Ozempic Lawsuit: "This week's study doesn't suggest that GLP-1 cause your eyes to fall out exactly, but, as you will see in a second, it is not that far off," says Dr F Perry Wilson, MD, MSCE, physician, researcher, educator, and writer, at Yale School of Medicine, before he begins to explain what the new study suggests of the side effects.

Weight loss drugs have gained popularity up recently. The popularity is for all the right, and the wrong reasons too. While up recently, we have Wegovy being approved for treating MASH, we also have unheard side effects of the popular drug Ozempic, and not to mention, the cases of pancreatitis reported in the UK, and the ongoing lawsuit on Ozempic.

So, what does this new study add to all this?

Weight Loss Medication And Vision Loss

Two studies, published in JAMA, analyzed how semaglutide, an injection used to treat type 2 diabetes that helps control your blood sugar, and tirzepatide, an antidiabeteic medication, also used to treat type 2 diabetes and for weight loss, administering via injections, which include popular drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound, impacted eye health in Americans with type 2 diabetes over a 2-year period.

What Did The Study Find?

One of the studies found a modest risk of developing a non-arteritis anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAOIN), which is a rare eye condition that can lead to sudden vision loss due to lack of blood flow. This condition has close links with the consumption of semaglutide and tirzepatide.

Out of more than 159,000 participants with type 2 diabetes, 35 developed NAION, compared to 19 people in the comparison group. The Ohio-based researchers also noted an increased risk of developing "other optic nerve disorders" identified in 93 patients.

The second study found no statistically significant link between GLP-1 drug use and NAION, a rare eye condition, but reported a slight uptick in cases of diabetic retinopathy, a retinal disease that can cause vision loss.

The study observed that individuals with type 2 diabetes who were treated with GLP-1 drugs faced a modestly higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. However, researchers emphasized that fewer patients progressed to sight-threatening stages of the disease. They concluded that all patients with type 2 diabetes receiving GLP-1 therapies should undergo regular screening and monitoring for potential eye complications, regardless of whether they already have diabetic retinopathy.

"These findings suggest that all patients with type 2 diabetes treated with GLP-1 RAs, regardless of preexisting diabetic retinopathy, should be regularly screened and monitored for potential complications," the study authors concluded.

What Are The Experts Saying?

As questions continue to mount about the potential connection between GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and vision problems, experts stress that more research is needed before drawing firm conclusions.

Sue Decotiis, M.D., a medical weight-loss doctor in New York City, said she believes additional studies are required to confirm whether the drugs increase the risk of vision loss, pointing to conflicting findings so far.

"NAION is a rare condition of the optic nerve that, although serious, has not really been shown to be increased by these studies," Decotiis, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital. "We need more studies for certain."

She noted that diabetic patients already face a heightened risk of eye disease due to blood flow and nerve damage. "Eye complications are often directly related to the degree or lack thereof of diabetes control," she explained.

According to Decotiis, GLP-1 drugs often help reduce the severity of type 2 diabetes, which can in turn lower the risk of eye disease. These medications have also been shown to reduce cardiovascular risks, such as hypertension, and improve circulation, both of which may benefit eye health.

For patients beginning GLP-1 treatment, she advised proactive monitoring. "We should take precaution with methodical ophthalmic care for diabetics on these drugs," she said. "However, let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water."

Ashley Brissette, M.D., an ophthalmologist in New York City, echoed that perspective, calling NAION an "extremely rare" but serious medical condition. She emphasized that the risk associated with GLP-1 drugs is also “extremely rare, at a risk of about one in 10,000, according to other studies.”

"I think caution with anything is warranted," Brissette told Fox News Digital. "And remember these are associations, not causations, so it's not to say that GLP-1 use causes NAION or worsening retinopathy, but their use is associated with these conditions."

She underscored the importance of thorough eye care: "From an ophthalmologic standpoint, these findings underscore the importance of baseline and follow-up eye examinations for patients starting GLP-1 therapy, especially those with pre-existing retinal or optic nerve risk factors."

Brissette added that while the benefits of GLP-1 drugs in reducing cardiovascular and metabolic risks are “substantial,” patients should be counseled on potential vision-related side effects, and “any sudden visual symptoms should prompt immediate ophthalmic referral.”

When contacted by Fox News Digital, Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, said it stands by the safety of its medications.

"Patient safety is a top priority for Novo Nordisk, and we take all reports about adverse events from the use of our medicines very seriously. NAION is a very rare eye disease, and it is not an adverse drug reaction for the marketed formulations of semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy) as per the approved labels in the U.S."

