Man sues Novo Nordisk alleging Ozempic caused bilateral vision loss

A Maryland man, Todd Engel, 63, who was prescribed the GLP-1 medication Ozempic in 2023 for diabetes management, says the drug led to total vision loss in both eyes. About four months after beginning treatment, Engel was diagnosed with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a condition that reduces blood flow to the optic nerve and can cause sudden, permanent blindness.

Engel told Fox News Digital that he first noticed loss of vision in his right eye on New Year’s Eve 2024 and later lost sight in his left eye about ten months after the initial diagnosis. He continued taking Ozempic because neither he nor his physicians were aware of a possible link between semaglutide and NAION. After the second eye was affected, he stopped the medication.

Engel has filed a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk, the Danish manufacturer of Ozempic, alleging the company failed to provide sufficient warnings about the potential risk of vision loss. The case seeks a warning on the U.S. label similar to those used in Europe.

Novo Nordisk responded that existing data do not establish a causal relationship between semaglutide and NAION. Liz Skrbkova, head of U.S. Media and Stakeholder Relations, said the company believes the lawsuits lack merit and is defending them in court, while continuing routine safety monitoring of the condition.

Engel’s attorney, Jonathan Orent, emphasized the importance of clear labeling to inform patients and doctors of potential risks.