TGA Strengthens Safety Advice for GLP-1 Medicines
23 Jul 2026
The revised advice covers all GLP-1 receptor agonists currently available in Australia, including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Saxenda and Trulicity. The regulator has added information about non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare eye disorder that can damage the optic nerve and may lead to permanent vision loss.
People taking these medicines are encouraged to seek urgent medical assessment if they experience sudden or partial vision loss. Healthcare professionals are also being asked to discuss this potential risk with patients when appropriate.
The TGA said the update follows an assessment of Australian and international safety data collected over recent years. The review also considered advice from the Advisory Committee on Medicines before changes were made to the Product Information and Consumer Medicine Information for GLP-1 medicines.
Medical experts note that NAION is uncommon and is also linked to other health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnoea, increasing age and certain eye characteristics. These factors should be considered when assessing a person's overall risk.
Australian adverse event reports have recorded 36 cases of optic ischaemic neuropathy involving GLP-1 medicines, with most reports associated with semaglutide. The TGA said the updated warnings are intended to improve awareness and encourage early recognition of symptoms. The regulator also stated that the update should not be interpreted as proof that GLP-1 medicines directly cause the condition.
TGA Strengthens Safety Advice for GLP-1 Medicines
Source: newsGP