Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Hundreds Of American GLP-1 Users Sue Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly Over Vision Loss: What Is NAION?

Hundreds of GLP-1 users in the US are suing drugmakers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, alleging they developed a rare form of sudden vision loss called nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) after taking drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro.

The lawsuits allege the companies failed to adequately warn patients about the potential risk, that is often irreversible.

US law firm Weitz &amp; Luxenberg has filed more than 90 lawsuits in New Jersey state court since 2025 on behalf of people who say they developed NAION while taking Ozempic or Wegovy, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Separate federal lawsuits in Philadelphia accuse Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly of failing to provide adequate warnings about the potential eye-related risk. The cases are pending.

Regulators in Europe and Australia have required warnings about a possible increased risk of NAION with some GLP-1 medicines after reviewing available evidence.

In the US, vision problems are listed as possible side effects, but the FDA does not currently require NAION to be listed as a specific risk. The FDA's Sentinel Initiative is reviewing the possible safety signal linking GLP-1 drugs to NAION.

"The FDA routinely monitors the safety of drug products post-marketing. The FDA identifies safety signals from a variety of sources, evaluates the available data and takes regulatory actions when appropriate,” an FDA spokesperson said, according to ABC News.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/ozempic-wegovy-mounjaro-and-zepbound-may-fuel-rare-brain-disorder-study-finds-article-156158570" data-type="tilCustomLink">Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound May Fuel Rare Brain Disorder, Study Finds</a>

Novo Nordisk, which makes Ozempic and Wegovy, said it takes “all reports of adverse events very seriously” but called the personal injury lawsuits "without merit."

The company said it is "committed to patient safety and continuously monitors the safety profile of our GLP-1 RA products." It added that if "emerging safety data warrant further action, appropriate measures will be implemented".

Lilly, which makes Zepbound and Mounjaro, said patient safety is its "top priority."

"We actively monitor, evaluate, and report safety information for all our medicines to the FDA," the company said, adding that it continues to review data on potential ophthalmic issues.

The evidence linking GLP-1 drugs to NAION remains mixed. Some observational studies have found an association, while others have not. Researchers have not established that GLP-1 drugs cause NAION.

<ul><li>2025 JAMA study: Among more than 159,000 people with type 2 diabetes, 35 GLP-1 users developed NAION versus 19 in the comparison group. Researchers also found an increased risk of other optic nerve disorders in 93 patients.</li><li>Another 2025 JAMA study: Found no statistically significant association between GLP-1 use and NAION, although it reported a slight increase in diabetic retinopathy.</li><li>2026 safety analysis: A British Journal of Ophthalmology analysis of more than 30 million FDA adverse-event reports from 2017 to 2024 identified a safety signal linking semaglutide medicines to NAION.</li><li>Wegovy vs Ozempic: The signal was nearly five times stronger for Wegovy than Ozempic, although both contain semaglutide.</li></ul>

The North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society and American Academy of Ophthalmology said studies have produced mixed results.

"While many report a small possible increased risk of NAION in patients taking GLP-1 RAs such as semaglutide, some studies report no correlation, and the overall magnitude of the risk of NAION remains low,” the groups said.

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/exclusive-glp-1-drugs-are-the-new-statins-says-university-hospital-birmingham-professor-article-156104610" data-type="tilCustomLink">Exclusive: GLP-1 Drugs Are The ‘New Statins’, Says University Hospital Birmingham Professor</a>

NAION is the most common acute optic neuropathy in people over 50, according to Mayo Clinic. It occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is suddenly reduced, damaging the nerve that carries visual information from the eye to the brain.

It typically causes painless vision loss in one eye.

Some patients experience partial improvement, but vision loss is often permanent. There is currently no proven treatment to reverse the damage.

Diabetes itself can increase the risk of NAION, regardless of GLP-1 use. Other risk factors include overnight low blood pressure and having a very small optic nerve cup.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

hundreds-of-american-glp-1-users-sue-novo-nordisk-eli-lilly-over-vision-loss-what-is-naion

GLP 1 drugs

novo nordisk

Eli Lilly

GLP1 Users Vision Loss

NAION

NAION vision loss

Ozempic

Wegovy

Mounjaro

us-fda-moves-away-from-animal-testing-how-organoids-ai-organs-on-chips-could-impact-drug-research

US FDA Moves Away From Animal Testing: How Organoids, AI & Organs-On-Chips Could Impact Drug Research

low-vitamin-d-during-pregnancy-linked-to-higher-risk-of-preterm-birth

Vitamin D & Pregnancy: Could Vitamin D Deficiency Increase Risk Of Premature Birth?

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Hundreds of GLP-1 users in the US are suing drugmakers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, alleging they developed a rare form of sudden vision loss called nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) after taking drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro.The lawsuits allege the companies failed to adequately warn patients about the potential risk, that is often irreversible.What Is The Controversy?US law firm Weitz & Luxenberg has filed more than 90 lawsuits in New Jersey state court since 2025 on behalf of people who say they developed NAION while taking Ozempic or Wegovy, according to The Wall Street Journal.Separate federal lawsuits in Philadelphia accuse Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly of failing to provide adequate warnings about the potential eye-related risk. The cases are pending.Regulators in Europe and Australia have required warnings about a possible increased risk of NAION with some GLP-1 medicines after reviewing available evidence.In the US, vision problems are listed as possible side effects, but the FDA does not currently require NAION to be listed as a specific risk. The FDA's Sentinel Initiative is reviewing the possible safety signal linking GLP-1 drugs to NAION."The FDA routinely monitors the safety of drug products post-marketing. The FDA identifies safety signals from a variety of sources, evaluates the available data and takes regulatory actions when appropriate,” an FDA spokesperson said, according to ABC News.Also read: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound May Fuel Rare Brain Disorder, Study FindsWhat Do The Drugmakers Say?Novo Nordisk, which makes Ozempic and Wegovy, said it takes “all reports of adverse events very seriously” but called the personal injury lawsuits "without merit."The company said it is "committed to patient safety and continuously monitors the safety profile of our GLP-1 RA products." It added that if "emerging safety data warrant further action, appropriate measures will be implemented".Lilly, which makes Zepbound and Mounjaro, said patient safety is its "top priority.""We actively monitor, evaluate, and report safety information for all our medicines to the FDA," the company said, adding that it continues to review data on potential ophthalmic issues.What Does The Science Say?The evidence linking GLP-1 drugs to NAION remains mixed. Some observational studies have found an association, while others have not. Researchers have not established that GLP-1 drugs cause NAION.What Studies Have Found2025 JAMA study: Among more than 159,000 people with type 2 diabetes, 35 GLP-1 users developed NAION versus 19 in the comparison group. Researchers also found an increased risk of other optic nerve disorders in 93 patients.Another 2025 JAMA study: Found no statistically significant association between GLP-1 use and NAION, although it reported a slight increase in diabetic retinopathy.2026 safety analysis: A British Journal of Ophthalmology analysis of more than 30 million FDA adverse-event reports from 2017 to 2024 identified a safety signal linking semaglutide medicines to NAION.Wegovy vs Ozempic: The signal was nearly five times stronger for Wegovy than Ozempic, although both contain semaglutide.The North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society and American Academy of Ophthalmology said studies have produced mixed results."While many report a small possible increased risk of NAION in patients taking GLP-1 RAs such as semaglutide, some studies report no correlation, and the overall magnitude of the risk of NAION remains low,” the groups said.Read More: Exclusive: GLP-1 Drugs Are The ‘New Statins’, Says University Hospital Birmingham Professor What Is NAION?NAION is the most common acute optic neuropathy in people over 50, according to Mayo Clinic. It occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is suddenly reduced, damaging the nerve that carries visual information from the eye to the brain.It typically causes painless vision loss in one eye.Some patients experience partial improvement, but vision loss is often permanent. There is currently no proven treatment to reverse the damage.Diabetes itself can increase the risk of NAION, regardless of GLP-1 use. Other risk factors include overnight low blood pressure and having a very small optic nerve cup.

hundreds of american glp-1 users sue novo nordisk, eli lilly over vision loss: what is naion?

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Hundreds Of American GLP-1 Users Sue Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly Over Vision Loss: What Is NAION?

US FDA Moves Away From Animal Testing: How Organoids, AI & Organs-On-Chips Could Impact Drug Research

Vitamin D & Pregnancy: Could Vitamin D Deficiency Increase Risk Of Premature Birth?

Blood Test That Could Detect 50+ Cancers Closer To Approval As FDA Raises No Major Concerns About Its Accuracy

Health Conditions A-Z

Hundreds Of American GLP-1 Users Sue Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly Over Vision Loss: What Is NAION?

US FDA Moves Away From Animal Testing: How Organoids, AI & Organs-On-Chips Could Impact Drug Research

Vitamin D & Pregnancy: Could Vitamin D Deficiency Increase Risk Of Premature Birth?