Ozempic, Wegovy & Rybelsus Lawsuits for Vision Loss

Now Reviewing Cases of NAION-Related Blindness Linked to Semaglutide Use

Patients prescribed Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus for diabetes or weight loss are now coming forward after experiencing vision loss due to a condition known as NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy). This serious and irreversible eye condition is caused by a loss of blood flow to the optic nerve and can result in permanent blindness.

At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, LLP, we are actively investigating claims involving NAION and semaglutide medications. If you or a loved one suffered sudden vision loss after taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus, you may be eligible for legal compensation.

What Is NAION?

Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a condition that occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is suddenly reduced or blocked, causing the nerve to suffer damage or die. Because the optic nerve is responsible for transmitting visual signals from the eye to the brain, this damage often results in permanent, painless vision loss—typically in one eye, though both eyes can be affected in severe cases.

Common NAION symptoms:

• Blurry or dim vision upon waking
• A dark or shadowed area in one eye’s visual field
• Loss of contrast or color sensitivity
• Sudden partial or full vision loss

There is no effective cure or treatment for NAION. In many cases, patients experience permanent vision damage that worsens over time.

The Link Between Semaglutide and Vision Loss

Several major studies have now identified a statistically significant association between semaglutide use and the development of NAION:

• A 2024 Danish/Norwegian cohort study of over 424,000 patients found that semaglutide use more than doubled the risk of NAION, compared to patients taking other diabetes medications like SGLT2 inhibitors.
  
• A 2024 meta-analysis of clinical trials, including Novo Nordisk’s own research, found a higher incidence of optic ischemic neuropathy in patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists than in placebo groups.
  
• A case series published by Katz et al. documented 7 out of 9 patients on GLP-1 drugs (including Ozempic and Wegovy) who developed NAION or other vision complications.
  

Despite these findings, Novo Nordisk has not updated its U.S. drug labels to include NAION warnings.

FDA-Approved Uses of Semaglutide Drugs

All three drugs—Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus are semaglutide-based medications produced by Novo Nordisk:

• Ozempic: Injection approved for Type 2 diabetes and reducing cardiovascular risks
• Wegovy: Injection approved for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents
• Rybelsus: Oral tablet for blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes

These medications belong to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which help regulate blood sugar and appetite. However, growing research suggests these medications may impact optic nerve blood flow, leading to NAION and vision damage.

Contact Us Today for a FREE Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured due to the use of Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus, don’t wait to seek legal help.

Contact Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro today for a FREE consultation.

Call (800) 675-8556 or contact us online to get started. 

Who Is Eligible to File a Lawsuit?

You may qualify to file an Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus vision loss lawsuit if:

• You were prescribed one of these medications for diabetes or weight loss
• You were later diagnosed with NAION or experienced sudden, unexplained vision loss
• Your diagnosis followed at least one administration of semaglutide

It is critical to act quickly, as statutes of limitations vary by state. Our team can help you determine whether you’re eligible based on your specific situation.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Ozempic Lawsuits

If you’re considering filing a lawsuit after suffering side effects from Ozempic, it’s important to act quickly. The statute of limitations—or legal deadline to file a claim—varies depending on the state, the nature of your injuries, and when those injuries were discovered. In New York, most personal injury claims must be filed within three years from the date the injury occurred or was reasonably diagnosed, though certain exceptions may apply.

Key factors that can affect your filing deadline include:

• When symptoms or other complications began
• When you first suspected a link to Ozempic
• Whether the manufacturer concealed known risks
• Your age or mental competency at the time of the injury

To avoid losing your right to compensation, we recommend gathering relevant documentation as soon as possible, including:

• Medical records and hospital visits related to your condition
• A history of Ozempic prescriptions and dosages
• A written record of symptoms and complications experienced

How SSKB Helps Victims of Dangerous Drugs

At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro we have decades of experience fighting large pharmaceutical companies. We treat every case with personalized attention while using our extensive resources to pursue maximum compensation for our clients.

When you work with SSKB, you can expect:

• A thorough review of your medical records and injuries
• Strategic legal action tailored to your specific situation
• Compassionate, client-focused advocacy from start to finish

Why You Should Act Now

Failing to file within the statute of limitations could lead to your case being dismissed—regardless of how severe your injuries are. That’s why it’s critical to speak with a knowledgeable attorney early on.

At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, our legal team will review your timeline, assess the strength of your case, and help ensure all necessary documents are filed properly and on time. We offer free consultations and work closely with medical professionals to support your claim with expert insight and detailed evidence.