Ozempic NAION Lawsuits: Q&A With Attorney Trent Miracle
Lawyers have filed GLP-1 vision loss lawsuits after studies linked Ozempic (semaglutide) and other GLP-1 drugs to a rare type of vision loss called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
Medications linked to vision loss include Victoza (liraglutide), Saxenda (liraglutide), Rybelsus (semaglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide).
The first Ozempic lawsuits claimed the drug could cause gastrointestinal issues, such as stomach paralysis and bowel obstruction. That litigation is still active, and NAION litigation is in the beginning stages.
In this Q&A, mass tort litigation attorney Trent Miracle discusses why people are filing lawsuits against the makers of Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs, what injuries people are suing for and what to expect if you file an Ozempic lawsuit in 2025.
Q: What is NAION, and why are people suing the makers of Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs?
Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a condition in which an individual suffers a loss of vision because of damage to the optic nerve resulting from ischemia or insufficient blood supply. Recent studies have shown a significant risk of NAION in GLP-1 users. As a result, there has been an increase in case filings by GLP-1 users who have been diagnosed with NAION.
Q: What are some examples of vision-related issues your clients are facing after taking Ozempic and other GLP-1s?
NAION is a relatively unknown but serious condition, which usually presents out of the blue with sudden and painless vision loss in only one eye. NAION can also be indicated by a change in color perception along with gradual vision loss.
Q: What does science say about how Ozempic and other GLP-1s contribute to NAION?
While studies reflect an increased risk for suffering NAION, as yet, there are some questions regarding how the drug causes NAION, which means further studies are likely needed to drill into how GLP-1s are causing this injury.
Q: What does someone need to do to qualify for a GLP-1 NAION lawsuit, and which drugs are involved in lawsuits?
If you have been diagnosed with NAION while on a GLP-1 like Ozempic, Rybelsus or Wegovy, you should contact an attorney with extensive experience in pharmaceutical litigation to see if you qualify to be compensated for your injury.
Q: What is the status of NAION litigation, and what’s the next step?
While the GLP-1 litigation involving injuries such as gastroparesis, etc., is fairly well advanced, litigation involving NAION is in its infancy. There is currently an effort to have all federally filed cases consolidated before one court. Likewise, there are numerous cases currently filed in New Jersey state court, with a similar effort underway to consolidate those cases before a single court.
Q: If NAION settlements can be reached, what affects the amount of compensation a plaintiff can get?
There are a variety of things that could impact the amount an individual claimant receives. Among them are the extent of vision loss, the existence of comorbidities — such as pre-existing vision issues and pre-existing cardiovascular issues — possibly the extent to which individual claimants had controlled A1C levels, as well as others.
It is the very early days in this litigation, so it remains to be seen what else might impact recovery amounts.
