Man Sues Ozempic Maker After Allegedly Going Blind While on Drug

A man is now suing the maker of Ozempic after claiming the diabetes drug left him going blind, and the case has turned into a messy fight over what patients were warned about before they ever touched the pen.

Engel’s lawsuit, filed in New Jersey on April 24, points to a 2024 study suggesting diabetic patients taking semaglutide may be more than four times as likely to develop NAION, a sudden eye condition. He alleges Novo Nordisk had clinical trial data showing NAION cases, but did not list it on the warning label, and he says he would have chosen something else if he’d been told the risk to his vision.

Now the question is whether this was a rare side effect that slipped through, or a risk that was hiding in plain sight.

While diabetes is itself a known risk factor for NAION, recent research points to a possible link between semaglutide and an increased likelihood of developing the condition. A 2024 study found that diabetic patients taking semaglutide were over four times more likely to develop NAION than those who were not.

Filed on April 24 in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Engel's lawsuit claims that Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, failed to disclose this potential risk. The filing alleges that the company had access to clinical trial data documenting cases of NAION but chose not to include any mention of the condition on the drug's warning label.

Orent stated that if Engel had been informed of the potential risk to his vision, he would have considered alternative treatments.

Before Engel even got to court, the story was already circling around NAION, a rare eye disease tied to sudden vision loss in people with diabetes.

This proactive approach could prevent situations where patients experience severe side effects—such as sudden vision loss—without prior knowledge. Tools like patient information leaflets and consultations can improve understanding and encourage informed consent.

Ozempic Has Seen a Surge in Popularity.

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Engel Has Filed a Lawsuit Against Novo Nordisk Following the Loss of His Vision.

Novo Nordisk

That’s when Engel’s claim gets sharper, he says Novo Nordisk had access to trial data about NAION but left it out of the Ozempic warning label.

And it echoes the same tough choice as the AI firm that refused a Pentagon deal over possible US applications.

A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk responded to the allegations in a statement to UNILAD: “NAION is a very rare eye disease, and it is not a recognized adverse drug reaction for the marketed formulations of semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy) as per the approved labels.”

The company emphasized its ongoing safety evaluations, adding: “After a thorough evaluation of studies from the University of Southern Denmark and Novo Nordisk's internal safety assessment, Novo Nordisk is of the opinion that the benefit-risk profile of semaglutide remains unchanged.”They also stated: “Novo Nordisk, on its part, has conducted an analysis across randomized controlled clinical trials with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including a blinded ophthalmologist evaluation to confirm NAION diagnoses. These data do not suggest a causal relationship between GLP-1 RA use and NAION events.”

NAION Typically Occurs in Individuals Around the Age of 66.

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The situation escalates again with Novo Nordisk’s response, calling NAION not a recognized adverse reaction for the marketed semaglutide labels.

Legal and Medical Perspectives

He notes that while Ozempic has been effective for many, the potential for adverse effects must be transparently communicated by manufacturers.

In cases like Engel’s, it's crucial for patients to report sudden vision changes to their healthcare provider immediately to mitigate potential long-term damage.

And just like that, the debate shifts to safety evaluations and trial analyses, with the company insisting the benefit-risk profile for semaglutide is unchanged.

“Patient safety is a top priority for Novo Nordisk, and we take all reports about adverse events from the use of our medicines very seriously,” the company continued. “This also relates to eye conditions, which are well-known comorbidities for people living with diabetes. Any decision to start treatment with prescription-only medicines should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional who should conduct a benefit-risk evaluation for the patient in question, weighing the benefits of treatment against the potential risks.”

Engel's case now joins a growing number of legal challenges involving popular GLP-1 medications, as questions continue to arise about their long-term safety and disclosure practices.

The lawsuit filed by Todd Engel against the maker of Ozempic highlights a critical issue in the pharmaceutical industry: the necessity for transparent communication regarding medication risks. Engel's claim of going blind while using the drug raises serious questions about whether the manufacturer adequately warned consumers about potential severe side effects associated with Ozempic.

As this case progresses, it serves as a crucial reminder for patients and healthcare professionals alike to stay alert to the effects of medications. Open dialogues between patients and providers are essential. They can foster an environment where adverse reactions are reported swiftly, ultimately contributing to enhanced safety and informed decision-making in medication use.

Engel’s lawsuit is forcing Novo Nordisk to answer for what was left unsaid, right before his eyesight went.

Before you chalk it up to diabetes risk, check out the doctor’s eight surprising stress signs showing up in the body.