New Brunswick, N.J. — A lawsuit has been filed by a Maryland man who claims that Ozempic, a medication used to manage Type 2 diabetes, caused him to lose his vision. Todd Engel, 62, alleges that the drug’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, failed to adequately warn patients about the potential risk of sudden vision loss linked to the medication.
Engel was prescribed Ozempic in 2023. Four months later, he experienced a dramatic decline in his eyesight, diagnosed with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a condition marked by a sudden decrease in blood flow to the optic nerve that can result in irreversible vision impairment. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, NAION affects approximately ten out of every 100,000 individuals over the age of 50.
Ozempic, part of a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, has gained popularity not only for diabetes management but also for weight loss. However, increasing evidence suggests a potential connection between semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, and NAION. While studies indicate that diabetics taking semaglutide may experience a heightened risk of developing NAION, experts caution that it is unclear whether the drug is the causative factor, especially since diabetes itself is a known risk factor for eye problems.
The lawsuit, filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey’s Middlesex County, accuses Novo Nordisk of negligence for not informing healthcare providers and patients about the serious risk of eye complications. Engel’s legal team contends that the company had knowledge of such risks during its clinical trials yet did not include NAION in its safety warnings.
In response, a Novo Nordisk spokesperson stated that there is no established link between NAION and Ozempic or other GLP-1 medications. The company insists that its evaluations, which include thorough studies and safety assessments, reveal no causal relationship. Furthermore, the spokesperson emphasized the importance of consulting healthcare professionals regarding the benefits and risks of starting any medication.
Engel’s attorney, Jonathan Orent, emphasized the profound impact of Engel’s vision loss on his life, noting that he was forced to leave his job as a motor equipment operator and can no longer drive. Engel has expressed anguish over the prospect of never again seeing his wife’s smile, although he can still recognize her voice. If he had been aware of a possible connection between Ozempic and blindness, Engel claims he would have explored alternative treatments.
This lawsuit is not an isolated case; other individuals have recently filed similar claims against Novo Nordisk. Ongoing scrutiny surrounding the potential link between semaglutide and NAION is drawing attention, particularly a study indicating that diabetics on semaglutide may be over four times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION compared to those not taking the drug. However, researchers warn that further investigations are essential to understand this association fully.
The FDA has declined to comment on the litigation but has observed numerous reports of eye-related issues tied to Ozempic on its Adverse Events Reporting System, which serves as a public database. These reports have surged in 2024, although the FDA cautions that the data may not be comprehensive or verified.
Dr. Andrew Lee, a neuro-ophthalmologist with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, has called for additional research on the relationship between semaglutide and serious eye conditions. He acknowledged the urgent need to understand whether this popular medication could contribute to conditions affecting vision. However, he advised patients not to stop taking the medication without consulting their doctors, highlighting the critical importance of weighing treatment benefits against the risks.
Engel’s lawsuit seeks damages and a jury trial, aiming to shed light on potential dangers associated with Ozempic, a drug that has gained acclaim as a breakthrough treatment. “Hopefully his story will highlight another side to this drug that has garnered a reputation for being a miracle solution,” Orent noted.