Zepbound Blindness Lawsuit [2024 Update]

The Zepbound Blindness Lawsuit is an active lawsuit

See If You Qualify

Lawsuits are currently being filed against the manufacturer of Zepbound, alleging that the medication can cause vision problems such as vision loss, blurry vision, and blindness. Litigation against the manufacturer, Eli Lilly and Company, is in its early stages and ongoing, with a significant number of new lawsuits expected to be filed in the coming weeks and months. 

Zepbound Blindness Lawsuit Overview

Lawsuits filed against the manufacturer of Zepbound accuse the company of failing to warn users about the potential for an increased risk of blindness and other eye injuries, such as 

Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION). One concern noted in legal documents is that original labels lacked warnings of serious side effects, including severe gastrointestinal issues and other dangerous conditions. 

Eye injuries associated with the use of the drug can have a substantial impact on users’ mental and financial health and should be taken seriously. Individuals who have been diagnosed with NAION or another vision problem after taking Zepbound are encouraged to seek legal counsel. The attorneys at King Law can help determine whether you are eligible for compensation through a Zepbound blindness lawsuit.

Zepbound and Vision Loss – 2024 Update

September 2024: Lawsuits have been filed nationwide, alleging Zepbound may increase patients’ risk of developing blindness and other vision problems. Individuals who are diagnosed with an eye injury while taking Zepbound are encouraged to consult with an attorney. 

August 2024: Zepbound manufacturer Eli Lilly announced that due to high demand, the medication would be available in single-dose vials. The increase in supply is expected to significantly increase the number of people who have access to and use the drug. 

July 2024: A matched cohort study of over 16,000 patients published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that patients taking glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) may be at an increased risk of developing a devastating eye condition known as Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION).

About the Zepbound Blindness Lawsuit:

What Is Blindness From Zepbound?

Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) is an eye condition characterized by decreased blood supply to the optic nerve, which causes vision loss. It is known as a “stroke of the optic nerve.” The optic nerve is a bundle of fibers that connects the eye to the brain, enabling vision. When blood flow to the optic nerve is reduced or blocked, it can result in sudden vision loss. NAION is the second most common form of optic nerve damage. It has an annual incidence rate estimated between 2.3 to 10.2 per 100,000 people over 50 years of age in the U.S.

NAION is a debilitating eye condition that can cause permanent vision loss. Patients taking Zepbound, which contains a GLP-1 agonist, may be at higher risk of developing NAION. A recent study found that GLP-1 users are more likely to develop this condition, leading to irreversible vision loss. NAION is a serious condition affecting the optic nerve, leading to sudden and often irreversible vision loss, particularly in older adults and those using medications like Zepbound.

How Does Zepbound Cause Vision Problems?

A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology in July 2024 found that individuals taking glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medications may be at an increased risk for developing vision problems. The exact mechanism that causes patients taking GLP-1 agonists to be more likely to develop eye injuries is still being researched, but some factors may include the effects of fluctuating blood sugar levels and their impact on diabetic retinopathy, the potential for hypoglycemia, and instances of allergic reactions. 

Potential Connection between Zepbound and Vision Problems:

• Fluctuating Blood Sugar Levels: Zepbound helps regulate blood sugar levels. However, significant fluctuations, if not well-controlled, can lead to diabetic retinopathy. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the retina, potentially causing vision problems and blindness if left untreated.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Patients with diabetes are generally at a higher risk of diabetic retinopathy. While Zepbound itself is not yet directly linked to this condition, its role in managing diabetes may impact the risk.
• Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): If Zepbound causes blood sugar to drop too low, it can lead to blurred vision or temporary disturbances in sight. Symptoms will usually resolve once blood sugar levels normalize.
• Side Effects of Other Medications: Patients with type 2 diabetes often take multiple medications to manage the disease. Some medications, when taken in combination with Zepbound, might contribute to vision problems. It’s essential to monitor all drugs and their interactions and follow all recommendations from your healthcare provider.
• Allergic Reactions or Adverse Effects: Some patients might experience allergic reactions or adverse effects from Zepbound, potentially impacting their vision. Any unusual symptoms should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.

If you experience vision problems while taking Zepbound, consult a healthcare provider immediately. Regular eye exams and monitoring of blood sugar levels can help manage and prevent vision-related issues while taking the weight loss medication.

