Kenyans using popular weight loss and diabetes medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound, have been cautioned about a potential risk of a rare eye condition that can cause permanent vision loss.
The warning was issued by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has directed manufacturers of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications to include additional safety information on their product labels.
The agency raised concerns over a condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is reduced.
The condition can cause sudden and painless loss of vision, usually affecting one eye. In some cases, the damage can result in permanent visual impairment.
According to the FDA, patients may first notice the problem when they wake up, with symptoms including blurred vision, blind spots, reduced sharpness of vision and difficulty seeing certain parts of their visual field.
The agency's decision followed an extensive review of clinical trial data involving 134,253 patients across 126 clinical trials examining GLP-1 medications.
The review identified 15 probable cases of NAION. Ten cases were reported among patients receiving GLP-1 medications, while five occurred in comparison groups.
The FDA found that the rate of the condition was 6.4 cases per 100,000 person-years among patients using GLP-1 medications, compared to 3.8 cases per 100,000 person-years among those in the comparison groups.
Although the findings suggest a possible increased risk, the agency acknowledged that the available evidence does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between the medications and the eye condition.
The FDA also reviewed other studies and safety reports but noted that some findings were mixed. Its review of animal data did not identify a clear explanation of how the medications might increase the risk.
The warning applies to several widely used medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, as well as Mounjaro and Zepbound, produced by Eli Lilly.
Both manufacturers have maintained that the available evidence does not establish that their medicines directly cause NAION.
The FDA has advised patients experiencing sudden vision loss, blurred vision or unusual blind spots to seek immediate medical attention.
Patients who develop NAION while using these medications are also advised to consult their healthcare providers about whether to continue treatment.
The agency has further cautioned against making independent decisions to discontinue medication without medical guidance.
The development adds to ongoing discussions about the safety of GLP-1 medications, which have gained popularity worldwide for their effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes and supporting weight loss.
While the reported eye condition remains rare, health professionals are being encouraged to inform patients about the potential risk and ensure that any unusual changes in vision receive urgent medical attention.
