Patients using GLP-1 obesity medications who experience sudden vision loss should stop taking the drug and seek medical attention immediately. This follows a directive from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to include warnings about optic nerve disease associated with GLP-1 medications.
The Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) announced on November 11 that it has distributed a 'drug safety letter' to domestic medical professionals and patients, based on overseas safety information indicating that GLP-1 medications may increase the risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Healthcare providers are advised to discontinue treatment for patients showing related symptoms and recommend prompt medical evaluation.
NAION is a condition where reduced blood flow to the optic nerve leads to nerve damage. Delayed treatment can result in permanent vision loss. The KFDA has instructed patients to immediately inform healthcare providers if they experience sudden vision loss in one eye without pain, partial loss of vision, or difficulty distinguishing colors.
The safety letter pertains to GLP-1 medications including terzepatide (Mounjaro), semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic), liraglutide (Saxenda), and efpeglenatide (Epe). In South Korea, four pharmaceutical companies have 38 products approved, including Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Saxenda, Eli Lilly's Mounjaro and Trulicity, Hanmi Pharmaceutical's Epe, and Sanofi's Soliqua.
The KFDA has requested these companies to submit safety information and plans for label changes. Based on the submitted materials, the agency will review whether to amend usage precautions.
This action follows the FDA's requirement on November 9 (local time) for all GLP-1 receptor agonists to reflect the potential increased risk of NAION in their product labeling. Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are among those included in the warning.
However, the FDA noted that NAION is a rare condition and that a causal relationship with GLP-1 medications has not been established. The KFDA clarified that it is not banning the medications but is taking preventive measures to assist in early diagnosis and treatment decisions when vision abnormalities occur.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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