2024-01-04 15:46:00
Although they may turn out to be false alarms, previous research has led the FDA to update a drug’s label or request additional studies on the topic.
(HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating reports of additional dangers linked to several popular weight-loss medications.
In a quarterly report released this week, the agency said it is investigating cases of hair loss; bronchoaspiration (when food or other objects enter the airways); and suicidal ideation in people who used the medications. Some of the drugs in this class, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 AR), include Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound.
While these reports may turn out to be false alarms, previous research has led the FDA to update a drug’s label or request additional studies on the topic.
This is not the first time the agency has investigated possible complications with these weight-loss drugs: Last year, the agency investigated reports of intestinal blockages related to the drugs. Ozempic’s labeling was later updated to recognize that risk, CBS News reported.
“We are aware that, as part of those monitoring efforts, [la] “FDA is evaluating several potential signals related to GLP-1 AR drugs and has posted information about those ongoing evaluations on its website,” a spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, which makes Ozempic and Wegovy, told CBS News.
In June, the American Society of Anesthesiologists asked patients to stop taking these weight-loss medications before elective surgeries because of this potential complication.
“Novo Nordisk stands behind the safety and effectiveness of all of our GLP-1 AR medications when used as directed and when taken under the care of a licensed healthcare professional,” the spokesperson added.
A spokesperson for Eli Lilly, which makes Zepbound and Mounjaro, told CBS News that “the FDA is reviewing data on certain potential risks of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs. “Patient safety is our priority, and we are working with the FDA on these potential signals.”
As of 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 in Zepbound and Mounjaro.
Meanwhile, there have been at least 422 reports of hair loss. Several other medications have been linked to hair loss, including some antidepressants and birth control pills, CBS News reported.
A less common hazard has also been reported to the FDA: There were 18 cases of patients taking semaglutide or tirzepatide that mentioned aspiration, when people accidentally inhale food or other objects into their airways.
This is not the first time the agency has investigated possible complications with these medications.
In a case report published in March, Canadian doctors said one patient had too much food left in his stomach despite fasting for 18 hours before an operation. Two months earlier, the patient had started receiving semaglutide injections to lose weight.
In June, the American Society of Anesthesiologists asked patients to stop taking these weight-loss medications before elective surgeries because of this potential complication.
More information: Visit Drugs.com to learn more about weight loss medications.
SOURCE: US Food and Drug Administration, quarterly report, FDA Adverse Event Reporting System, July-September 2023; CBS News
*Robin Foster HealthDay Reporter
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