The Therapeutic Goods Administration has updated the safety warnings for GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines following reports of a rare but serious eye condition. What does this mean for people using these meds?
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has released new safety information for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist medicines, commonly known as GLP-1 medicines.
These medicines include:
- Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
- Saxenda (liraglutide)
- Trulicity (dulaglutide)
The updated warning relates to the potential risk of a rare eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION). The condition affects blood flow to the optic nerve and can cause permanent loss of vision.
How concerned should I be?
NAION is serious, but it is rare. GLP-1 medicine use has been associated with between two and 18 additional cases of NAION for every 100,000 people using these medicines each year.
The available studies have produced mixed results and do not show the same level of evidence for every GLP-1 medicine. The available evidence may support an association with semaglutide, but not currently with dulaglutide or tirzepatide.
The warning has nevertheless been applied across all GLP-1 medicines in this class.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
- sudden loss of vision
- partial loss of vision
- a sudden dark or missing area in your vision.
These symptoms may develop even if you have been using a GLP-1 medicine for some time.
Should I stop taking my medicine now?
If you are not experiencing vision changes, do not change or stop your medicine without speaking to the health professional who prescribed it.
These medicines can offer important benefits for people living with type 2 diabetes or managing their weight. Your doctor can help you weigh the potential risks against the benefits in your individual circumstances.
Contact your GP, diabetes specialist or diabetes educator if you are concerned or would like to discuss your personal risk.
Is this the same as diabetic retinopathy?
No. NAION and diabetic retinopathy are different conditions.
Do I need an additional eye examination?
Continue with your regular diabetes eye checks unless something changes. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist can check if you are at higher risk of developing NAION.
NAION is rare, but sudden changes to your vision should always be treated seriously.
If you use Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Saxenda or Trulicity:
- do not stop your medicine simply because you have heard about the warning
- seek urgent medical attention if you experience sudden or partial vision loss
- continue regular diabetes eye checks
- talk to your prescribing health professional about any concerns.
Need help understanding your diabetes medicines?
The Diabetes WA Helpline is here to support you.
Speak with a credentialled diabetes educator by calling 1300 001 880.
