Semaglutide Linked to Increased Risk of NAION: Study Finds Hazard Ratios of 4.28 and 7.64 in Type 2 Diabetes and Overweight Populations, Respectively

Boston, Massachusetts United States of America
Semaglutide linked to increased risk of NAION in overweight or obese population with a hazard ratio of 7.64.
Semaglutide linked to increased risk of NAION in type 2 diabetes population with a hazard ratio of 4.28.
Semaglutide Linked to Increased Risk of NAION: Study Finds Hazard Ratios of 4.28 and 7.64 in Type 2 Diabetes and Overweight Populations, Respectively

Title: Semaglutide and the Increased Risk of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION)

Lead: A recent study has revealed that patients prescribed semaglutide, a medication used for diabetes and obesity, have an increased risk of developing NAION (Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy), a rare condition that can lead to vision loss.

Background: Semaglutide is a popular medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. It works by increasing insulin production in the pancreas and decreasing glucagon secretion, leading to improved blood sugar control. However, recent reports have suggested that semaglutide may be linked to an increased risk of NAION.

Findings: A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology analyzed data from two cohorts: one consisting of patients with type 2 diabetes and another consisting of patients who were overweight or obese. The researchers found that the incidence rate for NAION was significantly higher in the semaglutide cohort compared to the non-GLP-1 RA (non-glucagon-like receptor agonist) cohort.

In the type 2 diabetes population, there were 17 cases of NAION in patients prescribed semaglutide and six cases in those taking non-GLP-1 RA medications. The hazard ratio for developing NAION was 4.28 times higher for patients receiving semaglutide.

Similarly, in the overweight or obese population, there were 20 cases of NAION in patients prescribed semaglutide and only three cases in those taking non-GLP-1 RAs. The hazard ratio for developing NAION was 7.64 times higher for patients prescribed semaglutide.

Implications: The findings suggest that there may be a causal relationship between semaglutide and the development of NAION, although further research is needed to confirm this. Patients taking semaglutide should be aware of the potential risk and discuss it with their healthcare provider.

Sources:

  1. JAMA Ophthalmology (2024). doi:110.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.2296

Disclaimer: The author of this article is a neutral journalist and does not hold any biases towards semaglutide or any other medication mentioned in the article.


Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image

Confidence

91%

Doubts
  • Are there any confounding factors that could have influenced the results?
  • Could the increased risk be due to other factors such as age or genetics?
  • Were all cases of NAION confirmed through diagnostic tests?

Sources

89%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Study: Ozempic linked to rare cases of blindness

Business Insider Hilary Brueck Thursday, 04 July 2024 11:16
  • Unique Points
    • Study links semaglutide use to increased risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
    • 37 cases of NAION reported among over 16,000 eye patients on semaglutide in Massachusetts between 2015 and 2021
    • Only nine cases reported among similar patients not on semaglutide during the same period
  • Accuracy
    • Patients prescribed semaglutide have a higher risk of developing NAION.
    • In the population with Type 2 Diabetes, there were 17 NAION events in semaglutide cohort vs. 6 in non-GLP-1 RA antidiabetic medications cohort
    • Among 16827 patients, 710 had Type 2 Diabetes and the cumulative incidence of NAION for semaglutide and non-GLP-1 RA cohorts over 36 months was 8.9% (4.5%-13.1%) and 1.8% (0%-3.5%) respectively
    • In the population of patients who were overweight or obese, there were 20 NAION events in semaglutide cohort vs. 3 in non-GLP-1 RA cohort
    • The cumulative incidence of NAION for semaglutide vs non-GLP-1 RA cohorts over 36 months was 6.7% (3.6%-9.7%) and 0.8% (0%-1.8%) respectively
  • Deception (70%)
    The article reports on a study that found an increased risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in patients taking semaglutide. The author provides details about the study and its findings, but does not disclose that the sources for this information are the researchers themselves or their news release. This is a form of selective reporting, as the article only reports on one side of the story without providing any counter-arguments or perspectives from Novo Nordisk. The author also uses emotional manipulation by describing how patients wake up unable to see out of one eye and how this condition is 'notable' and 'rare but worrisome'. Additionally, the article implies that semaglutide causes NAION without explicitly stating that it is a potential risk factor, which can be misleading for readers.
    • But that was still more than four times as many eye problems as those experienced by similar patients who were not on the drugs over the same time period.
    • 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.
    • The new investigation, published Wednesday in JAMA Ophthalmology, found that people taking semaglutide appeared slightly more likely to develop NAION than other patients with obesity or diabetes.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains a few informal fallacies and an appeal to authority. It presents a potential risk associated with Ozempic but does not clearly distinguish between the author's assertions and those being quoted. The author reports on a study that found a link between Ozempic and rare cases of blindness, but also includes comments from Novo Nordisk, the drug's manufacturer, which challenge the study's findings. This creates an ambiguous picture of the actual risk associated with Ozempic.
    • Eye doctors in Boston have started to notice a small but worrisome uptick in cases of a rare type of sudden blindness among patients taking semaglutide.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

85%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Semaglutide Linked to Cause of Vision Loss

Medscape Edited by Thursday, 04 July 2024 11:17
  • Unique Points
    • Study found an increased risk for non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in patients with type 2 diabetes taking semaglutide, with a hazard ratio of 4.28.
    • Study also found an increased risk for NAION in patients with overweight or obesity taking semaglutide, with a hazard ratio of 7.64.
    • Cumulative incidence of NAION over 36 months was 8.9% for type 2 diabetes patients prescribed semaglutide and 1.8% for those taking non-GLP-1 medications.
    • Cumulative incidence of NAION over 36 months was 6.7% for patients with overweight or obesity in the semaglutide cohort and 0.8% in the other group.
  • Accuracy
    • Higher risk of NAION in patients prescribed semaglutide compared to non-GLP-1 RA medications for diabetes or obesity
    • In the population with Type 2 Diabetes, there were 17 NAION events in semaglutide cohort vs. 6 in non-GLP-1 RA antidiabetic medications cohort
    • In the population of patients who were overweight or obese, there were 20 NAION events in semaglutide cohort vs. 3 in non-GLP-1 RA cohort
  • Deception (30%)
    The article reports on a study that found an association between semaglutide and the risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which can cause vision loss. However, it does not directly link semaglutide as the cause of NAION since the study only identifies an association and does not establish causation. The article also mentions that this risk is relatively uncommon. Therefore, the deception score is 30 because while there is an attempt to sensationalize the findings by implying a direct link between semaglutide and vision loss without mentioning that the study only found an association, it does disclose the study's limitations.
    • Patients with type 2 diabetes, overweight, or obesity taking the glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) semaglutide appear to have an increased risk for an uncommon condition that can cause vision loss.
    • In patients with overweight or obesity, semaglutide again was linked to a higher risk for NAION (HR, 7.64; 95% CI, 2.21-26.36.).
    • Semaglutide use was associated with a higher risk for NAION in patients with type 2 diabetes (hazard ratio [HR], 4.28; 95% CI, 1.62-11.29).
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

89%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Ozempic Linked to Increased Risk of Blinding Eye Condition

Neuroscience News Neuroscience News Wednesday, 03 July 2024 19:50
  • Unique Points
    • Patients prescribed semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy) have a higher risk of developing NAION.
    • Overweight patients on semaglutide have a sevenfold increased risk of NAION.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (50%)
    The author makes editorializing statements by using phrases like 'potentially blinding eye condition' and 'serious condition with no effective treatments'. They also selectively report details that support their position by focusing on the increased risk of NAION in semaglutide users without mentioning the overall low incidence of this condition.
    • A new study reveals that patients prescribed semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy) for diabetes or weight loss have a higher risk of having a potentially blinding eye condition called NAION than similar patients who had not been prescribed these drugs.
    • NAION is a rare condition with no current effective treatments.
  • Fallacies (95%)
    No formal fallacies found. However, there is an appeal to authority and a slight exaggeration in describing NAION as a 'potentially blinding eye condition'. The author also presents the risk associated with Ozempic without providing the absolute risk increase.
    • . . . patients prescribed semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy) for diabetes or weight loss have a higher risk of having a potentially blinding eye condition called NAION than similar patients who had not been prescribed these drugs.
    • 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.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

100%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Risk of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy in Patients Prescribed Semaglutide

JAMA Network Thursday, 04 July 2024 11:20
  • Unique Points
    • Higher risk of NAION in patients prescribed semaglutide compared to non-GLP-1 RA medications for diabetes or obesity
    • In the population with Type 2 Diabetes, there were 17 NAION events in semaglutide cohort vs. 6 in non-GLP-1 RA antidiabetic medications cohort
    • Cox proportional hazards regression model showed higher risk of NAION for patients receiving semaglutide in Type 2 Diabetes population
    • In the population of patients who were overweight or obese, there were 20 NAION events in semaglutide cohort vs. 3 in non-GLP-1 RA cohort
    • Cox proportional hazards regression model showed higher risk of NAION for patients prescribed semaglutide in overweight or obese population
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

83%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Study links Ozempic to higher risk of eye condition that can cause vision loss

STAT News Elaine Chen Wednesday, 03 July 2024 15:25
  • Unique Points
    • Among 710 patients with type 2 diabetes, there were 17 cases of NAION in patients prescribed semaglutide, resulting in a cumulative rate of 8.9% over three years.
    • In comparison, six cases were found in patients prescribed non-GLP-1 diabetes drugs, calculated as a cumulative rate of 1.8%.
    • The researchers estimate that there was a 4.28 times greater risk of developing the condition in patients prescribed semaglutide.
    • Studying 979 patients with overweight or obesity, researchers found 20 cases of NAION in people prescribed semaglutide, calculated as a cumulative rate of 6.7%.
    • NAION cases occurred most frequently in the first year after medications were prescribed.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (30%)
    The author reports an observational study that suggests a potential link between Novo Nordisk's GLP-1 drugs Ozempic and Wegovy and an eye condition called nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which can cause vision loss. The author states that there was a higher rate of NAION in patients prescribed semaglutide compared to those prescribed non-GLP-1 drugs, but the study does not establish a causal relationship between the drugs and NAION. The author also mentions that this observational study is important to make doctors and patients aware, but stresses that it does not mean that people should not take the medicine. This article contains selective reporting as it only reports details that support the author's position, implying a potential risk with these drugs without providing enough context or information about the severity of NAION cases or other confounding variables.
    • It's important to report the findings to spur further analysis and to make doctors and patients aware.
    • The researchers estimate that there was a 4.28 times greater risk of developing the condition in patients prescribed semaglutide.
    • Among 710 patients with type 2 diabetes, there were 17 cases of NAION in patients prescribed semaglutide, compared with six cases in patients prescribed non-GLP-1 diabetes drugs.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The author makes an appeal to authority by quoting experts and researchers in the field. However, she also provides statistical data and estimates of risk, which can be considered as formal fallacies if taken out of context. The author does not make any dichotomous depictions or inflammatory rhetoric in the article.
    • ][The authors] estimate that there was a 4.28 times greater risk of developing the condition in patients prescribed semaglutide, according to the study, published in JAMA Ophthalmology.[/]
    • [Joseph Rizzo] said it's important to report the findings to spur further analysis and to make doctors and patients aware.[/
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication