DIABETES and weight loss drug, Semaglutide, has been linked to an increased risk of vision loss, according to new research from the Harvard (T.H. Chan) School of Public Health.
Sold under the brand name Ozempic, the prescription drug may be associated with higher risk of Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION), a condition that typically causes sudden vision loss in one eye due to a loss of blood flow to the optic nerve.
The study, which included 16,827 patients, compared those who were prescribed semaglutide compared with patients who were prescribed non-glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist medications for diabetes or obesity.
The results show that patients who received semaglutide had a greater risk of NAION after three years (6.7% versus 0.8%).
Researchers say that further investigation is needed to assess causality - to read the full study, which is published online at JAMA Ophthalmol, click here. JM
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 09 Jul 24
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 09 Jul 24
