EMA lists NAION optic nerve damage as a very rare side effect of semaglutide

The EMA's safety committee (PRAC) concluded that non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a loss of blood flow to the optic nerve that can permanently damage vision, is a very rare side effect of Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy, affecting up to 1 in 10,000 users. Large observational studies in type 2 diabetes suggested about a doubling of risk, roughly one extra case per 10,000 person-years of treatment. Product information was updated: patients with sudden vision loss should contact a doctor, and semaglutide should be stopped if NAION is confirmed.