The producer of Ozempic was suggested to checklist the intense eye situation as a aspect impact
The European Medicines Company (EMA) has concluded that semaglutide-based medicines – together with Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus – improve the danger of a severe eye situation that may result in sudden imaginative and prescient loss.
Following a complete security evaluate, the EMA’s Pharmacovigilance Danger Evaluation Committee (PRAC) decided on Friday that non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) ought to be listed as a “very uncommon” aspect impact of semaglutide – the primary part of weight-loss and anti-diabetic medicine produced by Novo Nordisk.
The EU well being watchdog’s evaluate, initiated in January 2025, analyzed knowledge from scientific trials, post-marketing surveillance, and medical literature. Findings recommend that adults with kind 2 diabetes taking semaglutide have roughly twice the danger of creating NAION in comparison with these not on the treatment. The “very uncommon” aspect impact classification signifies that the situation might have an effect on as much as 1 in 10,000 customers.
NAION is the second commonest reason for optic nerve-related blindness after glaucoma. Sufferers experiencing sudden imaginative and prescient loss or quickly worsening eyesight whereas on semaglutide are suggested to hunt quick medical consideration and discontinue use if NAION is identified.
The Denmark-based firm Novo Nordisk owns the patent on semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used for managing kind 2 diabetes and weight problems. It capabilities by enhancing insulin secretion and selling a sense of fullness, thereby aiding in blood sugar management and weight administration.
A latest research additionally indicated that Ozempic and comparable medicines might improve the danger of kidney most cancers. Nevertheless, the medicine reportedly decrease the danger of greater than a dozen different cancers, suggesting their total profit should outweigh the hazards. Moreover, the EMA beforehand investigated stories of suicidal ideas related to semaglutide use, although no definitive causal relationship was established.
The EMA’s suggestions will now be reviewed by the Committee for Medicinal Merchandise for Human Use (CHMP) earlier than a remaining determination is adopted by the European Fee. Novo Nordisk, which was dethroned as Europe’s most beneficial firm earlier this 12 months, has said its dedication to affected person security and is working with the EMA to replace product labels accordingly.
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