People taking Ozempic and similar drugs may have to keep an eye out for an unexpected side effect.
As with the earlier U.S. study, they found a noticeably higher risk of NAION in those taking semaglutide.
But it wasnt until these latest studies that the agency felt compelled to go further.
While rare, NAION is a leading cause of blindness caused by optic nerve damage.© Virojt Changyencham via Getty
Therefore, we will now request PRAC to assess the new studies.
Observational, retrospective data alone cant demonstrate a cause-and-effect relationship between any two factors.
In the U.S., its estimated that there are severalthousand new cases of NAIONevery year.
The earlier U.S. study found that semaglutide was associated with a sevenfold higher risk of NAION.
But the larger, likely more representative Danish studies instead found a two- to threefold higher risk.
The benefits of GLP-1 therapy are also likely to outweigh the potential danger of NAION for most eligible patients.
Poorly treated diabetes can itself lead tovision issues, for instance.
Someone at higher risk might be advised to take a different diabetes drug, for instance.
For now, well just have to wait and see where the dust settles.
News from the future, delivered to your present.
You May Also Like
Trump Is Promising to Lower Drug Prices.
Does Ozempic Really Cause Thyroid Cancer?
Does Ozempic Raise Suicide Risk?
