17 diabetes patients and 20 obesity patients developed NAION while taking semaglutide compared to fewer in the control group.
A study in JAMA Ophthalmology links semaglutide use to an increased risk of NAION.
A recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology has linked the use of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, to an increased risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a condition that can cause sudden vision loss. The study analyzed medical record data from a registry of patients who had no history of NAION and were seen by neuro-ophthalmologists at an academic institution between 2017 and 2023. Among the subset of about 1,700 patients with diabetes or obesity, those taking semaglutide had a higher rate of developing NAION compared to those not prescribed the drug. Specifically, among diabetes patients, 17 out of 200 developed NAION while taking semaglutide compared to six in the control group. Similarly, among obesity patients, 20 out of 361 developed the condition while taking semaglutide compared to three in the control group.
It is important to note that this study only shows an association between semaglutide use and NAION and that further research is needed to establish a causal link. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, has stated that patient safety is a top priority for the company and they take all reports of adverse events seriously.
NAION is a rare condition caused by impaired blood circulation to the optic nerve. Semaglutide mimics a naturally produced hormone called GLP-1 and connects with GLP-1 receptors in the body, lowering blood sugar levels and making people feel fuller. The exact mechanism by which semaglutide use may increase the risk of NAION is not yet clear.
It is important for individuals taking Ozempic or Wegovy to be aware of this potential risk and to report any sudden vision changes to their healthcare provider. If you have been diagnosed with NAION and are taking semaglutide, it is recommended that you discuss the risks and benefits of continuing your medication with your healthcare provider.
Semaglutide, found in Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy, may be associated with an increased risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a condition that can cause vision loss.
Three patients at Mass Eye and Ear were diagnosed with vision loss due to NAION in one week, all had been taking semaglutide.
Of the 710 people with diabetes who took semaglutide, 17 had NAION compared to six in the control group.
Of the 361 overweight or obese patients who were prescribed semaglutide, 20 developed NAION compared to three in the control group.
Accuracy
Study found an increased risk of sudden and irreversible vision loss and blindness for people taking weight-loss and diabetes injection drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.
17 out of 200 diabetes patients taking semaglutide developed NAION, a rate that is four times higher than those not taking it
20 out of 361 obesity patients taking semaglutide developed NAION, a rate that is seven times higher
Deception
(30%)
The article does not clearly state the author's opinions or assertions about the study. It quotes and references the Harvard study and its findings without providing any additional editorializing or opinions from April Roach. The article also discloses sources by mentioning Harvard Medical School as the source of the study. However, it does not disclose that a University of British Columbia study was referenced when discussing other potential side effects of Novo Nordisk's drugs.
A spokesperson from Novo Nordisk said the optic nerve disease NAION is not an "adverse drug reaction for the marketed formulations of semaglutide" as per the approved labels.
Shares in the Danish pharmaceutical company's shares were little changed on Thursday...
The Harvard report found that patients with type 2 diabetes or obesity...
A box of Ozempic and contents sit on a table in Dudley, North Tyneside, Britain, October 31, 2023. George Frey | Reuters
Semaglutide, sold under brands Ozempic for diabetes or Wegovy for weight loss, has a greater risk of developing Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) than those with diabetes or obesity who did not take the medications.
Three patients at Mass Eye and Ear were diagnosed with vision loss due to NAION in one week, all had been taking semaglutide.
Researchers analyzed records of about 17,000 patients over six years and confirmed cases by reviewing medical records. Of the 710 people with diabetes who took semaglutide, 17 had NAION compared to six in the control group.
Of the 361 overweight or obese patients who were prescribed semaglutide, 20 developed NAION compared to three in the control group.
Accuracy
Of the 710 people with diabetes who took semaglutide, 17 had NAION compared to six in the control group.
Deception
(30%)
The author makes editorializing statements and uses emotional manipulation by stating that the study 'clearly shows an association' between semaglutide and NAION, but admits that they don't know if it's a cause and effect. The article also uses selective reporting by only mentioning the number of cases in the study without providing context about the total number of patients taking semaglutide or other medications. Additionally, there is no disclosure of sources for some parts of the information presented.
The study clearly shows an association between semaglutide and NAION.
From there, they confirmed cases by reviewing medical records.
