Ooops!!! GLP 1s FORGOT to put blindness on the warning label!!!
GLP-1 receptor agonists are linked to a very small potential increase in the risk of a rare eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which can cause sudden, painless vision loss in one eye.
What is NAION?
Eye Stroke: It happens when blood flow to the optic nerve is reduced or blocked.
Symptoms: It causes sudden, painless vision loss, often affecting one eye, and can result in blurry vision or missing areas in your sight.
Causation: Studies show a potential association, but research has mixed results, and causation has not been definitively proven.
Risk and Rare Occurrence
Low Risk: The absolute risk is very low. Studies estimate an increase of about 3 to 4 additional cases per 10,000 patients over 18 months.
Other Risk Factors: People over 50 with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea face a higher baseline risk.
Current Lawsuits: Some patients have filed lawsuits against drug makers like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, alleging they failed to warn users about potential NAION risks, which the companies deny.
What You Should Do
Watch for Changes: Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any sudden changes in your vision.
Do Not Stop Suddenly: Medical organizations advise against stopping your medication based on this risk alone without speaking to your doctor first.
Eye Exams: Get a comprehensive eye exam before starting a GLP-1 or shortly after beginning treatment.
