FDA Orders Vision-Loss Warning on GLP-1 Drugs After 16,000-Patient Study
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Nov 9
FDA Orders Vision-Loss Warning on GLP-1 Drugs After 16,000-Patient Study
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Nov 9
Summary
Monday’s FDA action requires all GLP-1 drugmakers to add labeling that these medicines can increase the risk of NAION, a rare optic-nerve condition that can reduce vision or cause blindness in one eye.
The agency said NAION cases have been reported across all currently marketed GLP-1 products and based the warning on clinical trials, observational studies and case reports, including a 2024 study of about 16,000 ophthalmology patients.
That study linked semaglutide to NAION but did not prove causation, and the FDA noted research has produced conflicting results on whether the drugs raise the risk of the condition.
Novo Nordisk has said lawsuits over alleged vision loss are without merit and cited a 2026 analysis of more than 90,000 trial participants showing no association; Eli Lilly said it is reviewing the update.
The warning adds pressure to a blockbuster drug class that includes Ozempic and Wegovy, while the FDA told patients to contact doctors immediately if they develop NAION symptoms because no known treatment exists.