FDA Confirms No Suicide Risk Associated with Medications Ozempic and Wegovy

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Thursday that a preliminary review of popular drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity has found no evidence linking them to suicidal thoughts or actions. However, the agency stated that it cannot completely rule out the possibility of a small risk and will continue to investigate the matter.

The FDA specifically mentioned drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, among others, in their ongoing review. They advised patients taking these medications to report any concerns to their healthcare providers.

The review was prompted by a recent study funded by the federal government, which revealed that individuals taking semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) had a lower risk of suicidal thoughts compared to those taking other medications for obesity and diabetes. European regulators had previously initiated an investigation into anecdotal reports suggesting a link between semaglutide and self-harm.

According to the FDA report, their preliminary evaluation did not find any evidence indicating that the use of these drugs causes suicidal thoughts or actions.

The FDA is currently examining reports related to over a dozen drugs approved since 2005, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications are used to control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Some of these drugs are also prescribed to assist individuals with obesity or overweight in losing weight.