US Requiring Weight-Loss Drug Makers to Warn of Possible Sight Loss
Review found a small difference
The decision followed a review of NAION cases among people taking the medicines. The analysis drew on FDA Adverse Event Monitoring System reports and studies covering more than 134,000 patients.
Researchers found about six NAION cases per 100,000 people taking GLP-1 drugs annually. The corresponding figure was about four among people taking a placebo or another diabetes medication.
Companies asked to respond
The Independent contacted Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly and Sanofi for comment. An Eli Lilly spokeswoman told The Wall Street Journal that patient safety was the company’s top priority. The spokeswoman said Eli Lilly was assessing the FDA update and would respond soon.
Condition has no treatment
NAION has no treatment, and its first reported cases date to the beginning of the 19th century. Its potential to cause permanent vision loss is the basis for the new warnings. A July Gallup poll estimated that roughly 28 million Americans take GLP-1 drugs.
Key points
- Drugmakers must warn about NAION, a rare condition that can cause permanent vision loss.
- The review found about six cases per 100,000 GLP-1 users each year.
- NAION can reduce vision in one eye without pain, and there is no treatment.
- A July Gallup poll put US GLP-1 use at roughly 28 million people.