The Engel Family’s Experience with Ozempic
Todd Engel operated heavy machinery in suburban Maryland for four decades. In early 2023, his doctor prescribed Ozempic, a GLP-1 medication, to manage his diabetes. On New Year’s Eve, Engel noticed a loss of vision in his right eye, described as darkness or blackness. Doctors diagnosed him with NAION, an optic neuropathy caused by strokes that block blood flow to the eye.
When Engel’s wife, Shelley, inquired about Ozempic’s role in the condition, the doctor denied any known correlation. However, research published seven months later in JAMA Ophthalmology identified higher NAION rates among diabetics using Ozempic or semaglutide. Unaware of this, Engel continued with the medication until he lost vision in his left eye. He now seeks legal action against Ozempic’s manufacturer, alleging failure to warn about NAION risks.
Growing Use of GLP-1 Drugs
A Gallup analysis revealed that over one in ten Americans use GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, with one in seven having used them at some point. These drugs are increasingly prescribed for various conditions, accompanied by diverse side effects. Engel’s lawsuit is part of broader legal actions claiming significant harm from GLP-1 drugs.
Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, questions the claims in Engel’s lawsuit. They cite research that disputes the drug’s link to NAION, stating that the cases lack merit.
Debates on Study Findings and Safety Reporting
The legal disputes partly revolve around whether GLP-1 drugs caused Engel’s harm. Observational data show a correlation between the drugs and eye complications, but causation needs deeper analysis. JAMA Ophthalmology’s study on Ozempic’s link to NAION faced criticism from medical bodies like the American Academy of Ophthalmology. These groups demand more research without recommending patients discontinue GLP-1 usage.
The FDA maintains a database tracking adverse events related to pharmaceuticals. It includes over 1,000 optic neuropathy reports linked to GLP-1s since 2024, alongside reports of pancreatitis and other conditions.
Legal Actions and Calls for Greater Regulation
Attorney Jonathan Orent leads litigations involving 247 plaintiffs with NAION and over 4,000 claiming other serious conditions due to GLP-1 drugs. Orent argues for enhanced warnings about potential side effects, similar to practices in Europe, stressing the difficulty of detecting rare events in clinical trials.
Engel asserts he would have stopped using Ozempic if aware of the blindness risk. He’s mourned his losses, including his ability to work and enjoy daily activities. Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly defend against lawsuits, noting the rarity of reported severe side effects.
Complexities in Reporting and Prescription Practices
Conditions like obesity and diabetes complicate the direct attribution of adverse events to drugs. Emory diabetes expert Mohammed Ali refrains from reporting suspected drug-related issues due to uncertainty.
Pharmacist Robert Miller notes increased poison-control center calls regarding GLP-1 side effects, partly due to online drug sales lacking medical oversight.
The court proceedings aim to determine drugmakers’ liability, driven by plaintiffs advocating for stringent warnings. Shelley Engel seeks stronger side-effect alerts to prevent others from experiencing her husband’s adverse outcomes.
NPR correspondent Sydney Lupkin contributed to this report.
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