The UK drug regulator is investigating the risk of suicidal thoughts and of self-harm in patients using some weight loss and diabetes jabs.
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MRHA) is conducting a safety review involving prescription-only medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Wegovy, Saxenda, and Ozempic, sold by Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk, are GLP-1 receptor agonists used for weight loss and diabetes treatment.
The drug is injected and works by mimicking a natural gut hormone called GLP-1, which is responsible for regulating insulin and blood sugar levels. The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide, which works by inducing satiety, and consequently the feeling of being satisfied or “full,” suppresses appetite.
In the UK, between 2020 and 2023, there have been five suspected adverse drug reactions involving semaglutide associated with “suicidal and self-injurious behaviour.”
Between 2010 and 2023, 12 suspected adverse drug reactions involving liraglutide (Saxenda) for the same behaviours.
Dr. Alison Cave, MHRA chief safety officer, told The Epoch Times by email that it is currently reviewing safety data.
“Patient safety is our top priority. We are currently reviewing safety data on the risk of suicidal thoughts and thoughts of self-harm associated with medicines known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, used for treating both type 2 diabetes and weight loss.
“We will carefully consider all available evidence and communicate any further advice to patients and healthcare professionals as appropriate.
“If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm, please seek immediate medical assistance.
Suicidal Behavior Links
The FDA approved Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 agonist liraglutide (brand name Victoza) in 2010 to treat diabetes, and the company’s drug Ozempic was FDA-approved for diabetes treatment in 2017.A 2020 clinical review by the FDA did caution about a potential association between liraglutide and suicidal thoughts in adolescents.
According to the review, suicidal behaviour was observed in both a placebo group and the group receiving liraglutide. The agency found no significant imbalance of psychiatric events overall but noted that obese adolescents may be at a higher risk for suicidality and depression
EMA
Earlier in the month, the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) safety committee said it is looking at cases among people who use semaglutide or liraglutide.The review is being carried out after concerns were raised by the Icelandic Medicines Agency following three case reports, the EMA said.
“A signal is information on a new or known adverse event that is potentially caused by a medicine and that warrants further investigation,” the EMA added.
“The case reports included two cases of suicidal thoughts, one following the use of Saxenda and one after Ozempic. One additional case reported thoughts of self-injury with Saxenda.
“The semaglutide-containing medicine Wegovy and the liraglutide-containing medicine Saxenda are authorised for weight loss, together with diet and physical activity.
“Suicidal behaviour is not currently listed as a side-effect in the EU product information of these medicines.”
In response to the EMA’s probe, a Novo Nordisk spokeswoman said that it is monitoring for safety signals.
“GLP-1 receptor agonists have been used to treat type 2 diabetes for more than 15 years and for treatment of obesity for eight years, including Novo Nordisk products such as semaglutide and liraglutide that have been in the UK market since 2018 and 2009 respectively,” she said.
“The safety data collected from large clinical trial programmes and post-marketing surveillance have not demonstrated a causal association between semaglutide or liraglutide and suicidal and self-harming thoughts,” she added.
The Epoch Times contacted Novo Nordisk for comment.
