Massachusetts father Ed Gillen, 58, is suing Ozempic manufacturer Novo Nordisk, alleging the drug contributed to his permanent blindness. He says his vision deteriorated from a small spot to total blindness within weeks, profoundly altering his life and ending his 14-year relationship.

Gillen, who has diabetes, had taken Ozempic for about a year to manage his blood sugar. His lawsuit alleges he developed non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION), an irreversible condition, and that the medication’s warnings did not adequately explain the possibility of severe vision loss. He says he has given up his highway job, coaching role and independence, and is learning adaptive skills while awaiting retirement benefits.