FDA Requires Labeling Changes For Potential Increased Risk of Vision Loss with GLP-1 Weight-Loss Medications

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on Monday, Nov. 9, that it is requiring pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers to add information on GLP-1 RA medication labeling about the potential risk of NAION vision loss or impairment.

NAION, non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, is a rare eye condition that can result in partial or complete, permanent vision loss. It is caused by a decreased blood flow to the optic nerve, also known as the optic disc. The FDA warns that there is a potential increased risk of this condition associated with the use of GLP-1 RA medications.

Examples of GLP-1 RA medications include Ozempic (semaglutide), Rybelsus (semaglutide), Wegovy (semaglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Zepbound (tirzepatide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), and Foundayo (orforglipron). These medications are commonly used to treat people with type 2 diabetes and to reduce body weight.

Symptoms of NAION may appear as:

• Sudden, painless vision loss in one eye
• Blurred or missing portions of vision
• Distortion of colors
• Reduced central sharpness

If you have experienced any of these symptoms, contact your doctor to talk about whether you should continue or stop using your GLP-1 medication.

GLP-1 Vision Loss Litigation

Nearly 300 cases are pending in the multidistrict litigation involving claims that individuals suffered vision loss injuries due to using GLP-1 medications. The MDL, No. 3163, was formed in December 2025 and centralized in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. This is the second MDL involving GLP-1 personal injury claims. The other is MDL 3094, which alleges gastrointestinal injuries.

Levin Papantonio’s Role in GLP-1 Litigation

Levin Papantonio represents individuals who suffered gastrointestinal and NAION vision loss injuries due to GLP-1 medication use. Our firm is recognized as a leader in mass torts, with extensive experience handling complex pharmaceutical and medical device litigation.

Attorney Cameron Stephenson serves on the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee in In re: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Products Liability Litigation (MDLs 3094 & 3163). He is also involved in other major MDLs, including Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Litigation (MDL 2738) and Proton Pump Inhibitor Litigation (MDL 2789).

Attorney Glen Ged is responsible for cases in both GLP-1 RA MDLs. He is also involved with the Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Litigation (MDL 2738), the Philips Respironics CPAP-BiPAP Settlement (MDL No. 3014), and other litigations.