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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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
