WHO Issues Alert on Vision Loss Risk from Semaglutide Drugs

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised a significant concern regarding the potential risk of irreversible vision loss associated with widely prescribed diabetes and weight-loss medications that contain semaglutide. This alert, published on June 27, 2025, specifically addresses three prominent brand-name drugs: Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy. These medications have been heralded for their effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes and obesity; however, the WHO's warning highlights a rare but serious condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which can lead to sudden and irreversible vision loss.

The alert emphasizes that patients using these medications who experience any sudden changes in their vision should seek immediate medical attention. According to the WHO, the vision loss associated with NAION is generally irreversible, and no effective treatment options currently exist. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has also taken action, updating safety information for these drugs to classify NAION as a "very rare" side effect following a thorough review of clinical trial data, post-marketing surveillance, and medical literature.

Dr. Emily Chen, an ophthalmologist at Johns Hopkins University, notes, "NAION is the second most common optic neuropathy after glaucoma, and its sudden onset can be alarming for patients. Those taking semaglutide should be particularly vigilant for any symptoms of vision change."

The EMA's assessment suggests that NAION may affect up to 1 in 10,000 users of semaglutide medications, thereby classifying it as a very rare adverse event. The WHO's safety alert reflects the extensive global use of semaglutide medications, as well as the serious implications of NAION.

NAION typically manifests as sudden, painless vision loss in one eye, often accompanied by swelling of the optic disc. Patients on semaglutide should be advised to contact their healthcare provider immediately if they experience sudden vision loss or rapidly declining eyesight. If NAION is confirmed, discontinuation of semaglutide treatment is strongly recommended.

Dr. Sarah Johnson, a professor of pharmacology at Stanford University, elaborates, "This alert underscores the importance of ongoing safety monitoring for GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide. While these drugs are effective for managing diabetes and obesity, healthcare providers must carefully discuss the potential risks with their patients."

The WHO has reported individual case safety reports of NAION following the use of semaglutide from various countries through VigiBase, its global platform for tracking adverse drug reactions. At its May 2025 meeting, the WHO Advisory Committee on Safety of Medicinal Products (ACSoMP) reviewed the available data and recommended that risk management plans for semaglutide be revised to include NAION as a recognized risk. This may lead to enhanced pharmacovigilance efforts to monitor this adverse event more closely.

As the popularity of GLP-1 receptor agonists continues to rise, ongoing scrutiny regarding their safety profiles is crucial. The WHO advises healthcare providers to inform patients currently using or considering semaglutide therapies about the potential risk of NAION, emphasizing the necessity for immediate medical attention for any sudden vision changes during treatment. The implications of this alert may lead to shifts in how these medications are prescribed and monitored, as well as impact public health messaging surrounding their use.