The FDA in the United States is looking into allegations of new risks associated with a number of extremely well-liked medications for weight loss.
The government stated in a quarterly report released this week that it is looking at reports of aspiration—a condition in which food or other items get into the airways—hair loss, and suicidal thoughts among patients who have taken the drugs. GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) are a class of medications that includes, among others, Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound.
Although these complaints may appear to be unfounded concerns, earlier inquiries have led the FDA to revise a drug’s label or request more research on the matter. The government has previously investigated possible side effects associated with these weight-loss medications: The agency looked at claims of intestinal blockages associated with the drugs last year. Following that, Ozempic revised its labeling to include that danger, according to CBS News.
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Evaluation
“We are aware that, as part of those monitoring efforts, [the] FDA is evaluating several potential signals related to GLP-1 RA medicines and has posted information about those ongoing assessments on its website,” a spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, which makes Ozempic and Wegovy, told CBS News. “Novo Nordisk stands behind the safety and efficacy of all of our GLP-1 RA medicines when they are used as indicated and when they are taken under the care of a licensed healthcare professional,” the spokesperson added.
Reports
A spokesperson for Eli Lilly, which produces Zepbound and Mounjaro, told CBS News that the “FDA is reviewing data on certain potential risks for GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines. Patient safety is our priority, and we are collaborating with the FDA on these potential signals.”Through September, there have been 201 reports of suicide or suicidal ideation among patients taking medications with semaglutide, the key ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, or tirzepatide, the key ingredient for Zepbound and Mounjaro. Meanwhile, there have been at least 422 reports of hair loss. A number of other medications have been linked to hair loss, including some antidepressants and birth control pills, CBS News reported.
A less common danger has also been reported to the FDA
A less frequent risk was also reported to the FDA: aspiration, which occurs when a person inadvertently inhales food or other objects into their airways, was mentioned in 18 cases involving patients using tirzepatide or semaglutide. A patient who fasted for eighteen hours prior to surgery nevertheless had too much food in his stomach, according to a March case report from Canadian physicians. The patient had started receiving semaglutide injections two months prior in order to lose weight. Because of this possible consequence, the American Society of Anesthesiologists advised patients to cease using these weight-loss drugs prior to elective surgeries in June.
Frequently asked questions
What are the newest weight-loss drugs?
Over the last decade, the FDA has approved several new weight-loss medicines, including:
- Zepbound (tirzepatide)
- Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Saxenda (liraglutide)
- Contrave (bupropion and naltrexone)
- Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate)
Some agents have also been prescribed “off-label” for weight loss; that is, your doctor may prescribe an agent for a generally accepted use that is not specifically approved by the FDA or listed on the package labeling. Examples of these agents are Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Ozempic (semaglutide), which are approved for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes. When diet and exercise are insufficient to control weight in adults or children with major health risks (e.g., high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol), prescription weight-loss medicines may be a viable choice. Medication for weight loss usually entails a regular exercise regimen and a diet with fewer calories and fat.
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Disclaimer: The opinions and suggestions expressed in this article are solely those of the individual analysts. These are not the opinions of HNN. For more, please consult with your doctor
