Ozempic and Saxenda weight reduction medication investigated by UK regulator over suicidal and self-harming ideas

The UK is reviewing diabetes medication and weight-loss therapies Ozempic and Saxenda after some sufferers reported suicidal or self-harming ideas.

The Medicines and Healthcare merchandise Regulatory Agency (MHRA) stated it was reviewing security knowledge on a category of medicine referred to as GLP-1 receptor agonists.

It consists of Ozempic, offered by Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk, which comprises the lively ingredient semaglutide and is permitted to deal with Type 2 diabetes however has gained recognition as a “miracle” weight-loss help.

The company stated though Ozempic was not permitted for weight reduction, “it is commonly used off-label for that purpose” within the UK.

The evaluation additionally consists of the corporate’s Saxenda, which comprises the lively ingredient liraglutide and is permitted as a weight-loss therapy.

Saxenda is Novo’s older GLP-1 drug and has a decrease effectiveness than its newer weight problems therapy, Wegovy, which comprises semaglutide. The company permitted the drug for weight-loss therapy in 2021, however it has not but launched within the UK.

“Patient safety is our top priority,” stated Dr Alison Cave, MHRA chief security officer.

“We will carefully consider all available evidence and communicate any further advice to patients and healthcare professionals as appropriate.”

GLP-1 receptor agonists have been initially developed to deal with Type 2 diabetes and mimic the intestine hormone that suppresses urge for food, selling a sense of fullness.

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EU additionally investigating Ozempic and Saxenda

The evaluation comes two weeks after comparable motion by the European Union after Iceland’s well being regulator flagged three instances of sufferers eager about suicide or self-harm.

It can also be investigating GLP-1 medication for attainable danger of thyroid most cancers.

The MHRA stated its evaluation would think about security knowledge together with opposed drug reactions reported by sufferers and clinicians to the MHRA and different medicines regulators.

It acquired 5 studies of suspected opposed drug reactions related to “suicidal and self-injurious” behaviour in sufferers who took Ozempic or Wegovy between 2020 and 6 July this yr.

It additionally acquired 12 comparable studies involving Saxenda between 2010 and 6 July.

The MHRA stated the actual fact signs happen after use of a drugs isn’t proof of causation.