Zepbound Eye Side Effects and Vision Problems

Zepbound is a subcutaneous injection that is prescribed along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to help adults with obesity lose weight. It is a GLP-1 agonist that can be dangerous when not used appropriately, according to a news release from the manufacturer. 

Research shows that taking GLP-1 receptor agonists may increase a person’s risk of developing certain vision problems, including NAION, which can cause sudden, painless vision loss in one eye due to reduced blood flow in the optic nerve. 

Potential Eye Side Effects and Vision Problems Associated with Zepbound: 

• Blurry Vision: Temporary blurry vision may be caused by changes in the lens of the eye due to fluctuating glucose levels. Generally, it returns to normal once the blood sugar levels are balanced. 
• Diabetic Retinopathy: It is a common problem resulting from poorly managed diabetes. It causes damage to the blood vessels in the retina and may result in vision loss. While Zepbound does not directly cause this condition, its role in managing diabetes may be crucial in preventing it.
• Increased Risk of Eye Infections: Diabetes increases a person’s risk of infections, including eye infections. Symptoms include redness, pain, and vision changes.
• Hypoglycemia-Related Vision Issues: Temporary vision problems, such as blurred vision, can occur when blood sugar levels drop too low. These symptoms usually resolve once blood sugar levels normalize.
• Potential Allergic Reactions: While rare, individuals taking Zepbound may experience an allergic reaction, which can present with swelling or itching around the eyes.
  

Zepbound patients, especially those with a history of eye issues, should have regular eye exams to monitor and manage potential eye-related side effects. They should also continuously monitor and manage blood sugar levels to help mitigate these risks.

What Is Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION)?

Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) is a rare vision problem that generally occurs without warning. It typically affects one eye and is usually painless. With NAION, the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. The damage is the result of insufficient blood supply to the optic nerve head (the front part of the optic nerve). Risk factors include age (usually affects people over 50), diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and anatomical predispositions such as a small cup-to-disc ratio.

Symptoms of NAION include sudden vision loss, ranging from mild to severe in one eye. A person may experience missing portions of vision (visual field defects) or disc swelling, which is visible upon examination of the eye.  While the link between Zepbound and NAION is continuing to be studied, it is believed it may result from fluctuations in blood pressure and blood sugar, which can affect blood flow to organs, diabetic-related vascular issues, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or potential side effects or interactions with other drugs, particularly those affecting blood pressure or vascular health. 

NAION is a serious condition involving sudden vision loss due to ischemia of the optic nerve. While Zepbound is not directly known to cause NAION, its effects on blood sugar and potential impacts on vascular health in diabetic patients could theoretically contribute to an increased risk.

Myodesopsias (Eye Floaters)

Another side effect of Zepbound may be Myodesopsias or eye floaters. Eye floaters are a condition defined by small, dark, shadowy shapes in the field of vision. They can appear as dots, lines, cobwebs, or other shapes but are most noticeable against plain, bright backgrounds such as a white wall or a clear sky. 

Eye floaters may have a number of causes, but the most common are:

• Age-Related Changes: As you age, the vitreous or jelly-like substance inside the eyes can shrink and become more liquid. These changes may lead to clumps or strands that cast shadows on the retina.
• Uveitis: Inflammation of the middle layer of the eye (uvea) can cause floaters. 
• Bleeding in the Vitreous: Vitreous bleeding resulting from diabetes, hypertension, or injury may cause myodesopsias. 
• Retinal Tears or Detachment: A torn retina is a serious condition that can present as floaters.
• Medicinal Effects: Certain eye medications injected into the vitreous can lead to floaters.

While additional research is needed to determine how Zepbound might be connected to eye floaters but it may be linked to poorly controlled diabetes which can lead to diabetic retinopathy, rapid or inadequate blood sugar regulation by the medication, episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), an inflammatory reaction, or interactions with other drugs. Additionally, it may be the result of combined effects such as taking other medications that impact blood clotting or vascular integrity. 

Dry Eye Syndrome (DES)

Zepbound and other GLP-1 agonists may also cause dry eye syndrome (DES). It is believed that this may be a result of side effects caused by the medication, such as dehydration, blood sugar fluctuations, systemic effects on fluid balance, and inflammation.

Dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is a common eye problem that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly, leading to inflammation and damage to the eye’s surface.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome include:

• Redness, stinging, or burning of the eyes
• A scratchy sensation in the eyes
• Light sensitivity
• The sensation of having a foreign body in the eyes
• Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses or driving at night
• Watery eyes
• Blurred vision
• Eye fatigue

Dry eye syndrome may have several causes, including age, medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, and medications like antihistamines, decongestants, and blood pressure medications. Other factors may include increased tear evaporation caused by wind, smoke, dry air, infrequent blinking, or eyelid problems. Finally, an imbalance in the composition of the tear may also cause this condition. 

While the link between Zepbound and dry eye syndrome is still being studied, it is believed that they may be connected indirectly. Some side effects common to Zepbound include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and reduced tear production. Furthermore, the drug may be taken by individuals who have diabetes, which is a risk factor for dry eyes and may be exacerbated by fluctuations in blood sugar. Zepbound also mimics GLP-1 hormone effects, which influence body fluid balance and can potentially impact tear production and evaporation. The medication may trigger systemic inflammation, affecting the ocular surface and contributing to dry eye symptoms.

Eye Twitching and Irregular Blinking

Another potential side effect of Zepbound is eye twitching and irregular blinking. This may be caused by electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, blood sugar fluctuations, stress, fatigue, and medication interactions.

Eye twitching, also known as eyelid twitching or myokymia, is a repetitive, involuntary spasm of the eyelid muscles. It typically affects the upper lid but can also occur in the lower lid. While generally harmless and temporary, it can also be annoying and disruptive. It usually affects one eye but can occur in both. It may last for a few seconds to a minute and can recur over a period of days or weeks.

Causes of eye twitching include stress, fatigue, caffeine, eye strain, dry eyes, nutritional imbalances, and allergies. While the link between Zepbound and eye twitching continues to be researched, the two may be connected indirectly.

Potential Link Between Zepbound and Eye Twitching:

• Electrolyte Imbalances: Zepbound can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, leading to electrolyte imbalances and deficient magnesium levels, which can trigger muscle spasms, including eye twitching.
• Dehydration: Gastrointestinal side effects can also lead to dehydration, contributing to muscle spasms and eye twitching.
• Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can affect nerve and muscle function. If Zepbound causes significant changes in blood sugar levels, it might contribute to muscle spasms, including those involving the eyelids.
• Stress and Fatigue: Managing diabetes and potential medication side effects can be stressful and tiring, which are known triggers for eye twitching.
• Medication Side Effects and Interactions: While not a direct side effect of Zepbound, its overall effect could contribute to conditions that trigger eye twitching.

Other Vision Problems Linked to Zepbound

Zepbound use may also cause other eye problems, such as blurry vision due to blood sugar fluctuations, diabetic retinopathy and macular edema from high blood sugar, rare allergic reactions, visual disturbances, ocular migraines, and conjunctivitis. It is essential to discuss any new or worsening symptoms with your healthcare provider while taking the medication.

Other Vision Problems Potentially Linked to Zepbound:

• Blurry Vision: Initial changes in glucose levels from Zepbound use might cause temporary blurry vision until levels stabilize. It occurs due to fluctuations in blood sugar levels affecting the lens shape and causing temporary vision changes.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: While Zepbound helps manage blood sugar levels, the risk remains if levels are not well-controlled, making regular eye exams crucial. This complication of diabetes occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the retina’s blood vessels.
• Macular Edema: Poorly controlled diabetes can cause fluid leakage into the macula, swelling the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. Zepbound can help manage blood sugar but cannot eliminate the risk of diabetes if it is inadequately controlled. 
• Allergic Reactions: Similar to other allergic reactions in the body, an allergic reaction to Zepbound could manifest in the eyes. While rare, it can cause redness, swelling, itching, and tearing in the eyes.
• Visual Disturbances: Visual disturbances could result from blood sugar fluctuations, blood pressure changes, or other systemic effects of Zepbound. These disturbances can cause changes in color perception, seeing flashes of light, or other unusual visual phenomena.
• Ocular Migraines: Potentially triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or medications affecting blood vessels, though the exact cause is unclear. These migraines often involve visual disturbances such as flashing lights, zigzag patterns, or temporary vision loss.
• Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): While not directly linked to Zepbound, changes in immune function or systemic health while on the medication could increase susceptibility to infections or inflammation. It presents as inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids.

Study on Weight Loss Drugs Links GLP-1 Agonists to NAION

A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology on July 3, 2024, found an association between 

GLP-1 and an increased NAION risk. The study found a higher risk of NAION in patients prescribed GLP-1 compared to those on non-GLP-1 RA medications. Due to this potential risk of NAION with GLP-1, further studies are warranted to assess causality.