The company added: "Novo Nordisk, on its part, has conducted an analysis across randomized controlled clinical trials with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including a blinded ophthalmologist evaluation to confirm NAION diagnoses. Our current assessment is that these data do not suggest a causal relationship between GLP-1 RA use and NAION events."

Donald Trump Health News: A British cardiologist and adviser to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has suggested that President Donald Trump may seem “slowed down” because of his medications. Speaking to the European Parliament, Dr. Aseem Malhotra, who works with the lobby group Make America Healthy Again, said the 79-year-old president could be experiencing fatigue from cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as statins, and aspirin. Keep reading to know how.

Cardiologist Suggests Trump’s Medications Could Be Slowing Him Down

A British cardiologist and adviser to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Dr. Aseem Malhotra, has suggested that President Donald Trump may appear to be slowing down due to his medications. Speaking to the European Parliament at the launch of the health advocacy group Make Europe Healthy Again (MEHA), Malhotra pointed to cholesterol-lowering drugs, or statins, and aspirin as potential contributors to fatigue in the 79-year-old president, as per The Independent.

Statins May Offer Little Benefit for Healthy Seniors

Malhotra noted that Trump takes two cholesterol-lowering medications despite having no history of cardiovascular disease. “If you’re over 75 and have no cardiovascular disease, the benefit of statins is very limited,” he said. “You would have to treat 446 people to prevent a single cardiovascular event, meaning there’s no significant benefit.”

Malhotra, known for his skepticism toward vaccines and statins, has previously been criticized by medical experts for promoting views considered misinformation. He has also been a close ally of Kennedy.

Donald Trump's Health Update

Malhotra’s comments come amid ongoing speculation about Trump’s cognitive and physical health. Observers have pointed to occasional gaffes and name mix-ups as possible signs of cognitive decline. Despite this, the White House maintains that the president is in “excellent overall health,” following a recent routine check-up at Walter Reed Medical Center.

Physical health concerns have also been raised after Trump was frequently photographed with bruising on his right hand. White House officials attribute this to frequent handshakes and his use of aspirin for cardiovascular protection. Earlier this year, the president was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common, non-life-threatening condition in older adults that affects blood flow from the legs to the heart.

Statin Side Effects and Trump’s Energy Levels

During his remarks, Malhotra highlighted that cholesterol medications can cause fatigue, muscle pain, and “brain fog.” He suggested that Trump might be experiencing a slight slowdown due to these drugs, in addition to possibly sleeping only four hours a night. Malhotra recommended that the president consider stopping statins and aspirin, saying he would likely feel better within weeks.

COVID-19 Booster and Health Status

Malhotra also commented on Trump receiving an updated COVID-19 booster and a flu shot, calling them unnecessary. “I believe he genuinely took the booster and wasn’t doing it for appearances,” Malhotra said, while also noting that Trump may have fallen victim to medical misinformation.

However, research continues to show that COVID-19 vaccines remain effective, particularly for those over 65. A study by the VA St. Louis Healthcare System involving nearly 300,000 veterans found that last season’s vaccine reduced emergency room visits by 29%, hospitalizations by 39%, and deaths by 64%. Combined, the overall effectiveness was around 28%, similar to flu vaccines, which typically provide 30–60% protection against severe illness.

While statins are not proven to cause dementia, the FDA issued a safety warning in 2012 noting that they can sometimes lead to “notable, but poorly defined memory loss or impairment,” which typically reverses after stopping the medication.

President Donald Trump announced that the cost of Novo Nordisk’s widely used diabetes and weight-loss drug, Ozempic, will be reduced. Speaking at a White House event focused on fertility treatments and drug pricing, Trump said the lower prices would follow prompt negotiations with the pharmaceutical company. “They’ll be much lower,” he told reporters, as per Fox News.

Trump Announces Plans To Cut Ozempic Costs

Novo Nordisk produces both Ozempic and Wegovy, which contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but are approved for different purposes. Ozempic, approved in 2017, is primarily used to treat Type 2 diabetes, with weight loss occurring as a side effect. Wegovy, approved four years later, is specifically intended for long-term weight management in adults who are obese or overweight and have at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes. In recent years, demand for both drugs has surged, especially among people looking to lose weight.

During a Thursday Oval Office news conference focused on in vitro fertilization drugs, President Trump mentioned the idea of lowering prices for other medications, including Ozempic. His Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Administrator, Dr. Mehmet Oz, later cautioned that nothing had been finalized.