Fallacies
(85%)
The author makes an appeal to authority when quoting Dr. Joseph Rizzo stating 'I would take it as a serious, cautionary bit of information - the kind of information that should be used by physicians in discussion with their patients.' and 'This study clearly shows an association between semaglutide and NAION.' However, he also states 'What we don’t know is whether it’s a cause and effect.', indicating that there is not definitive evidence of causation. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric when stating 'The study says people prescribed semaglutide, sold under the brands Ozempic for diabetes or Wegovy for weight loss, were more likely to be diagnosed with a rare condition called NAION than those with diabetes or obesity who did not take the medications.' This statement could be perceived as alarming to readers without providing enough context. The score is 85 because while there are some fallacies present, they do not significantly detract from the overall accuracy and validity of the article.
][The study] says people prescribed semaglutide were more likely to be diagnosed with a rare condition called NAION than those with diabetes or obesity who did not take the medications.[/]
[Dr. Joseph Rizzo] I would take it as a serious, cautionary bit of information - the kind of information that should be used by physicians in discussion with their patients.[
[Dr. Joseph Rizzo] This study clearly shows an association between semaglutide and NAION.
Study found an increased risk of sudden and irreversible vision loss and blindness for people taking weight-loss and diabetes injection drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.
‘Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, was associated with an increased risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in the study.’
Among those prescribed semaglutide for type 2 diabetes, 8.9% developed NAION compared to 1.8% taking non-GLP-1 medications.
‘Among those prescribed semaglutide for overweight or obesity, the rate of the eye condition was 6.7% versus 0.8% for those receiving other types of medications.’
Accuracy
Among those prescribed semaglutide for overweight or obesity, the rate of the eye condition was 6.7% versus 0.8% for those receiving other types of medications.
Deception
(30%)
The article reports on a study that found an increased risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in patients taking semaglutide medications for diabetes or obesity. However, the author uses sensational language such as 'eye stroke' and 'blindness' to manipulate emotions and grab readers' attention. The article also selectively reports details that support the author's position by focusing on the increased risk of NAION without mentioning that the overall benefits of semaglutide outweigh this risk for most patients.
However, future discussions between a patient and their physician should include NAION as a potential risk.
The use of these drugs has exploded throughout industrialized countries and they have provided very significant benefits in many ways... In people with previous heart attacks and strokes, (these drugs) reduces the risk of death by 20 per cent. So, in people who haven’t had those events…
People taking weight-loss and diabetes injection drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may have an increased risk of sudden and irreversible vision loss and blindness, a new study has found.
Of those, 710 had type 2 diabetes, with 194 being prescribed semaglutide medications... Among those prescribed semaglutide, an eye problem known as nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, or NAION, was eventually diagnosed in a small percentage of patients.
It's not like they’re saying that Ozempic causes this problem... It's just more frequent in people who are taking the drug.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article discusses a study that found an increased risk of sudden and irreversible vision loss and blindness associated with the use of Ozempic and Wegovy. While the author presents both sides, there are some instances of inflammatory rhetoric. The article states that doctors say there's no reason for patients to panic or discontinue taking their prescriptions, which could potentially downplay the risks found in the study.
the use of these drugs has exploded throughout industrialized countries and they have provided very significant benefits in many ways, but future discussions between a patient and their physician should include NAION as a potential risk.
It's not like they're saying that Ozempic causes this problem,” Dr. Tom Elliott explained. “It’s just more frequent in people who are taking the drug.”
Another factor in the study that needs to be considered, says Dr. Mark Eltis, is that leaving diabetes untreated can also cause vision problems.
17 out of 200 diabetes patients taking semaglutide developed NAION, a rate that is four times higher than those not taking it
20 out of 361 obesity patients taking semaglutide developed NAION, a rate that is seven times higher
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(30%)
The article reports an association between Ozempic and a higher risk of developing NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy), a condition that restricts blood flow to the optic nerve and causes sudden vision loss. However, the study only shows an association, and additional research is needed to confirm a causal link. The author does not clearly distinguish between the author's assertions and those being quoted in the article. This creates ambiguity about who is making these claims.
The study found patients taking Ozempic and Wegovy were more likely to develop non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, known as NAION, a condition that restricts blood flow to the optic nerve and causes sudden vision loss.
Seventeen of the 200 diabetes patients taking semaglutide went on to develop NAION, a rate that was four times higher than those not taking it. In the obesity group, 20 of 361 patients taking the drug developed the condition, a rate that was seven times higher.
Fallacies
(85%)
The author commits an appeal to authority fallacy by quoting experts stating that additional research is needed to confirm a causal link between semaglutide and NAION. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by implying that the drugs may cause NAION without sufficient evidence.
