The Growing Number of Claims Over Ozempic-Related NAION Vision Loss

Ozempic has become one of the most popular prescription drugs in the United States, approved for managing Type 2 diabetes and widely used off-label for weight loss. But in 2024, reports began to emerge linking Ozempic and similar GLP-1 receptor agonists to serious and unexpected side effects, including nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a condition that can cause permanent vision loss.

As more patients come forward claiming they lost their eyesight after using Ozempic, the number of lawsuits against Novo Nordisk, the drug’s manufacturer, continues to grow. These lawsuits allege that the company failed to adequately warn users and doctors about the potential risk of blindness associated with its blockbuster drug.

At Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., we represent individuals harmed by defective and dangerous drugs throughout New York, including Ozempic injuries. Below, we take a closer look at NAION, how it’s connected to Ozempic, and what patients who have suffered vision loss can do to seek justice and compensation.

What Is Ozempic?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable medication originally approved by the FDA in 2017 for adults with Type 2 diabetes to help improve blood sugar control. It works by mimicking a hormone known as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which helps regulate insulin, reduce appetite, and slow digestion.

In recent years, Ozempic has gained immense popularity as a weight-loss drug, even among individuals who are not diabetic. Its success has inspired a wave of similar medications, such as Wegovy (also made by Novo Nordisk) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide, made by Eli Lilly).

However, the drug’s rapid rise in popularity has also brought increased scrutiny. Alongside common side effects like nausea and vomiting, reports of serious complications, including gallbladder issues, intestinal blockages, and now vision loss, are raising questions about how much the public was told about Ozempic’s risks before it became a household name.

Understanding NAION: The Condition Behind the Vision Loss Claims

Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve becomes blocked or severely reduced, damaging the nerve fibers responsible for carrying visual information from the eye to the brain. The result is sudden, often irreversible vision loss in one or both eyes.

NAION is the most common cause of optic nerve–related vision loss in adults over age 50. While the exact cause is not always known, the condition has been associated with vascular risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, all conditions for which Ozempic users are often being treated.

In mid-2024, several studies and case reports began suggesting a possible link between the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and the onset of NAION. Some patients reported experiencing severe or permanent vision loss within days or weeks of starting semaglutide.

As more cases emerged, ophthalmologists began urging patients taking these drugs to be aware of sudden vision changes and to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms occur.

What the Lawsuits Allege

The growing number of lawsuits filed against Novo Nordisk allege that the company failed to properly test Ozempic for potential eye-related side effects and neglected to warn consumers and healthcare providers about the risk of NAION.

Plaintiffs claim that:

• Novo Nordisk knew or should have known that semaglutide could restrict blood flow to the optic nerve, leading to vision loss.
• The company failed to include adequate warnings in the drug’s label or marketing materials regarding the risk of blindness or optic neuropathy.
• Had users been properly warned, they could have made informed decisions about whether to use the drug or could have been monitored more closely by their doctors.

Many of these lawsuits are being filed alongside other GLP-1-related claims, including those alleging severe gastrointestinal injuries and gallbladder problems. As the litigation expands, it may eventually be consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL), similar to other large-scale pharmaceutical cases.

Why Ozempic Users Are at Particular Risk

While NAION can affect anyone, certain factors appear to increase the likelihood of developing this condition. Ironically, some of these same factors are common among the people most likely to use Ozempic, i.e., those with diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure.

However, researchers believe the medication itself may play a role beyond these preexisting conditions. Ozempic affects the vascular system and can alter how blood vessels respond to changes in pressure and oxygen demand. Some experts suggest that these effects might restrict blood flow to delicate structures such as the optic nerve.

The sudden weight loss associated with Ozempic may also contribute to circulatory instability in certain individuals, compounding the risk.

Symptoms of NAION to Watch For

Because NAION can develop suddenly, early recognition is critical. Common warning signs include:

• Sudden vision loss in one eye, often upon waking
• Blurred or dim vision, especially in the center of the field of view
• Partial loss of peripheral (side) vision
• Changes in color perception
• A shadow or dark spot in one part of the vision

Anyone experiencing these symptoms while taking Ozempic or similar medications should seek emergency medical attention and contact their prescribing physician immediately. Prompt treatment may help prevent further damage, although vision recovery is often limited.

How Vision Loss Is Evaluated in a Legal Claim

Proving that Ozempic caused NAION can be complex. Medical evidence, expert testimony, and detailed records all play critical roles in establishing a connection between the drug and the injury. In these cases, attorneys typically work with ophthalmologists, neurologists, and pharmacology experts to:

• Review medical history and risk factors to rule out other causes
• Examine timing and dosage of the medication in relation to the onset of vision loss
• Analyze scientific literature and case studies supporting a link between semaglutide and NAION
• Assess the permanency and impact of the vision impairment on the patient’s life and livelihood

Successful claims can result in compensation for medical expenses, lost income, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

The Legal Basis for Ozempic Vision Loss Claims

Ozempic vision loss lawsuits are primarily based on product liability law, which holds manufacturers responsible when a defective or dangerous drug harms consumers. Plaintiffs may pursue claims under one or more of the following legal theories:

• Failure to warn – Alleging that Novo Nordisk failed to provide adequate warnings about the risk of NAION.
• Design defect – Claiming the drug’s formulation is inherently dangerous or unreasonably unsafe.
• Negligence – Asserting that the manufacturer failed to exercise reasonable care in testing, labeling, or marketing the product.

In some cases, plaintiffs may also allege fraudulent concealment, arguing that the company intentionally withheld critical safety information to protect sales.

What Victims Can Do Next

If you or a loved one experienced sudden vision loss after using Ozempic, it’s important to act quickly. Preserving medical records, documenting symptoms, and consulting with a knowledgeable attorney are crucial steps toward protecting your rights.

An experienced pharmaceutical product liability lawyer can help determine whether your condition may be linked to Ozempic, gather expert evidence, and pursue a claim for compensation. Because drug manufacturers are large, well-funded corporations, these cases require a detailed understanding of pharmaceutical litigation and a strong commitment to standing up for injured consumers.

Talk to an Experienced New York Dangerous Drug Attorney

The growing number of Ozempic-related vision loss cases underscores an urgent need for accountability and transparency from drug manufacturers. Patients deserve full disclosure about potential risks before making decisions that affect their health and quality of life.

If you have suffered vision loss or blindness after taking Ozempic, Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., is here to help. Our firm represents individuals in New York who have been harmed by dangerous and defective drugs. We offer compassionate counsel, experienced representation, and dedication to pursuing justice against powerful pharmaceutical companies.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your potential claim. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you take the next steps toward recovery.