The study was a retrospective matched cohort study with 16,827 patients evaluated by neuro-ophthalmologists from 2017 to 2023. The patients were grouped into patients with type 2 diabetes or overweight/obesity prescribed GLP-1 vs. non-GLP-1 RA medications and used propensity matching, Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox proportional hazards regression.

In the Type 2 Diabetes Group, there was a sample size of 710 patients (194 on GLP-1, 516 on non-GLP-1 RA medications) with a NAION incidence of 17 events in the GLP-1 group vs. 6 in non-GLP-1 RA group. The cumulative incidence was 8.9% for GLP-1 vs. 1.8% for non-GLP-1 RA over 36 months and had a hazard ratio (HR) of 4.28 (95% CI, 1.62-11.29; P < .001).

The Overweight/Obese Group had a sample size of 979 patients (361 on GLP-1, 618 on non-GLP-1 RA medications) with a NAION incidence of 20 events in the GLP-1 group vs. 3 in the non-GLP-1 RA group. The cumulative incidence was 6.7% for GLP-1 vs. 0.8% for non-GLP-1 RA over 36 months and had a hazard ratio (HR) of 7.64 (95% CI, 2.21-26.36; P < .001).

Implications from the study were that GLP-1 is associated with a higher risk of NAION but that further studies are required to determine causality. The strengths of the study included the large sample size, the fact that it underwent manual review by experienced neuro-ophthalmologists, and the fact that the propensity score matched to reduce bias.

It was the first study to report an association between GLP-1 and NAION. Recommendations from the study include that more extensive multicenter studies or prospective clinical trials are needed to confirm findings and explore causality.

How Often Do Zepbound Users Experience Vision Changes?

A 2024 study found that there was an increased risk of NAION in patients using GLP-1 for Type 2 diabetes and obesity. 

Implications from the study included that 8.9% of diabetic patients and 6.7% of obese patients on GLP-1 developed NAION compared to 1.8% and 0.8% respectively in those using other medications. In the Type 2 Diabetes Group, 710 patients with Type 2 diabetes were studied. In the Obesity Treatment Group, 979 patients were analyzed. 

According to the research, GLP-1 is associated with a fourfold higher risk of NAION when used to treat Type 2 diabetes and a sevenfold higher risk when used to treat obesity.

How to File a Zepbound Vision Loss Lawsuit

Individuals who suffered vision loss while taking Zepbound may be entitled to compensation by taking legal action. However, it is important to consult with an attorney as early in the process as possible to ensure you receive the best possible outcome in your case. 

Step-by-step instructions for filing a Zepbound vision loss lawsuit:

• Determine Eligibility: The first step in filing a Zepbound vision lawsuit is to determine eligibility. The best way to ensure you meet the legal requirements for filing a lawsuit is to consult with an attorney. An attorney will manage the legal process and generally offers a free case review to verify lawsuit eligibility. 
• Collect Evidence and Review Filing Deadlines: Once eligibility is determined, your attorney can help you collect evidence necessary to substantiate your claim, including medical records and witness testimonies. The attorney will review your records and Zepbound usage history and may ask for additional documents. During this time, they will also determine any state-specific deadlines, such as statutes of limitations, that may affect your case.
  
• File the Claim: Next, your attorney will file your case in the appropriate courthouse. They will review any state-specific deadlines with you and handle all negotiations for settlements with the defendant. If no settlement is achieved, the attorney will present the case in court.
• Trial and Beyond: During the trial, each side will present their case. Depending on the outcome, you may have the opportunity to appeal the decision. An attorney will provide guidance throughout the process and ensure all legal requirements are met during the case. 

To ensure the best possible outcome in your case it is imperative to provide your attorney with all health information and supporting documentation, as well as staying in constant communication with your legal team. The law firm will represent you throughout the process and file the lawsuit on your behalf.

Contact a Zepbound Vision Loss Lawyer

Were you diagnosed with vision loss or an eye injury after taking Zepbound? You may be entitled to compensation. It is important to discuss your case with a Zepbound lawyer as soon as possible. The legal team at King Law is well-versed in Zepbound eye side effect lawsuits and will work with you to determine the best course of action, considering the circumstances of your case. It is essential to act quickly, as you may only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. Contact our office today to schedule a free initial case consultation. 

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