A pharmaceutical distributor shows Munjaro (tirzepatide) GLP-1 prefill pen for self-injection at its workplace in Thane on March 20, 2026. A mass weight-loss drug might rework the worldwide battle towards weight problems as India prepares to launch lower-cost generic variations of injectable medicine like Ozempic after key patents expire on March 20, 2026 (Picture by Indranil) Mukherjee/AFP) Picture by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE
Medical consultants are warning of potential eye-related dangers related to GLP-1 receptor agonists, a category of medication more and more used to deal with weight problems and sort 2 diabetes.
Medicine equivalent to semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) have gained worldwide consideration for his or her effectiveness in bettering glycemic management and selling weight reduction.
Semaglutide’s use in India is predicted to extend after a key patent expired on March 20, doubtlessly paving the way in which for a extra inexpensive model. Whereas this might develop entry, medical doctors warned it might additionally result in unsupervised or inappropriate use.
new considerations
Ophthalmologists level to rising proof that these medicine could also be related to early worsening of diabetic retinopathy and, in uncommon instances, non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), sometimes called an “ocular stroke” that may trigger sudden, painless lack of imaginative and prescient.
Consultants mentioned the fast drop in blood sugar ranges brought on by these remedies might briefly have an effect on blood circulate to the retina and optic nerve in some sufferers. That is extraordinarily necessary for India, which has one of many highest diabetes burdens on the earth.
Proof and threat elements
Though long-term information are nonetheless evolving, worldwide organizations such because the World Well being Group and the European Medicines Company have acknowledged NAION as a uncommon potential aspect impact.
Though the general incidence stays low, people with pre-existing diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, sleep apnea, or sure optic nerve traits look like at increased threat.
urges cautious use
Rohit Shetty, director of Narayana Nethralaya, mentioned the advantages of those medicine have to be balanced by cautious medical judgment.
“These medicine are efficient when used appropriately, however their elevated use means we have to be extra cautious in figuring out sufferers at excessive threat of issues,” he mentioned.
He emphasised the necessity for detailed pre-treatment analysis. “Assessing each systemic and ocular well being, significantly the presence of diabetic retinopathy and vascular threat elements, may help stratify sufferers and choose probably the most acceptable remedy,” he mentioned.
He added that high-risk sufferers might have nearer monitoring, together with baseline checks and common retinal exams. “In some instances, particularly within the early phases when blood sugar ranges change quickly, nearer follow-up or reconsideration of remedy could also be needed,” he mentioned.
The necessity for built-in care
GV Dibakar, former president of Bangalore Eye Society and advisor at Dibakar Specialist Hospital, mentioned GLP-1 receptor agonists are related to uncommon however severe ocular issues.
“These embrace non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, which might result in everlasting imaginative and prescient loss and development to diabetic retinopathy,” he mentioned, emphasizing the necessity for normal eye exams and follow-up.
“A collaborative strategy between endocrinologists and ophthalmologists is essential to making sure that sufferers profit from these remedies whereas minimizing dangers. As entry is predicted to develop, sufferers mustn’t self-medicate. Therapy ought to solely happen below acceptable medical supervision,” he mentioned.
Rajesh R., advisor, vitreo-retinal and ocular oncology at Sankara Eye Hospital, mentioned that though these medicine are efficient, you will need to concentrate on the potential dangers.
“Fast enchancment in blood sugar ranges can result in a brief worsening of diabetic retinopathy. This isn’t particular to those medicine and might happen with any type of intensive blood sugar management,” he defined.
probably the most susceptible
Sufferers with long-term uncontrolled diabetes or superior retinopathy are significantly susceptible. He mentioned some visible disturbances reported throughout remedy could also be associated to fluctuations in blood sugar ranges slightly than a direct drug impact.
Dr. Rajesh additionally famous that particular person reviews of optic nerve-related imaginative and prescient loss are nonetheless below investigation. “At this level, there may be not sufficient proof to determine a transparent cause-and-effect relationship, and additional analysis is required,” he mentioned.
