Semaglutide, a medication primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, has recently gained widespread attention thanks to endorsements from celebrities and the internet. This surge in popularity has even led to shortages for individuals who need the drug for its intended medical use.
However, semaglutide is not without its downsides. Users frequently report side effects such as nausea, bloating, and heartburn. Recent findings suggest there may be more significant risks associated with this drug.
A new study has revealed that popular weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, both of which contain semaglutide, are linked to an increased risk of a rare but serious eye condition. Semaglutide is marketed as Ozempic for diabetes management and Wegovy for weight loss.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 17: In this photo illustration, boxes of the diabetes drug Ozempic rest on a pharmacy counter on April 17, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Ozempic was originally approved by the FDA to treat people with Type 2 diabetes- who risk serious health consequences without medication. In recent months, there has been a spike in demand for Ozempic, or semaglutide, due to its weight loss benefits, which has led to shortages. Some doctors prescribe Ozempic off-label to treat obesity. Photo illustration by Mario Tama/Getty Images
Taking Weight Loss Drugs Increases the Risks of Rare Eye Condition
Conducted by researchers at Mass Eye and Ear, the study was published on July 3 in JAMA Ophthalmology. It found that patients using semaglutide had a higher likelihood of developing non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
NAION is a rare condition, occurring in up to 10 out of 100,000 people in the general population. It is the second-leading cause of optic nerve blindness, following glaucoma.
This study of over 16,000 patients found that those taking semaglutide, a popular diabetes and weight loss drug, had a significantly higher risk of developing a rare eye condition called NAION.
Diabetic patients on semaglutide were over four times more likely to develop NAION than those on other medications, while overweight or obese patients on semaglutide were over seven times more likely.
This translates to 8.9% of diabetic semaglutide users and 6.7% of overweight or obese semaglutide users developing NAION, compared to 1.8% and 0.8% of those on other drugs, respectively.
Dr. Rizzo emphasized the importance of discussing this risk with patients. "The use of these drugs has exploded throughout industrialized countries... future discussions between a patient and their physician should include NAION as a potential risk," he said. Despite the increased risk, he noted that NAION is relatively uncommon.
However, the researchers acknowledged several limitations in their study. Mass Eye and Ear treats an unusually high number of rare eye disease cases, and the study population was predominantly white.
Additionally, the small number of NAION cases observed over the six-year study period means that statistics can change rapidly. The study was also observational, meaning it could not establish causality between semaglutide use and NAION.
Other Risks of Weight Loss Drugs
Semaglutide and other GLP-1 agonists like liraglutide are known for their effectiveness in managing diabetes and aiding in weight loss, but they are not without risks.
Aside from common side effects, more serious risks associated with GLP-1 agonists have also been documented. A study published in January 2024 in JAMA highlighted a concerning association between GLP-1 agonists and pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, and gastroparesis.
While headlines have warned about an increased risk of suicidal ideation with semaglutide, a Nature Medicine study reported that semaglutide was associated with a 49% to 73% lower risk of first-time or recurring suicidal ideations compared to other obesity medications.
