FDA Adds New Vision-loss Warning to GLP-1 Drugs

Popular weight loss drugs including Ozempic and Wegovy will carry a new warning about a possible rare side effect that can sometimes lead to permanent vision loss, U.S. health regulators announced Monday.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said the risk will be added to the labeling of all GLP-1 drugs, the blockbuster medications used to treat diabetes, obesity and several other medical conditions. The class includes a dozen injectable or pill-based drugs, including widely used brands like Zepbound and Mounjaro.

The eye condition, known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, can cause significant vision loss. The problem, which has been reported with all GLP-1 drugs, occurs due to decreased blood flow to the optic nerve, although the underlying cause is not understood, the FDA said.

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