Semaglutide & NAION (Vision Loss)

Semaglutide drugs, sold under brand names of Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Rybelsus and Zepbound have been rising in popularity. They are used to treat diabetes and obesity. Alarmingly, however, given this rise in popularity, a study shows they are associated with a rare form of vision loss, non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). If you suffered NAION or other vision loss after taking a semaglutide drug like Ozempic or Wegovy, call the knowledgeable Chicago-based lawyers of Moll Law Group. Billions have been recovered in lawsuits with which we’ve been involved across the country.

Semaglutide helps people lose weight by regulating their blood sugar through release of the hormone GLP-1, which makes people feel full. The body creates more insulin, and this in turn reduces blood sugar. However, fluctuations in blood sugar can impact the patient’s eye’s lens, and the result may be blurry vision. Vision can be destabilized by these changes. Usually this is a temporary side effect, but some studies show an association between semaglutide and NAION. 

NAION is a rare non-inflammatory disease whereby the blood supply that runs to the optic nerve is disrupted. This can result in partial vision loss that’s permanent. One study published last year found that those prescribed semaglutide were more likely to develop NAION than those who took other diabetes or weight loss medications. Another study found that those taking semaglutide were more than twice as likely to develop NAION compared to people taking other medications for diabetes, but in that study only 32 cases of NAION were reported out of 60,000 people studied. 

There isn’t enough data yet to indicate that patients must stop taking the medication or that there is a causal link between semaglutide and NAION, and it’s important to consult with your doctor and bring up any concerns. However, if you have developed vision loss as a result of semaglutide, you may have other recourse, and it’s important to talk to an attorney about whether you have grounds to file a product liability lawsuit. 

When you’re harmed by a dangerous drug, you may have grounds to sue for damages. A product liability lawsuit may be filed in connection with a product that is defective in terms of its marketing, design, or manufacturing. Marketing defects typically involve failure to provide adequate warnings but can exist in connection with any of the information provided with a product. Design defects are flaws that exist in the formulation of the drug or other specifications; because they are flaws in the method by which the product is produced, they exist in every unit of the product. Manufacturing defects typically occur only in some of the units of the product; they stem from errors in how the product was made and generally involve a deviation from the formulation or specifications for the unit.

Theories under which we may be able to recover damages in a product liability lawsuit can include negligence, breach of warranty, strict liability, breach of contract, and statutory violations. Each state has its own rules about which theories apply in a product liability lawsuit. In many states, the predominant theory under which product liability lawsuits are brought is strict liability; under this theory, our attorneys won’t need to prove that the manufacturer’s action fell below an applicable standard of care. Rather, we’ll need to show: (1) there was a defect in the drug, (2) the defect caused your injuries, (3) you suffered damages (such as vision loss) as a result. 

Those who developed NAION or vision loss as a result of semaglutide drugs may be able to seek compensation by filing a dangerous drug or product liability lawsuit. Our law firm represents patients that have suffered harm across the country. If you suffered injuries such as vision loss from a semaglutide drug like Ozempic or Wegovy, please call our experienced Chicago-based trial attorneys about your legal options. Complete our online form or by calling us at 312.462.1700.