Users of weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Tirzepatide are going blind, according to a new study.
The study, published in JAMA Opthalmology, reports multiple cases of serious eye complications in users of the popular drugs for diabetes and obesity. These included seven cases of a condition where reduced blood flow to the optic nerve led to vision loss, a case of swelling of the optic nerve and a case of swelling affecting the retina.
Drugs like Ozempic and Tirzepatide work by mimicking natural hormones in the body that are released after eating. Ozempic primarily acts as an agonist for the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor, while Tirzepatide acts as an agonist for both the GLP-1 and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) receptors. By activating these receptors, the medications help to lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss.
In recent months, as publicity for and use of these new “miracle” drugs has grown tremendously, more attention has been drawn to their side effects. Psychiatric issues, hormonal problems including reduced testosterone and loss of libido, inhalation of the contents of the stomach, and even permanent lifelong diarrhea have been reported.
Tens of thousands of people are now suing the manufacturers of Wegovy/Ozempic (Novo Nordisk) and Mounjaro (Eli Lilly) for the physical damages they claim to have suffered.
Huge payouts, in the hundreds of millions or even billions, may be necessary to stem the flood of claims.
One in eight Americans have used weight-loss drugs. Around 70% of Americans are now overweight or obese.
The majority of those using the drugs (61%) are using them to treat a chronic condition like diabetes or heart disease. Just over 40% are diabetics.
A little over a quarter of users have heart disease. In March, Wegovy became the first weight-loss medication to be given FDA approval as a treatment to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Less than a quarter, or 22%, are taking the drugs because they have been diagnosed as being overweight, but 38% say they take the drugs to lose weight.
Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic can cost over $1000 a month without insurance coverage, rebates or discount coupons.