Weitz & Luxenberg is pursuing cases of severe vision loss in adults who took Ozempic or Wegovy to treat diabetes, weight loss, or for other medical reasons. A large study out of the Harvard Medical School revealed a strong association between these drugs and the development of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION). This is a type of severe damage to the optic nerve causing vision loss and, in some cases, even blindness.
If you used a semaglutide injection and had a loss in your vision, reach out to us today. We can help you explore your legal options and get you justice for your injury, and the financial compensation you deserve.
Taking Ozempic or Wegovy Can Make You Blind
The lawsuits are based on the fact that people were not warned that Ozempic or Wegovy were associated with NAION and that the manufacturer knew, or should have known, about this association. Recent studies have raised these concerns. Research “findings suggest an association between semaglutide and NAION.” (1) Another researcher recommend “further data-driven research” is needed on this topic. (2)
“Despite all the hoopla on the benefits of these medications, it is often overlooked that the drugs you can hurt you. Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy leads to blindness. It is a very serious condition and is a significant cause of blindness” says Ellen Relkin, W&L partner and practice group chair of our firm’s Drug and Medical Device Litigation unit. “After taking Ozempic or Wegovy, some people are developing this unusual condition that damages their vision. They were never warned of these serious risks.”
She continues, “Patients would not suspect that taking a drug to treat diabetes or to lose weight could damage their optic nerve. The connection was observed by astute neuro-ophthalmologists at Harvard who noticed what seemed to be a large number of their patients with NAION and who had been prescribed Ozempic or Wegovy. This prompted these concerned clinicians to conduct a large retrospective matched cohort study of their patients at Massachusetts Eye and Ear in Boston. It is concerning that the patient inserts about Ozempic and Wegovy entirely fail to warn about this devastating condition.”
NAION and Vision Loss
NAION “is a potentially debilitating condition that occurs from a lack of sufficient blood flow to the optic nerve.” This nerve “is the cable that connects the brain to the eye and carries millions of nerve fibers and blood vessels.” (3)
Sometimes, a blood vessel feeding the optic nerve can be totally blocked. Sometimes, blood flow to one half of the nerve is inadequate. (4)
Both types can lead to vision loss. In effect, the optic nerve does not receive the nutrients and oxygen it needs. The end result is blindness. (5)
NAION Symptoms
If you have NAION, you may have no warning before experiencing vision loss. However, most patients do notice some loss of vision in one eye when they wake up in the morning. (6)
Other people may notice a shadow or darkened area in your vision. This darkness might affect either the upper or lower portions of your visual field. Loss of contrast and light sensitivity are other possible symptoms of NAION. (7)
Treatment for NAION
There is no medication to treat NAION. Depending on the cause of your NAION, your vision loss may be stable. However, it could worsen over a few weeks. (8)
In worst-case scenarios, you could lose vision and be blind in both eyes, not just one. (9)
Using of Ozempic and Wegovy Semaglutides
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), semaglutide is a type of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It mimics a hormone the human body releases in the gastrointestinal tract when you eat something. (10)
This hormone prompts your body to produce more insulin, which lowers blood sugar. In higher amounts, this hormone “interacts with the parts of the brain that reduce appetite and signal a feeling of fullness.” (11)
The FDA has approved three semaglutide medications: (12)
- Ozempic injections are intended to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
- Ozempic is also prescribed to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- Wegovy injection is intended to help both adults and children over 12 years of age with obesity and other weight related conditions.
Reach Out to Weitz & Luxenberg for Your Optic Nerve Eye Injury Case
The attorneys at W&L urge you to contact us if you used Ozempic or Wegovy at any time since January 2018 and were diagnosed with NAION.
You may have a successful lawsuit if you were diagnosed with this terrible injury within one year of receiving at least one administration of either medication. Talk with a member of our team by filling out our form, or calling us for more information at (833) 977-3437.
Our attorneys are reviewing cases of people harmed by Ozempic and Wegovy. Reach out to us if you developed severe vision loss, so we can help you get any financial compensation you deserve.
At Weitz & Luxenberg, our team of defective drugs and medical devices attorneys is prepared to take on large corporations across the country. We can help you explore your legal options and provide guidance. We can help you sue for compensation for your pain and suffering due to your vision loss.
Since the mid-1980s, our attorneys have secured more than $19 billion dollars on behalf of clients who suffered severe injuries due to the actions or inactions of others.
