WHO issues global alert on rare vision loss linked to popular diabetes, weight loss drugs
Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global safety alert warning of a rare but potentially irreversible vision condition associated with popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs containing semaglutide, including Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy.
The alert, released on 27 June, highlights the risk of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a condition that can lead to sudden, painless, and irreversible loss of vision, typically in one eye.
“There is currently no effective treatment available for NAION, and the vision loss is generally irreversible,” the WHO stated in its warning.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has already acted on this risk by updating the safety profiles of these drugs. Following a comprehensive safety review, the agency’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) recommended that NAION be listed as a “very rare” side effect, potentially affecting up to 1 in 10,000 users.
Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, has seen widespread use globally for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, the growing popularity of these drugs has also brought new safety concerns to light.
NAION is considered the second most common optic neuropathy after glaucoma and can present without pain, making early detection more challenging. Common symptoms include sudden vision loss and optic disc swelling.
The WHO noted that its global adverse event database, VigiBase, had received several individual case safety reports of NAION linked to semaglutide use from multiple countries. After assessing these reports during its May 2025 meeting, the WHO Advisory Committee on Safety of Medicinal Products (ACSoMP) recommended revising semaglutide’s risk management plans.
Healthcare professionals worldwide are now being urged to inform patients about this potential risk and to remain vigilant. Patients currently using semaglutide or considering it are advised to seek immediate medical help if they experience any sudden changes in vision.
The alert is part of continued pharmacovigilance efforts around GLP-1-based medications, which have transformed diabetes and obesity care but continue to face evolving scrutiny as their use expands.
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Assam records nearly 18 pc voter turnout in first two hours of assembly polls
Guwahati (PTI): A voter turnout of 17.87 per cent was recorded in the first two hours of the assembly elections in Assam, where the BJP-led NDA is seeking a third consecutive term in power, while the Congress is striving to reclaim a state it lost a decade ago.
Polling began at 7 am for the 126-member assembly, and 17.87 per cent of the state's 2.5 crore voters exercised their franchise till 9 am, officials said.
A total of 722 candidates are in the fray for the elections, which is largely witnessing a direct contest between the BJP-led ruling coalition and the opposition bloc helmed by the Congress.
The river island of Majuli recorded the highest turnout in the first two hours at 20.03 per cent, while Tamulpur in the Bodoland Territorial Region witnessed the lowest at 15.32 per cent.
Voters began queuing outside polling booths since early morning, despite rain in many parts of the state.
Prominent candidates who have cast their votes so far include Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia in Nazira, Assam Jatiya Parishad president Lurinjyoti Gogoi in Khowang, and BJP's Pradyut Bordoloi.
Votes are being cast at 31,490 polling stations across the 35 districts of the state, with polling concluding at 5 pm.
Among the heavyweight candidates whose fates would be decided in this election are Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, state Congress president Gaurav Gogoi, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal and Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi.
The Congress has fielded the highest number of candidates at 99, followed by the BJP with 90. The AIUDF has 30 candidates, while NDA constituents Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF) are contesting 26 and 11 seats, respectively.
In the opposition bloc, Raijor Dal is contesting 13 seats, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) 10, CPI(M) 3 and APHLC 2. Other parties in the fray include AAP (18), UPPL (18), TMC (22), JMM (16), besides 258 Independents.
Algapur-Katlicherra and Karimganj South have the highest number of candidates at 15 each, while nine constituencies -- Rangia, Jagiroad (SC), Hojai, Naduar, Jonai (ST), Doomdooma, Mahmora, Teok and Lakhipur -- have only two candidates each.
