Users of Ozempic and Wegovy have raised concerns about the serious risks associated with these popular weight loss medications. Initially developed for Type 2 diabetes, these GLP-1 receptor drugs gained traction when it became evident they could lead to significant weight loss.
It’s worth noting that, while Ozempic is primarily approved for Type 2 diabetes, Wegovy, which also has semaglutide, is specifically for weight management and can be obtained only with a prescription. Since Wegovy’s introduction to healthcare systems and its promotion by celebrities and influencers, many people have begun using these drugs, sometimes without meeting the stringent health criteria for prescriptions.
Despite previously known side effects, over 4,000 Americans have now taken legal action against the pharmaceutical companies behind these medications, citing life-altering health issues, including instances of severe illness and even death, after using Ozempic and Wegovy.
‘I can’t see my beautiful wife’s face anymore’
Todd Engel, a 63-year-old from Maryland, reported becoming legally blind after developing a rare condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in both eyes. Todd had started on Ozempic in the spring of 2023, aimed at managing his diabetes. His right eye lost vision on New Year’s Eve, with the left following suit about ten months later.
In a heartfelt conversation, Todd expressed, “The worst part is that I can no longer see my beautiful wife’s face again—or the faces of my grandchildren. Had I known this could lead to sudden and permanent blindness, I never would have taken this drug.”
Jonathan Orent, Todd’s attorney, emphasized, “Irreversible blindness is not a mere side effect. It’s a life-altering injury.”
During an interview, Todd’s wife, Shelley, added, “It’s heartbreaking when our little grandkids have to take his hand and lead him around. He can’t drive or work anymore, and he can’t even play ball. Everything has changed. It’s a completely different world for us.”
‘She showed no symptoms until a week before her passing’
Todd isn’t the only one taking action against Novo Nordisk, the maker of Wegovy and Ozempic. Diane Wirth has also filed a lawsuit after experiencing NAION in her right eye, which forced her to retire after decades as a nurse. She remarked, “If I had known there was a chance this drug could blind me, I would never have taken the first shot.”
Meanwhile, Tracy Ettinghoff has initiated a wrongful death lawsuit after his wife Marsha passed away six months after beginning Ozempic. Tragically, Marsha fell seriously ill while on holiday. In 2024, she had opted to lose weight for a special occasion—their son’s wedding.
Tracy noted, “She had no symptoms until a week before she died. She started throwing up, and one week later, she was gone.” He added that although he didn’t believe she needed the medication, she was determined to go on it. The weekly injections didn’t seem to significantly impact her weight loss, and she continued without experiencing any noticeable side effects.
“We believe that Mrs. Ettinghoff’s premature death was largely a result of her use of GLP-1 medications and the adverse reactions involved,” her attorney stated, asserting that adequate warnings could have prevented this tragic loss.
Novo Nordisk’s perspective
A spokesperson from Novo Nordisk commented, “Patient safety is our top priority, and we take any concerns regarding adverse events very seriously. We collaborate closely with authorities to continuously monitor the safety of our products.”
They further explained that the information related to non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) has been added to their patient leaflets, with the frequency of occurrence noted as very rare—potentially affecting up to one in 10,000 users of semaglutide.
“Based on extensive evidence, we have found no reasonable possibility linking semaglutide to NAION. We maintain that the benefits of semaglutide outweigh the risks,” they stated.
Patients experiencing side effects are encouraged to report them to their healthcare providers and utilize the relevant reporting scheme.
Common side effects of Ozempic
According to the information available, typical side effects of Ozempic include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Constipation
- Vomiting
Common side effects of Wegovy
Wegovy presents similar potential side effects, including vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea, along with:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Heartburn
The channel suggests consulting a healthcare professional regarding any bothersome or persistent side effects.