“Additional research is needed to confirm a causal link.”
“It's premature to conclude the blockbuster drugs cause NAION.”
Bias
(95%)
The author reports on a study that suggests a link between Ozempic and blindness. While the study only shows an association and additional research is needed to confirm a causal link, the author does not explicitly state this fact in her reporting. The language used in the article implies that there may be a causal relationship between Ozempic and NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy), which could potentially mislead readers. This can be considered ideological bias as it presents information in a way that may sway public opinion without providing all necessary context.
A new study suggests patients taking semaglutide – the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy – may be at higher risk of an eye condition that can cause blindness.
Semaglutide, also known as Ozempic and Wegovy, is linked to an increased risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), or ‘eye stroke’, which can cause sudden vision loss.
NAION is a rare condition caused by impaired blood circulation to the optic nerve.
Semaglutide mimics a naturally produced hormone called GLP-1 and connects with GLP-1 receptors in the body, lowering blood sugar levels and making people feel fuller.
The study found that type 2 diabetics prescribed semaglutide were four times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION over three years compared to those taking non-GLP-1 antidiabetic medications.
Overweight or obese individuals prescribed semaglutide were seven times more likely to develop NAION over three years compared to those prescribed non-GLP-1 weight loss medications.
Accuracy
Semaglutide, also known as Ozempic and Wegovy, is linked to an increased risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), or 'eye stroke', which can cause sudden vision loss.
The condition affects the front-most part of the optic nerve and can lead to blindness in severe cases.
Deception
(30%)
The article reports on a study that found an association between semaglutide use and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), or 'eye stroke'. The author does not make any editorializing or pontification statements. However, the title of the article sensationalizes the risk by stating that semaglutide is associated with a 7x increased risk of NAION. This is an exaggeration as the study only found that type 2 diabetics prescribed semaglutide were four times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION and overweight or obese patients were seven times more likely to develop the condition. The article also mentions that there are limitations to the study, but it does not disclose these limitations in detail until later in the article. This selective reporting of information could potentially mislead readers.
The title of the article sensationalizes the risk by stating that semaglutide is associated with a 7x increased risk of NAION.
The study found that type 2 diabetics prescribed semaglutide were four times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION and overweight or obese patients were seven times more likely to develop the condition. However, the article only mentions the higher risk for type 2 diabetics in the body of the article and sensationalizes it in the title.
Fallacies
(85%)
The author makes an appeal to authority by quoting Dr. Joseph Rizzo, the director of the Neuro-Ophthalmology Service at Mass Eye and Ear and the Simmons Lessell Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, as well as the study's senior author. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing semaglutide as a 'wonder drug' before mentioning the potential risk of NAION.
The use of these drugs has exploded throughout industrialized countries and they have provided very significant benefits in many ways, but future discussions between a patient and their physician should include NAION as a potential risk.
New research led by the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital (Mass Eye and Ear) found that semaglutide use was associated with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), or ‘eye stroke,’ a condition that can cause sudden vision loss.
The researchers examined data from 16,827 Mass Eye and Ear patients seen by neuro-ophthalmologists – medical doctors who specialize in treating vision issues linked to neurological conditions – between December 2017 and November 2023.
Among 710 participants with type 2 diabetes, 194 were prescribed semaglutide, and 516 were prescribed a non-GLP-1 antidiabetic medication. The researchers found that 17 NAION events occurred in patients prescribed semaglutide versus six in the patients taking non-GLP-1 meds.
Of the 979 overweight or obese participants, 361 were prescribed semaglutide, and 618 were prescribed a non-GLP-1 weight loss medication. For these patients, 20 NAION events occurred in the patients prescribed semaglutide and three occurred in the non-GLP-1-prescribed cohort.
Bias
(95%)
The article does not demonstrate any clear bias towards a specific political, religious, ideological or monetary position. However, the author does use language that depicts semaglutide as a 'wonder drug' and mentions its 'significant benefits' multiple times. This could be seen as an example of positive framing or hype. The article also mentions that semaglutide has become 'something of a wonder drug' and that it has provided 'very significant benefits in many ways'. These statements are not factual and could be perceived as bias, but they do not directly affect the accuracy or fairness of the reporting. Therefore, I will consider this a low level of ideological bias for positive framing.
semaglutide has become something of a wonder drug
The use of these drugs has exploded throughout industrialized countries and they have provided very significant benefits in many ways
