that began in January 2025. The review analyzed clinical trials, post-marketing reports, and medical research.
Key Findings:
- For patients with Type 2 diabetes, those taking semaglutide were found to be twice as likely to develop NAION compared to those not on the medication.
- This condition could affect approximately 1 in 10,000 people.
- NAION is a disease of the optic nerve and is the second most common cause of blindness after glaucoma.
As of June 8, 2025, the EMA has recommended that this risk be clearly included on the labels of these medications. Patients who experience sudden loss or rapid reduction of vision while taking the drug should seek immediate medical advice and discontinue use under a doctor's guidance.
Novo Nordisk, the Danish company that produces these drugs, stated that it is working with the EMA to update safety labels and ensure patient safety.
Another recent study also indicated that drugs like Ozempic might increase the risk of kidney cancer, although they are also believed to help reduce the risk of several other types of cancer.
The EMA's recommendation will now be reviewed by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), with the final decision to be made by the European Commission.
Important Information:
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that regulates insulin secretion and increases feelings of fullness. It plays a key role in treating Type 2 diabetes and obesity, but new warnings have now been issued regarding its potential side effects.
