Several studies indicate a possible increased risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) from semaglutide, but the results are not entirely consistent, according to specialist doctor Samuel Sigurdsson. Anneli Grönberg Westlund in Sysslebäck almost completely lost vision in both eyes after being treated with a semaglutide preparation. For most patients, the benefit of treatment with semaglutide for general health is clearly greater than the potential risk of developing NAION, Sigurdsson noted.
Proving NAION as a side effect of semaglutide preparations is difficult because the disease also occurs spontaneously in patients with the same risk factors as those treated with these medications, such as diabetes and vascular disease, Sigurdsson explained. Obesity is not an established direct risk factor for NAION, but it may be associated with other factors that increase the risk, he added. The most important risk factors for developing NAION are older age, diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea, according to Sigurdsson.
Anneli Grönberg Westlund's report of a drug injury to the Drug Insurance was rejected. The Drug Insurance's decision to reject her claim was partly based on obesity being a strong risk factor for developing NAION. The Drug Insurance, when asked about the basis for obesity as a risk factor for NAION, refers to its medical expertise and states that one can appeal to the Drug Board if dissatisfied with the assessment.
Westlund plans to appeal to the Drug Board. Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical company behind Rybelsus and Ozempic, states that patient safety is their highest priority and they take all reports of possible side effects of their medications very seriously. Based on all available data sources, Novo Nordisk does not believe there is a proven causal relationship between treatment with semaglutide and the development of NAION.