A potentially blinding condition is a very rare side effect of the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus), the European Medicines Agency (EMA) concluded .

Following a review of all available data, the EMA's Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee determined that semaglutide increases the risk for non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).

As a result, the agency recommended a product information update to include NAION as a "very rare" side effect. This means it could affect up to one in 10,000 people taking semaglutide.

"If patients experience a sudden loss of vision or rapidly worsening eyesight during treatment with semaglutide, they should contact their doctor without delay. If NAION is confirmed, treatment with semaglutide should be stop

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