Question 155 of 433
I read that these drugs can cause blindness. Should I stop?
The short answer
Do not stop effective treatment because of a headline. There is a rare optic-nerve condition associated with semaglutide that deserves a clear discussion, especially if you have a relevant history.
Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, or NAION, can cause sudden painless visual loss. Observational studies and regulatory reviews have identified a safety signal, but the absolute risk and background risk differ between populations. Avoid converting one study’s estimate into a universal number for every user.
Sudden loss of vision is an emergency whether or not you take semaglutide: seek urgent eye or emergency assessment immediately. Tell the treating team which medicines you use. Decisions about holding treatment and evaluating the cause belong with that team.
For a person with an approved indication, the established metabolic or cardiovascular benefits may outweigh a rare adverse effect. Prior NAION or other important eye disease calls for an individualized prescriber and ophthalmology discussion.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
OBSERVATIONAL / REGULATORY SAFETY — Semaglutide users: rare NAION signal; sudden vision loss requires emergency assessment.Evidence grade (draft mapping)CObservationalPart 11, Q155 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.