July 10 (UPI) — The European Union’s medical and pharmaceutical supervisory agency is currently investigating reports of suicidal thoughts among patients taking weight loss medications.
The European Medicines Agency has confirmed that its Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee is reviewing popular drugs containing semaglutide, which are sold under brand names such as Ozempic and Wegovy.
This review was prompted by concerns raised during the latest PRAC meeting, where three cases of suicidal thoughts were reported by the Icelandic Medicines Agency.
Two of these cases involved patients taking Ozempic, while the other case was related to the use of Saxenda, another medication made by Novo Nordisk.
Semaglutide, administered through injections or oral tablets, is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and has gained popularity as a weight loss treatment.
The drugs’ manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, has not provided any comments on these cases. It is important to note that suicidal behavior or thoughts are not listed as side effects on the drugs’ labels.
The PRAC safety committee of the EMA is currently assessing the risk of suicidal thoughts and self-harm tendencies in patients who have used semaglutide-containing medicines for weight loss, as well as liraglutide-containing medicines.
In a separate warning, the American Society of Anesthesiologists has cautioned against the use of Ozempic and Wegovy before surgery due to the increased risk of vomiting while sedated.
The EMA emphasizes that the review is part of a signal procedure initiated by the Icelandic Medicines Agency and that further investigation is required to determine the potential link between these medications and suicidal thoughts.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
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