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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CM Siddaramaiah urges Centre to increase LPG supply
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has urged the Centre to immediately intervene to address a severe shortage of commercial LPG in Bengaluru, saying the crisis is forcing restaurants and related establishments to shut down and impacting a wide cross-section of the public dependent on the hospitality sector.
In a letter written to Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday and shared with the media on Thursday, Siddaramaiah highlighted a sharp mismatch between demand and supply, noting that only a fraction of the required cylinders is being made available.
“As against the demand of 50,000 LPG cylinders from restaurants, hotels, catering establishments and PG accommodations etc., we are able to supply only 1,000 cylinders per day,” the Chief Minister said.
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He added that the shortage has led to a visible increase in shutting down of establishments due to unavailability of commercial LPG, affecting students, IT professionals, farmers, dairy producers and others reliant on the hospitality ecosystem.
Referring to recent directions from the Ministry prioritising domestic LPG supply, Siddaramaiah said the State has taken steps to regulate allocation for essential segments in line with the Centre’s guidelines, but the situation remains critical.
The CM also flagged the absence of an integrated monitoring system for commercial LPG distribution, in contrast to the existing IT system for domestic gas supply, leading to gaps in transparency and oversight.
He further pointed out that Auto LPG, a key fuel for autorickshaws that provide last-mile connectivity in Bengaluru, is also facing similar issues due to the lack of a monitoring mechanism.
Noting that India is expected to receive two LPG tankers soon, Siddaramaiah sought the Union Minister’s intervention to ensure adequate allocation to Karnataka, particularly Bengaluru, considering its operational needs and dependency patterns.
“I request your kind intervention to ensure adequate allocation and availability of commercial LPG and Auto LPG to Karnataka, keeping in view the operational requirements and unique dependency patterns of the State, especially city of Bengaluru,” he said.
