Man Sues Ozempic Maker After Allegedly Going Blind While on Drug

A Maryland man who claims he went blind after using the diabetes medication Ozempic has filed a lawsuit against its manufacturer, accusing the pharmaceutical giant of negligence and failure to warn consumers about potential severe side effects. Todd Engel, 62, began taking Ozempic in 2023 to manage his type 2 diabetes.

The medication, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat diabetes by regulating blood sugar and suppressing appetite. However, in recent years, it has become widely known for its off-label use as a weight-loss aid, contributing to its surge in popularity.

According to the lawsuit, Engel's life took a dramatic turn after beginning the treatment. His attorney, Jonathan Orent of the plaintiff litigation firm Motley Rice, explained that Engel first experienced vision loss in one eye and later became legally blind in both.

Orent said, “The way the 62-year-old interacts with his family has been 'forever changed,'” noting that Engel had to resign from his job and is no longer able to drive.

Four months after starting Ozempic, Engel was diagnosed with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare condition that results in “sudden, painless vision loss in one eye due to a lack of blood flow to the optic nerve,” according to Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Around 6,000 new cases of NAION are reported in the United States each year, typically affecting individuals around the age of 66.

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.

Pharmaceutical experts suggest that the pharmaceutical industry must prioritize patient education about potential side effects. Dr. John C. Dorr, a health policy analyst, highlights that many patients are unaware of the risks associated with medications like Ozempic.

He advises healthcare providers to engage in thorough discussions with patients about medication risks and benefits. 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

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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Legal and Medical Perspectives

Dr. Timothy W. R. Hurst, an ophthalmologist at the American Academy of Ophthalmology, emphasizes that conditions like nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) can result from various factors including medication side effects.

He notes that while Ozempic has been effective for many, the potential for adverse effects must be transparently communicated by manufacturers. This aligns with the FDA’s mandate for clear labeling and warnings about medications.

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.

“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.

Clinical Perspective & Next Steps

In summary, the case against the Ozempic manufacturer underscores the importance of clear communication regarding medication risks. Dr. Alan Schwartz, a public health expert, emphasizes that the pharmaceutical industry must take responsibility for ensuring that patients are fully informed about potential side effects.

As legal proceedings unfold, it serves as a reminder for both patients and healthcare professionals to remain vigilant about medication effects. Ensuring open dialogues can empower patients to report any adverse reactions promptly, thereby reducing risks and enhancing overall safety.