Reports of mental health issues among some patients taking Ozempic and Wegovy, other obesity medications have prompted the U.K.’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to review safety data. The agency will specifically focus on liraglutide and liraglutide, which are the key ingredients in these drugs, as they are GLP-1 receptor agonists.
suicidal and self-injurious behavior
Between 2020 and early June 2023, the MHRA received five adverse drug reaction reports related to semaglutide, associated with “suicidal and self-injurious behavior.” Additionally, there were 12 adverse drug reaction reports linked to liraglutide, also associated with “suicidal and self-injurious behavior” since 2010.
It is worth noting that some patients reported using these medicines for both type 2 diabetes and weight loss. The MHRA acknowledges the need for further research and emphasizes that the presence of these symptoms does not automatically establish a causal link with the medication or imply a definitive list of known side effects. The situation calls for a careful examination of safety data to better understand the potential risks associated with these drugs.
In response to the report, Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company behind Ozempic and Wegovy, emphasized its commitment to patient safety. Dr. Alison Cave, the chief safety officer at Novo Nordisk, stated that they are currently reviewing safety data concerning the risk of suicidal thoughts and thoughts of self-harm associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are used to treat both type 2 diabetes and weight loss.
Dr. Cave further expressed that they will thoroughly evaluate all available evidence and communicate any necessary advice to patients and healthcare professionals accordingly. The news of the safety review comes shortly after the European Medicines Agency also announced a similar investigation into GLP-1 drugs in Iceland.
Weight loss drugs Ozempic and wegovy linked to increase in suicidal thoughts
Concerns have been raised by doctors regarding drugs
Recently, concerns have been raised by doctors regarding drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy after patients were diagnosed with severe gastroparesis or stomach paralysis. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has also received similar reports. In response to the concerns raised, Novo Nordisk addressed the issue in a statement to The Independent. They pointed out that semaglutide, the key ingredient in their medications, has undergone extensive examination through robust clinical development programs and large real-world evidence studies. Moreover, it has accumulated over 9.5 million patient-years of exposure.
The company acknowledged that gastrointestinal (GI) events are well-known side effects associated with the GLP-1 class, which includes semaglutide. They clarified that the majority of GI side effects experienced are typically mild to moderate in severity and of short duration. Additionally, it is common knowledge that GLP-1 drugs can cause a delay in gastric emptying, a fact that is stated on the label of each of their GLP-1 RA medications. Symptoms, like delayed gastric emptying, nausea, and vomiting, are explicitly listed as potential side effects.
