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Weight-loss Jab Linked to Sudden Sight Loss
11 Mar
Summary
- Wegovy may pose highest risk of sudden sight loss among similar jabs.
- Men are three times more likely to experience an 'eye stroke'.
- Risk appears dose-dependent, highest with Wegovy formulation.
A recent analysis indicates that the weight-loss injection Wegovy might present a higher risk of sudden sight loss than comparable jabs such as Ozempic. This research, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, also found that men faced triple the likelihood of experiencing an "eye stroke."
Ischaemic optic neuropathy (ION), commonly known as an "eye stroke," results from a sudden decrease in blood flow to the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. Experts examined side-effect reports submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration's Adverse Event Reporting System between December 2017 and December 2024.
The study identified that Wegovy showed the strongest association with ION, despite Ozempic having more reported cases due to its earlier approval. The risk was found to be nearly five times higher with Wegovy compared to Ozempic.
Further analysis suggested that the risk of ION is dose-dependent and formulation-dependent, appearing highest with Wegovy. Researchers emphasized that these findings point to a potential dose-related safety issue requiring urgent prospective evaluation to inform prescribing practices and regulatory policies.
Interestingly, Rybelsus, another medication from the same manufacturer with the same active ingredient but lower doses, was not associated with reported cases of ION. Experts hypothesize this could be due to Rybelsus's limited absorption and slower uptake.
