FDA adds GLP-1 warning for rare vision loss

Watching Fox 9 Morning News at 7 a.m. And we are so glad you are. Talking some medical news now on this Tuesday at 7:45. The FDA is now adding a rare vision loss warning to popular weight loss drugs known as GLP-1s. Medicines like Ozempic, Wegovy, now the FDA says the eye condition is rare, but it could potentially result in significant loss of vision. Fox Medical Team's Dr. Mike joins us now. Good morning, Dr. Mike. Let's talk about this. What's this new issue that's popping up? Now, what we're talking about is a condition known as NAION. And by the way, Tom and Kelly, I have my eye on you, both of you. Yes. You see? Yes. I'm watching. I'm watching you. Always watching. So, you know, I like models. I got more body parts than some people. Anyway, look, bottom line is we're talking about the optic nerve down here, all right? And there's a condition known as, you ready for this? This non-arteritic Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, say that 10 times, all right? And basically, it occurs in about 1 in 7,000, 1 in 10,000 people. We're not even sure it's a cause and effect with these medications. However, being cautious and being transparent, the FDA is saying, look, this is something to think about. Now, what causes it? Well, we don't really know. It might be that on these medications there's a rapid decline in blood sugars if you're a diabetic. Rapid decline in blood pressure because you're losing this weight. It could be that people are susceptible. They have what's called a small cup to disc ratio. The eye doctors are all over that. And so maybe that's the cause. Look, in my humble opinion, everything in life is a risk benefit. With these medications, the benefit, in my opinion, is here, and the risk is here. And if I give 100,000 people a baby aspirin, you're going to have a couple of them that are going to have a bleed. They're going to bleed. Something's going to happen. They're going to have an allergic reaction. Nothing in life is free. But everything is a risk-benefit ratio. Do you ever fly somewhere, Tom? Oh, yeah. Yeah. You get on a plane, right? Yes. Assume the risk. All right. Don't be so shy. All right. If you're on a plane, there's a chance, very unlikely, you're not going to make it. But the benefit of getting to Florida or Punta Cana or wherever you go outweighs that small risk. That's what it's all about here. I just want a hot towel. That's all I want is a hot towel and a beverage, and I'll be happy on that flight. Wow. You're flying bougie. I haven't gotten a hot towel in a year. I didn't know they still did that. And an extra Biscoff. Yeah, that's really what he wants. Dr. Mike, thanks so much. Appreciate kind of explaining this new study for us and kind of explaining the significance. Thank you. We heart you, Dr. Mike. Tom and Kelly. Yep. Tom and Kelly. Yes. It's your captain speaking. Get the alcohol ready. Because I'm flying the plane. Oh, my God. Oh, party. Oh, party. Whoa. Anyway. The fun flight has just taken off. I like it, Dr. Mike. See, that's the last. See him? He's the last passenger I had. Oh, my. He's even like, oh, no. Don't get on the plane, guys. Thank you, Dr. Mike. See you, Dr. Mike. And bones. Love you. Love you, too. Bye-bye. Wow. What was in that ginger ale? I'm not sure. I'm not sure.