Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a condition that can cause sudden deterioration in vision, usually in one eye at a time, has been very rarely reported in association with semaglutide in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction. Patients reporting a sudden loss of vision (including partial loss) while on semaglutide treatment should be urgently referred for ophthalmological examination.

Advice for Healthcare Professionals

  • semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and for weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction
  • semaglutide treatment may be very rarely associated with NAION, a condition which can cause vision loss, typically in one eye
  • NAION typically causes sudden, painless vision loss in one eye that is often described as a blurring or cloudiness of vision.
  • privately prescribed semaglutide may not appear on the patient’s medical history so if a patient presents with these symptoms, enquire about semaglutide use
  • patients reporting a sudden loss of vision (including partial loss) should be urgently referred for specialist examination by an ophthalmologist
  • discontinue semaglutide treatment if NAION is confirmed
  • advise new patients, or existing patients during medication reviews, to urgently attend eye casualty or A&E if they experience a sudden loss of vision or rapidly worsening eyesight
  • report suspected adverse drug reactions associated with semaglutide, including NAION, on a Yellow Card

Advice for Healthcare Professionals to Provide to Patients

  • semaglutide treatment has, in extremely rare cases, been linked to a serious eye condition called NAION, which can affect your vision
  • NAION usually affects one eye at a time
  • if you notice a change in your eyesight, such as sudden blindness or your eyesight gets worse very quickly in one or both of your eyes during treatment with semaglutide, urgently attend eye casualty (if available in your area) or A&E
  • you may be referred for an eye examination by an ophthalmologist

For further details, please view the full Drug Safety Update here.

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