Can Ozempic damage your optic nerve? Here’s what doctors say about a new study | Health and Wellness News

A Danish study has found that semaglutide, which controls blood glucose while ensuring weight loss, is associated with a higher risk of vision loss caused by a lack of blood circulation to the eyes and damage to the optic nerve.
However, doctors in India say the data is still insufficient to prove that the drug will almost always trigger this condition, called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Should semaglutide’s benefits be, therefore, overlooked?
WHAT DOES THE STUDY SAY
Researchers found that 67 people exposed to semaglutide developed NAION between the first prescription and 23 months. “During five years of observation of all persons with Type 2 diabetes in Denmark, use of once-weekly semaglutide independently more than doubled the risk of NAION. Given the irreversible nature of NAION, it is important to acknowledge this risk, and upcoming studies should aim to identify high-risk sub-groups,” they said.
However, they also acknowledged that “the observed incidence rate of NAION of 0.228 per 1000 person-years” for diabetics with once-weekly semaglutide may not discourage its use given its benefits in blood glucose control, weight loss, kidney and heart health.
WHY IS THE STUDY SIGNIFICANT?
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (RA). It mimics the hormone incretin that stimulates insulin secretion for better blood sugar control and reduces cardiovascular outcomes in Type 2 diabetes. Its injectable form, Ozempic — which was recently approved by the Indian drug regulator but is still unavailable due to supply issues — is a rage among those seeking a quick path to weight loss. However, other GLP-1 drugs like Rybelsus have been available in India for a long time.
WHAT DOCTORS SAY
Dr Sudhir Shah, HOD, neurology, Sterling Hospital, Ahmedabad, says, “We still haven’t seen neurological problems because the quantum of users of Ozempic is very less in India at the moment. While GLP-1 drugs have contraindications for gastrointestinal and pancreas diseases, the impact on the nervous system is said to be very less. There are research papers coming out now on neurological impact but we have yet to see this first hand.”
However, Dr Shah indicated that GLP-1 RAs could have an indirect impact on the nervous system. “While direct neurotoxicity has not been noticed yet, one complication of Ozempic is loss of muscle mass along with fat. This breakdown of proteins can theoretically impact the brain, nerves and spine.”
Dr VN Shah, diabetologist and a principal investigator in the clinical trials of Ozempic at Zydus Hospital in India, said while he had not yet seen optic complications due to GLP-1 drugs, it is important to note that the biggest cause of blindness is uncontrolled blood sugar. “We always check for eye-related issues before prescribing medication. Any study must be weighed against the absolute benefits of GLP-1 molecules, which outweigh the risks, at least in this case,” he added.
Dr Swati Vijay Devanhalli, HOD of the M&J Institute of Ophthalmology at the Medicity Campus in Ahmedabad, said there’s no evidence in India yet about semaglutide damaging the optic nerve.
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