“In London, the same drug costs $130, but in New York, it’s $1,300,” Trump said during Thursday’s IVF announcement. “Now, instead of $1,300, people will be paying around $150.”

Still, Trump’s remarks generated significant attention. Patients struggling with the high cost of these drugs expressed hope for more affordable access, while doctors called the potential price reduction “huge for patients.” Wall Street also reacted: shares of Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, makers of GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, dropped sharply, erasing tens of billions of dollars in market value.

Novo Nordisk Shares Fall After Trump’s Comment

Shares of Eli Lilly & Co. and Novo Nordisk dropped in late trading after President Trump suggested that the price of the popular diabetes drug Ozempic could fall to about $150 per month. Currently, the U.S. list price for a month’s supply is around $1,000, with Trump referring to it as “the fat loss drug.” In response, Novo’s American depositary receipts fell up to 4.7 percent, while Lilly’s shares dropped as much as 5.3 percent.

Novo Nordisk has been in discussions about lowering drug costs since Trump sent letters to 17 major pharmaceutical companies urging price cuts. Ozempic and its counterpart, Wegovy, were also selected for price negotiations under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

Most Favored Nation’ Drug Prices

President Trump has recently struck deals with Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and EMD Serono under the ‘Most Favored Nation’ pricing framework, with more agreements promised. These deals offer medicines at Most Favored Nation prices to Medicaid, which already receives substantial discounts, and to certain drugs available directly to consumers without insurance through the TrumpRx platform.

In exchange, pharmaceutical companies receive relief from potential tariffs, provided they continue investing in U.S. manufacturing and research.

The ongoing dispute over the use of “ORS” in beverage branding has escalated, as the Delhi High Court granted interim protection to JNTL Consumer Health (India), producer of the popular hydration drink ORSL.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad paediatrician Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, who has long campaigned against the use of “ORS” in food and beverage names, reiterated her call for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to enforce its recent ban rigorously.

Delhi High Court Grants Interim Relief to JNTL in ORSL Branding Dispute

The regulatory clash over the use of “ORS” in beverage branding has entered a new phase, with the Delhi High Court granting interim protection to JNTL Consumer Health (India), maker of the popular hydration drink ORSL.

The order follows JNTL’s challenge to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which had abruptly withdrawn earlier permissions allowing the use of “ORS” with prefixes or suffixes in product trademarks. The company argued that the sudden decision—without prior notice, consultation, or hearing—threatened the sale of its existing stock, valued at approximately ₹180 crore.

The High Court’s temporary relief permits JNTL to continue selling its current stock until FSSAI addresses the matter, though production of new high-sugar ORSL variants remains on hold.

What is ORS?

Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) are a crucial treatment for dehydration, particularly in children suffering from severe diarrhoea, heat-related illnesses, or conditions that lead to significant fluid loss. ORS consists of a precise combination of salt and sugar that is mixed with clean water. When used correctly, it replenishes fluids and electrolytes effectively, helping to manage childhood diarrhoea. It is essential to administer ORS under medical guidance, as improper use can be harmful and may lead to salt toxicity. This underscores the importance of clear labeling and the use of approved formulations.

Regulatory Context and Public Health Concerns

FSSAI’s 15 October clarification prohibits the use of “ORS” on any food or beverage label unless it is a genuine WHO-formula product. The regulation came after years of advocacy by doctors and health experts, including Hyderabad-based paediatrician Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, who hailed the original ruling as “a people’s victory.”

While the court’s interim protection offers short-term relief for JNTL, public health advocates stress that decisive regulatory action is necessary to prevent misleading branding that could harm children.

A Doctor’s Persistent Campaign

For Dr. Sivaranjani, a senior paediatrician, first aid trainer, and social activist, the court order represents another chapter in an eight-year campaign to protect children and families from products misleadingly marketed with medical-sounding names. She was among the first to warn that commercial beverages labeled as ORS were often high in sugar and nutritionally different from the WHO-recommended Oral Rehydration Solution, a life-saving treatment for dehydration caused by diarrhoea or vomiting.

In a statement following the court order, Dr. Sivaranjani said, “The long battle we have won! ORSL cannot produce new high-sugar ORSL, but it wants to clear out its existing ₹180 crore stock. India, please stand with me! People’s power has to win against corporate lobbying.”

She further alleged that companies were attempting to influence media coverage and that she had received online threats for speaking out. “They are even reaching out to the media and threatening them with legal notices,” she said, urging citizens to raise awareness and pressure regulators to act swiftly.