Wegovy and Mounjaro are safe to use
GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are approved for use in the UK. There is no correlation between vision loss and their use.
Our Clinical Pharmacist, Sifiso Dhindi, sat down with us to talk about the safety and side effects of these medicines and how you can report any issues you’re experiencing through the Yellow Card Scheme.
Can weight loss treatments cause vision loss? This was the topic of investigation of a recently published study in JAMA Ophthalmology. Although there is no direct link between the GLP-1 drugs analysed and loss of vision, some patients have reported changes to their eyesight.
We discussed this with Sifiso Dhindi, one of Well Pharmacy’s Clinical Pharmacists. He also explained how patients can any medical concerns they have while using a medicated weight loss treatment like Wegovy or Mounjaro.
Safety is of utmost importance here in the UK and our medicines regulator, the MHRA, ensure that any medications that make it to market have been tested and have a full safety profile before being able to be prescribed. In instances where new side effects and information are found, they have a Yellow Card Scheme patients or healthcare professionals can report to. This allows any concerns to be investigated.
Most commonly, the side effects patients can expect to experience are related to the gastrointestinal system. They include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation.
Even though these side effects are common, it doesn’t mean that everyone who takes these medications will experience them. They are also usually not serious but can persist for several days. Managing these side effects is best done by drinking plenty of fluids throughout treatment to ensure you stay well hydrated.
A patient's first port of call when they experience side effects will be to contact us as their prescribers, either through our dedicated contact channels or when they have their monthly review.
This is one of the key benefits of regular reviews. They allow us to provide detailed, patient-centred information that aligns with the needs of the person we're speaking to.
The study cited was a retrospective study investigating patients who experienced an ophthalmic (eye) complication while using either semaglutide (the active ingredient Wegovy) or tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro). Although a hypothesis has been made, it was not possible to determine whether there was a causal link between these drugs and the ophthalmic complications reported by patients.
This means that more research and investigation are needed.
Because of this, I would not suggest that patients worry or stop taking their medications but that they report any signs of visual changes.
It is vitally important for patients to have regular check-ups during their treatment as well as with other services such as their GP and optician so that an accurate picture of their health and wellbeing is available. This should allow for us to develop a holistic approach to their care.
With any new treatment, you will have questions about the way it works and how it is used. This is the same for any weight loss medication. If you’ve been approved to use Wegovy or Mounjaro, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional so they can explain how your treatment will work and what to expect throughout its duration.
We can address any concerns you might have and point you the direction of the support you need. Weight loss can be a complex journey and we’re here to help when you need it.