TGA Updates Weight Loss GLP-1 Injectable Medicines with Rare Eye Disease Warning: What Bondi Patients Need to Know
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has announced an important class-wide safety update for GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) following international reviews of emerging evidence linking these medicines with a very rare eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
The update, published on 23 July 2026, requires Australian Product Information (PI) and Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) for GLP-1 medicines to include warnings about this uncommon condition.
For most people taking GLP-1 medicines, the benefits continue to outweigh the risks. These medications remain among the most effective treatments available for type 2 diabetes, obesity and medical weight management when prescribed appropriately. However, patients should understand the symptoms that require urgent medical assessment.
At Ocean Medical Practice Bondi, conveniently located on Bondi Road, Sydney, our experienced GPs provide evidence-based care for diabetes, weight management and chronic disease. If you are taking a GLP-1 medication and have concerns about your eyesight or treatment, we encourage you to arrange a prompt appointment with one of our doctors.
What Are GLP-1 Receptor Agonists?
GLP-1 receptor agonists are prescription medicines that mimic the naturally occurring hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, helping regulate blood sugar levels, slow stomach emptying and reduce appetite. Our earlier articles in 2025 and 2026 discuss Weight Loss Injectable Medications, how they work and common side effects. For more information, read out about Injectable Weight Loss Medications and New Oral GLP-1 Medications: a 2026 Updates (a Bondi GP Guide) and ‘Side Effects of GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications (including unintended ones): A Bondi doctors & GP Guide’
Common GLP-1 medicines prescribed in Australia include:
- Ozempic® (semaglutide)
- Wegovy® (semaglutide)
- Rybelsus® (oral semaglutide)
- Trulicity® (dulaglutide)
- Victoza® (liraglutide)
- Saxenda® (liraglutide)
- Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)
These medicines are commonly used for:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Medical weight management
- Obesity treatment
- Cardiovascular risk reduction in eligible patients
What Has the TGA Updated?
Following reviews of international safety data, clinical studies and post-marketing reports, the TGA has introduced class-wide warnings regarding the rare occurrence of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
The updated prescribing information advises healthcare professionals and patients to be aware of this potential adverse effect and to seek urgent medical assessment if sudden vision changes occur.
Importantly:
- NAION remains very rare.
- Most people taking GLP-1 medicines will never experience this complication.
- Patients should not stop their medication without first discussing it with their GP.
What Is NAION?
Understanding Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy
NAION occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is reduced, causing damage to the nerve responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain.
Symptoms usually develop suddenly and are typically painless.
Possible symptoms include:
- Sudden loss of vision in one eye
- Blurred vision
- Missing areas within the visual field
- Reduced colour vision
- Difficulty seeing in dim light
Because vision loss may become permanent, urgent assessment is essential.
How Common Is This Side Effect?
Current evidence indicates that NAION is an extremely uncommon adverse event.
Millions of patients worldwide have been treated with GLP-1 medicines, and only a very small number of cases have been identified.
Researchers continue to investigate whether the association is related to:
- the medication itself,
- underlying diabetes,
- existing cardiovascular disease,
- or other vascular risk factors.
People living with diabetes already have an increased risk of several eye conditions, making ongoing research important.
Who May Be at Higher Risk?
Known risk factors for NAION include:
Diabetes
Diabetes increases the risk of vascular complications affecting the optic nerve.
High Blood Pressure
Poorly controlled hypertension can reduce blood flow to the optic nerve.
High Cholesterol
Elevated cholesterol contributes to narrowing of blood vessels.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Sleep apnoea has consistently been associated with NAION.
Smoking
Smoking damages blood vessels and increases vascular disease.
Age Over 50
Most reported cases occur in older adults.
Previous NAION
People who have experienced NAION previously may have an increased risk of developing the condition in the other eye.
Should You Stop Taking Ozempic or Other GLP-1 Medicines?
For the overwhelming majority of patients, no.
Do not stop taking Ozempic, Wegovy or any other GLP-1 medicine without discussing your treatment with your GP.
Stopping treatment abruptly may lead to:
- Poor diabetes control
- Increased blood glucose levels
- Weight regain
- Increased cardiovascular risk
At Ocean Medical Practice Bondi, we review each patient’s medical history, treatment goals and risk factors before making any medication changes.
