GLP-1 drugs must have new warning label over incurable blindness condition, says FDA

The FDA says GLP-1 medicines may increase the risk of NAION, a rare eye condition that can cause permanent vision loss. It is requiring manufacturers to add a warning to drug labels and advises patients to seek prompt medical attention for new vision problems.

The agency found reports of NAION across marketed GLP-1 products, but said they are difficult to interpret because patients often have other risk factors; it also could not establish how the medicines might contribute. A 2024 study found diabetes patients taking semaglutide were four times more likely to develop NAION, though the FDA noted limitations in that study. There is no proven treatment to reverse vision loss from the condition, and clinicians are advised to consider stopping treatment if NAION is diagnosed.