You trusted your doctor, who told you to use GLP-1s to help you control your diabetes and lose weight. Perhaps they warned you of some risks, but they did not mention that you could lose your vision by taking these drugs. And, now, you are facing exactly that. You may be looking for guidance on what to do next. Is there compensation available for NAION injuries after GLP-1 use?
At Kwartler Manus, our product liability lawyers are working with victims who are facing comprehensive changes to their lives due to the mistakes of others. If you believe you are suffering vision loss from the use of GLP-1s, let us review your case to determine if compensation may be available to you.
Why You May Be Owed Compensation
There has been an established link between using glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and developing non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Studies indicate that, in some people, the use of GLP-1s can damage the optic nerve, which is the main nerve that travels from your eyes to your brain to communicate what you are seeing. Damage to the optic nerve rarely improves and even then, it could be limited.
Though these studies are new and there is not yet a full understanding of why GLP-1s cause NAION to occur in some people, if you suffered vision loss and were taking these drugs, you could be owed compensation for your losses. Here is what you need to know about this issue.
Is the Manufacturer Responsible for Your Vision Loss?
Those with NAION typically have a sudden onset of vision loss in one eye. This typically happens between 12 months and 26 months of use of a GLP-1, including commonly used drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. Others include Saxenda, Trulicity, and Victoza. Your product liability attorney must work to understand if your vision loss is the direct result of the manufacturer’s negligence.
Manufacturers are responsible for providing patients with clear and accurate information about the medications they prescribe. A component of this process is ensuring that the medications have been tested and verified to be safe to use. Most medications have side effects. During testing and research, manufacturers should identify each person’s risk of side effects.
If the risks are minor or the incidence of them is very low, a drug can still receive FDA approval and be prescribed by doctors. However, any known risks must be noted by the manufacturer and communicated to the patient by the medical provider. In other words:
- The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring their drug is safe to use through comprehensive testing and research
- If there are noted risks that could indicate that any person could suffer when using the drug, the manufacturer must communicate that risk to you
- Your doctor, along with your pharmacist, should also communicate these risks to you before you take the medication.
In situations where this does not happen, the manufacturer could be held liable for the losses you have. Some studies have initially shown that manufacturers of these drugs, including companies like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, failed to warn patients about these risks properly. Proving that could mean you receive compensation for the losses you have.
Both manufacturers are facing lawsuits from people who have developed NAION and suffered vision loss as a result of it, and who took GLP-1 medications.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Lawsuit Against a Manufacturer?
The law allows victims of negligence to pursue legal action against those who caused their injuries. This allows you to document and prove the losses you have and demand that the at-fault party cover those costs. In this case, you may be owed compensation for:
- Medical expenses related to your vision loss, including diagnosis, treatment options, medications taken, and other costs related to trying to improve your condition
- Loss of wages, especially if you are unable to do your job because of your vision loss
- Permanent loss of vision, which is a type of catastrophic injury resulting in a long-term impact on your life
- Emotional harm, including the onset of conditions like anxiety and depression, because of the complications you are facing
- Pain and suffering, including any type of losses you had during the incident, as well as on an ongoing basis
For those facing permanent vision loss, your personal injury attorney will work to document the value of this loss. There is no value that is truly accurate and fair when a person loses the ability to see their loved one’s smiling faces or the ability to do their job. However, factors such as your age, earning capacity, and medical needs will help provide insight into what your legal rights are.
Schedule a Free Consultation to Discuss Your Case With Our Legal Team
At Kwartler Manus, we know that the onset of conditions like NAION can be devastating. Let us take on your battle and fight for you to receive fair compensation. Set up a free consultation with our legal team to discuss your case and the losses you have incurred.