When Should You Seek Urgent Medical Attention?
Seek urgent medical assessment immediately if you experience:
Sudden Vision Loss
Any rapid reduction in vision requires prompt assessment.
Blurred Vision
Particularly if it develops suddenly in one eye.
Blind Spots
Missing areas in your visual field should never be ignored.
Reduced Colour Vision
Colours appearing faded or different.
Other Sudden Vision Changes
Any unexplained visual disturbance should be assessed urgently by a GP, optometrist or ophthalmologist.
What Should Patients Taking GLP-1 Medicines Do?
For most patients, the best approach is simply to remain informed and continue regular medical care.
We recommend:
- Continue taking medication exactly as prescribed.
- Attend regular diabetes reviews.
- Have recommended diabetic eye examinations.
- Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Stop smoking if applicable.
- Report any sudden vision changes immediately.
Balancing Benefits and Risks
Although news reports often focus on potential side effects, it is important to remember that GLP-1 medicines have transformed the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Large international clinical trials have demonstrated benefits including:
- Better blood glucose control
- Significant and sustained weight loss
- Reduced cardiovascular events
- Improved kidney outcomes in selected patients
- Better overall metabolic health
For appropriately selected patients, these proven benefits continue to outweigh the extremely small risk of NAION.
Treatment decisions should always be individualised following discussion with your GP.
How Ocean Medical Practice Bondi Can Help
Whether you are considering starting a GLP-1 medicine or are already taking Ozempic, Wegovy, Trulicity or another medication, our experienced GPs provide personalised, evidence-based care.
We offer comprehensive care including:
Weight Management
Individualised medical weight management plans.
Diabetes Management
Ongoing care for type 2 diabetes using the latest Australian guidelines.
Medication Reviews
Reviewing effectiveness, side effects and medication safety.
Chronic Disease Management
Long-term management of diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular risk.
Preventive Healthcare
Regular health assessments to help reduce future complications.
Conveniently located on Bondi Road, Ocean Medical Practice Bondi welcomes patients from Bondi, Bondi Beach, Bondi Junction, North Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Bellevue Hill and throughout Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs seeking high-quality, patient-centred general practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new TGA warning about GLP-1 medicines?
The TGA has updated prescribing information to include warnings about the rare occurrence of NAION, a condition affecting the optic nerve that may cause sudden vision loss.
Should I stop taking Ozempic?
No. Do not stop your medication without first discussing it with your GP. For most patients, the benefits continue to outweigh the risks.
Which medicines are affected?
The warning applies to GLP-1 receptor agonists used in Australia, including semaglutide, liraglutide and dulaglutide products.
How common is NAION?
NAION remains a very rare adverse event among people taking GLP-1 medicines.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Sudden painless vision loss, blurred vision, blind spots or changes in colour vision require urgent medical assessment.
Does diabetes increase the risk?
Yes. Diabetes itself is a recognised risk factor for several eye diseases, including NAION.
Should I continue regular eye checks?
Absolutely. People living with diabetes should continue routine diabetic eye examinations regardless of which medication they take.
Can my GP help decide whether I should continue treatment?
Yes. Your GP can review your overall health, medical history and individual risk factors to determine the most appropriate treatment.
Are GLP-1 medicines still considered safe?
Yes. For appropriately selected patients, these medicines continue to provide significant benefits for diabetes management, weight loss and cardiovascular health.
Where can I discuss my concerns?
Book an appointment with one of the experienced GPs at Ocean Medical Practice Bondi for personalised advice regarding GLP-1 medicines, diabetes management and weight loss treatment.
Book an Appointment at Ocean Medical Practice Bondi
If you have questions about the TGA’s GLP-1 safety update, are experiencing new vision symptoms or would like to discuss weight management or diabetes treatment, our experienced GPs are here to help.
Located on Bondi Road, Sydney, Ocean Medical Practice Bondi provides comprehensive general practice services for patients throughout Bondi, Bondi Beach, Bondi Junction, North Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Bellevue Hill and the Eastern Suburbs.
Book your appointment online today for personalised, evidence-based healthcare from an experienced local GP.
Last medically reviewed: 4 August 2026
Reviewed by: Doctors at Ocean Medical Practice – Bondi Medical Centre
Location: Bondi Road, Bondi NSW
