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

The UK is reviewing diabetes drugs 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 medication referred to as GLP-1 receptor agonists.

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

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

The overview additionally consists of the corporate’s Saxenda, which accommodates the energetic ingredient liraglutide and is permitted as a weight-loss remedy.

Saxenda is Novo’s older GLP-1 drug and has a decrease effectiveness than its newer weight problems remedy, Wegovy, which accommodates semaglutide. The company permitted the drug for weight-loss remedy in 2021, but it surely 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 overview comes two weeks after similar action by the European Union after Iceland’s well being regulator flagged three instances of sufferers serious about suicide or self-harm.

It can be investigating GLP-1 medicine for potential danger of thyroid most cancers.

The MHRA stated its overview would take into account security knowledge together with antagonistic drug reactions reported by sufferers and clinicians to the MHRA and different medicines regulators.

It obtained 5 reviews of suspected antagonistic drug reactions related to “suicidal and self-injurious” behaviour in sufferers who took Ozempic or Wegovy between 2020 and 6 July this 12 months.

It additionally obtained 12 comparable reviews involving Saxenda between 2010 and 6 July.

The MHRA stated the actual fact signs happen after use of a drugs is just not proof of causation.