A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, which makes Ozempic and Wegovy, told The Independent in an email on Wednesday that loss of blood flow to the optic nerve — also known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy — is not an adverse drug reaction for Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, as per the approved labels.
However, they advise people to possibly adjust their dosage or halt taking them if they experience vision loss] The optic nerve is an essential part of a person’s vision, carrying signals from the eyes to the brain.
Seven of the nine patients their study focused on had a loss of blood flow to the optic nerve, and one had inflammation of the optic nerve head.
People should not randomly decide to go off weight loss drugs, but should be cautious when taking them, possibly stopping the medication or adjusting the dosage if they experience vision loss.
There’s no direct link between vision loss and taking the weight loss and diabetes drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound.
