Warning from Australia that weight loss pills can cause eye diseases

The statement released by the Australian Medicinal Goods Administration (TGA) warned against drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.

The warning said that the drugs in question could cause a rare disease called “non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)” and that “NAION can cause permanent vision problems, including blindness, and there is no proven treatment to correct vision.”

The warning emphasized that people taking GLP-1 drugs should stop taking the drug and seek immediate medical attention if they experience vision loss.

May cause irreversible eye damage

TGA said there have been 36 cases of NAION linked to GLP-1 drugs to date.

NAION is caused by a disruption in blood flow to the optic nerve at the back of the eye and occurs suddenly, usually upon waking, without pain, and can often be irreversible.

Used for type 2 diabetes and appetite control

GLP-1 drugs work by mimicking a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels and appetite, and are particularly used to treat diabetes.