A man claims he went blind after taking Ozempic and shares a warning for other users
Todd Engel claims Ozempic caused his complete vision loss from NAION and has sued Novo Nordisk over inadequate drug warnings.
A Maryland grandfather sounds the alarm about possible vision loss from weight-loss drugs
Todd Engel, 63, was first prescribed Ezmepic in 2023 to help manage his diabetes. About four months later, he was diagnosed with NAION (non-narethritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy).
A Maryland man claims a popular weight-loss drug caused him to lose his vision completely, leaving him legally blind.
Todd Engel, 63, was first prescribed Ozempic in 2023 to help manage his diabetes. Approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 is also commonly prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Approximately four months after starting the medication, Parasit was diagnosed with NAION (Nonarthrotic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy).
Popular weight loss drugs have been hit with multiple complaints over a "rare eye stroke" linked to vision loss
A condition in which reduced blood flow damages the optic nerve can cause sudden and permanent vision loss.
A Maryland man named Todd Engel claims that a popular weight loss drug caused him to lose his vision completely, leaving him legally blind. (parasite family)
"I was terrified. I was so, so sad that I couldn't see."
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Engel was referred for further tests, including at the Wilmer Johns Hopkins Eye Institute. He was told he had an "ocular stroke," another term used for NAION.
My blood work came back normal. My blood pressure was fine. They said, "You can go back to work."
I didn't go blind - my sight was taken away which was disastrous for me and my family.
Engel continued to take Ozempic because, according to the family, neither he nor his doctors knew of a possible link between semaglutide and NAION.
About 10 months later, he suddenly lost vision in his left eye.
"At that point in time, losing sight in both eyes was a big concern," he said.
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Doctors told Engel that there was no drug or surgical procedure that could restore his sight.
Shelley Engel said medical tests did not identify any other common factor beyond Ozmpic. Her husband immediately stopped taking the medicine after losing vision in the second eye.
Engel was working as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver on the Howard County Expressway when he lost his sight. (parasite family)
"I didn't go blind - my sight was taken away, which was catastrophic for me and my family," he said.
Engel has filed a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk, the Denmark-based maker of Ozempic, alleging the company failed to adequately warn patients and doctors about the potential risk of vision loss.
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He is among hundreds of patients currently suing the makers of GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, over allegations that the drugs caused NAION.
The lawsuits allege that manufacturers did not provide adequate warnings about potential risks, although a causal relationship between the drugs and the conditions has not been conclusively proven.
Engel was working as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver on the Howard County Expressway when he lost his sight.
He had worked in the field for about 40 years and held a commercial driver's license for almost as long.
Beyond the loss of her career, Engel said even the normal activities she once took for granted have become difficult. (parasite family)
"I was very mechanically inclined with my hands and my mind. I can't do that anymore, which is very sad for me," he said.
"People want to be able to retire when they want, not when a catastrophic medical injury like this ... takes away your livelihood."
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In addition to losing her career, Engel said, even normal activities she once took for granted have become difficult.
An avid reader before losing her sight, Engel said she could no longer read newspapers, magazines or books. Inside his home, he has learned to count steps to help him navigate familiar spaces.
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"I know from our parking lot, there are 10 stairs... 9 stairs go to our basement, 13 stairs go to our bedroom."
Engel said he now uses a white cane to get around outside his home and relies on his family to help him with daily activities. His four grandchildren often guide him in family gatherings.
"They take my hand and talk to me: 'Pop, three steps straight. Then we will turn right." he said
"For me personally, it's a shame. I am 64 years old. I shouldn't need my grandchildren or my wife to help me get from point A to point B.
His wife, Shelley Engle, said her husband's vision loss has affected the entire family.
"It has completely changed all aspects of our lives," he said. "There's not a single piece of our lives that hasn't changed or been affected by our entire family."