Jan. 11, 2024 -- The FDA said Thursday that a review of a class of popular diabetes and obesity drugs found no connection between the medications and a rise in suicidal thoughts.
The drugs include Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. The FDA urges anyone with concerns to talk to their health care provider and said “a small risk may exist” since a link has not been completely ruled out.
NBC News noted that the announcement came after research was published last week showing that people taking semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, had a lower risk of suicidal thoughts than patients taking other drugs for obesity and diabetes.
European officials had said earlier that they were looking into unscientific reports that some people taking semaglutide had thoughts about hurting themselves.
“FDA's preliminary evaluation has not found evidence that use of these medicines causes suicidal thoughts or actions,” the FDA said Thursday.
The agency is reviewing reports about more than a dozen drugs approved since 2005 known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medicines help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease in people with Type 2 diabetes. Some of these drugs are also used by obese or overweight people to lose weight.
The FDA said it will continue to look into the situation.
Patients with concerns should not stop taking their medication without speaking to their health care professional first, the FDA advised.
Anyone experiencing a crisis or distress can call or text 988 or go to https://988lifeline.org/, which provides free support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
