Study finds Ozempic is linked to severe eye bleeding disorder in patients; experts share risk factors
According to the Daily Mail, patients who take the weight-loss shots were twice as likely to suffer from a serious degenerative eye disease as compared to those who do not take them. Know what experts say.
A shocking study conducted in Israel has found that patients who take Ozempic or similar weight-loss drugs face a potential blinding condition due to internal bleeding in the eyes.
According to the Daily Mail, patients who take the weight-loss shots were twice as likely to suffer from a serious degenerative eye disease as compared to those who do not take them.
The particular condition is called neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), which mostly causes leaky blood vessels to grow behind the eye. This can even spill fluid into the retina, leading to permanent damage and blindness in the future.
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But is Ozempic really linked to bleeding of the eyes?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a medication prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes and help with weight loss. "Although it has been proven to have remarkable effects in regulating blood sugar and facilitating weight loss, it also comes with various issues and possible side effects," says Dr. Bhumesh Tyagi, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Sharda Hospital.
On the other hand, "Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation are the usual side effects. Serious complications can include pancreatitis, kidney, and gallbladder problems," adds Dr. Tyagi.
Others have reported the risk of thyroid tumours, but this has been seen largely in animal studies.
While the exact link between weight-loss drugs and vision problems isn't known, scientists believe that they bind to GLP-1 receptors in the eye, triggering the growth of the blood vessels.
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However, the cases were rare, but experts warned of the concerning signal in the data, saying that further research is needed to confirm the condition.
FDA approved Ozempic to lower kidney disease in type 2 diabetics
On the other hand, a few months ago, the FDA approved Ozempic to lower kidney disease in type 2 diabetes patients. "Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects between 30 to 40 per cent of individuals living with type 2 diabetes in India, making it one of the most common and serious complications associated with the condition," says Dr. Rajiv Kovil, Head of Diabetology, Zandra Healthcare & Co-founder, Rang De Neela Initiative.
Across the globe, including in India, diabetes-related complications are heavily linked to both cardiovascular and kidney disorders.
Sneha is a dedicated writer with a passion for storytelling that enthrals and inspires the readers. With a background in Health and Wellness, she brings a unique perspective to every narrative. As a journalist, she aims to find solutions with authenticity and credibility.
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