Australia’s medicine regulator has issued a safety warning over popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, saying they could cause a rare vision disorder.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration warned the GLP-1 RA class of medicines have the potential to cause a rare, but severe, form of eye disorder called non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
The disorder may result in permanent visual impairment, including blindness. There is currently no treatment for it.
The TGA urges any patients who experience sudden vision loss, even if only partial, should seek urgent medical attention.
The regulator revealed a potential link between GLP-1 RAs and NAION was first discovered in July 2024 following a JAMA Ophthalmology study.
TGA then conducted an independent assessment of the link but found the evidence conflicted the original study’s findings.
“As the available evidence was conflicting, we sought expert advice from the Advisory Committee on Medicines (ACM) on whether the evidence supported additional risk mitigation measures,” The TGA’s warning stated.
“Following discussion at its October 2025 meeting, the ACM concluded that the current evidence may support the signal for semaglutide, but not dulaglutide or tirzepatide and recommended a range of risk mitigation strategies.”
“After considering all available evidence, including the ACM advice, we made a final decision on regulatory actions including PI and CMI document updates, and publication of safety communications.”
MEDICINES ON THE LIST:
- Trulicity
- Ozempic
- Wegovy
- Mounjaro
- Saxenda
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails