GLP-1 Lawsuits Raise Questions About Serious Side Effects and Causation
Lawsuits claim that GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic can cause severe conditions like blindness or pancreatitis, but data on how often these harms occur is limited. One plaintiff, Todd Engel, says he lost vision in both eyes after taking Ozempic and is suing Novo Nordisk for failing to warn patients and doctors. The company disputes the claims and points to later research questioning whether its drug causes the eye condition NAION.
Todd Engel, a Maryland machinery operator, began Ozempic for diabetes in early 2023. On New Year’s Eve, his right eye went dark; doctors diagnosed NAION, an optic neuropathy tied to reduced blood flow. Months later, JAMA Ophthalmology reported higher NAION rates among diabetic semaglutide users, but Engel and his physician had not seen it. His left eye later lost vision too.
His case is among consolidated GLP-1 lawsuits. Novo Nordisk disputes causation, citing later research questioning the NAION link. FDA’s voluntary adverse-event database, which regulators do not verify, contains over 1,000 optic neuropathy reports for GLP-1s since 2024, amid nearly 190,000 total reports, mostly minor issues.
The litigation could shape how patients and clinicians weigh GLP-1 benefits against uncertain rare risks, especially for people using them for diabetes or weight loss. If courts or regulators demand stronger warnings, some may become more cautious, while others may face confusion or reduced access. Drugmakers may adjust labels or communication, and future cases could hinge on whether observational signals can support causation. The broader impact may depend on how clearly scientific uncertainty is explained.