Lawsuits Filed Against Ozempic for Alleged Vision Loss Linked to NAION Condition
In recent developments, Parker Waichman LLP, a nationally recognized law firm, has stepped into the legal arena by filing several lawsuits in New Jersey concerning the widely-used diabetes and weight-loss medication, Ozempic, along with its counterpart, Wegovy. These lawsuits are particularly alarming, as they involve claims from individuals who reportedly developed NAION (Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy) – a severe and irreversible eye condition that can result in substantial or complete vision loss in one or both eyes.
Most notably, a lawsuit was filed on August 18, 2025, on behalf of a Long Island resident who experienced this devastating condition after being prescribed Ozempic. The case, titled Barzyz v. Novo Nordisk Inc., Docket No MID-L-005991-25, has garnered attention due to its grave implications for patients reliant on these medications for weight management and diabetes treatment. Recent media coverage, including a feature in Newsday, highlights the troubling implications of these lawsuits, particularly concerning Novo Nordisk, the company behind Ozempic and Wegovy.
The increasing popularity of Ozempic, aimed at managing blood sugar for Type 2 diabetes patients, has recently extended to the weight loss market. Unfortunately, as more patients utilize this drug, troubling evidence has surfaced regarding its links to vision impairment. Research has revealed that patients who have taken semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) are at a heightened risk of developing NAION, a condition characterized by compromised blood flow to the optic nerve, leading to severe visual impairment.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology in 2025 examined the outcomes of nine patients who reported optic nerve disorders following GLP-1 medication use, with several demonstrating symptoms consistent with NAION. Further research from the prestigious Massachusetts Eye and Ear Institute at Harvard found that diabetic patients using semaglutide were four times more likely to manifest symptoms of NAION, and non-diabetic individuals seeking weight loss experienced an even more alarming sevenfold increase in risk.
Despite mounting evidence, Novo Nordisk has faced criticism for their reluctance to adequately communicate the potential risks associated with their drugs, particularly the risk of irreversible blindness. This negligence may expose the pharmaceutical company to significant legal ramifications as affected individuals seek justice and compensation for their suffering.
Jason S. Goldstein, Senior Litigation Counsel at Parker Waichman LLP, voiced the firm's commitment to advocating for victims impacted by these medications.
"NAION results in a permanent eye injury diagnosis that severely affects patients’ quality of life. Multiple reputable studies demonstrate a significant correlation between semaglutide and the onset of NAION. Yet, Novo Nordisk continues in its denial of this reality by failing to properly warn consumers and healthcare providers about the potential for these horrifying injuries," he stated.
Parker Waichman LLP is currently working to expand its list of cases nationwide, encouraging individuals who have experienced vision loss or damage stemming from Ozempic or Wegovy to come forward. The firm offers free consultations to assess potential claims for those suffering from adverse effects related to these drugs, including medical costs, loss of income, pain and suffering, among other damages.
If you or someone you know has encountered sudden vision loss, has experienced blindness, or has sustained optic nerve damage while using Ozempic or Wegovy, it is vital to understand your legal rights. Parker Waichman LLP is prepared to assist victims in navigating this complicated legal terrain and pursuing the compensation they deserve.
Interested individuals can reach out for a free, comprehensive case evaluation by calling 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) or visiting their website at YourLawyer.com. With extensive experience in handling cases related to defective drugs and corporate negligence, Parker Waichman LLP remains dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of those harmed by pharmaceutical malpractice.
As this situation unfolds, it serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of staying informed about the medications we take and the potential risks they carry. It also highlights the vital role that legal advocates play in holding corporations accountable for the health consequences of their products.