FDA Orders Vision-Loss Warning for Ozempic and Other GLP-1 Drugs
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a new safety requirement affecting GLP-1 medications, including Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy, and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound. The drugs must now include warnings about a rare but potentially permanent vision-loss side effect.
On November 9, 2026, the FDA announced that GLP-1 drugs must add information to their “warnings and precautions” labeling about a possible increased risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), an eye condition sometimes called an “eye stroke.” NAION can cause sudden, painless vision loss and may lead to irreversible impairment.
Symptoms may include:
- Blurred vision
- Blind spots
- Distorted color perception
The requirement applies to all FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist medications. Cases of NAION have been reported in connection with every currently marketed GLP-1 drug, and at least 150 patients have filed lawsuits alleging the drugs caused their vision injuries.
Novo Nordisk said it “remains confident in the benefit-risk profile” of its GLP-1 medicines, while Eli Lilly said it was “carefully evaluating the update.”
Patients taking GLP-1 drugs should watch for changes in vision and contact a healthcare provider immediately if they experience sudden vision symptoms.
Source: CNN Health – US FDA orders new eye risk warnings for Ozempic, Zepbound (Nov. 9, 2026)