Prominent weight loss medications might exacerbate depression and contribute to suicidal ideation.
Recently, European drug safety authorities initiated an inquiry concerning Ozempic following reports of patients experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm after receiving these widely used weight-loss injections.
On July 10, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) disclosed to Reuters that they are investigating the potential adverse effects of this popular drug, primarily prescribed for diabetes treatment, after Iceland’s health regulator reported three cases of users contemplating suicide or self-harm. Furthermore, alongside the investigation of Ozempic, the EMA’s drug risk assessment committee (PRAC) will also be scrutinizing weight loss medications Wegovy and Saxenda, both of which are used for managing type-2 diabetes.
Ozempic operates by imitating a hormone known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which specifically targets regions in the brain responsible for controlling appetite and food consumption.
The committee’s assessment will encompass the potential hazards associated with weight loss drugs containing semaglutide or liraglutide, which are GLP-1 agonists that promote weight loss by diminishing energy intake.
The demand for these injections is incredibly high, both in Israel and globally, to the extent that shortages may occasionally occur due to the increasing popularity.
According to an EMA official’s statement to the BBC, testing is being conducted in response to a procedure initiated by the Icelandic Medicines Agency following the three reported cases.
The leaflets accompanying each injection contain warnings, advising individuals to stay vigilant about any mental changes, particularly sudden shifts in mood, behavior, thoughts, or emotions. Patients are urged to promptly contact their doctor if they experience any new, worsening, or concerning mental changes.
Novo Nordisk, the leading healthcare company responsible for manufacturing all three weight-loss drugs, expressed its unwavering commitment to ensuring patient safety while defending the use of semaglutide and liraglutide.
As per the British Independent’s report, the company stated that GLP-1 receptor agonists have been employed in the treatment of type-2 diabetes for over 15 years and in combating obesity for eight years. This includes Novo Nordisk products such as semaglutide and liraglutide, which have been available on the UK market since 2018 and 2009, respectively.
The company further emphasized that safety data obtained from extensive clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance did not reveal any causal link between suicidal thoughts and self-harm associated with these medications.
Novo Nordisk also asserted that they maintain continuous monitoring of data from ongoing clinical trials and real-world usage of their products. They collaborate closely with authorities to uphold patient safety and ensure that healthcare professionals receive comprehensive and accurate information.
