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Ozempic-like Medications: New Alert Issued Over Suicidal Thought Risk
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Shotlee
Health & Wellness Team
4 min read
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Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued a safety alert concerning Ozempic-style drugs and a potential connection to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. While a direct causal link hasn't been established, the TGA advises patients to immediately inform their healthcare provider if they experience any changes in mood or behavior.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia's medicines regulator, has issued a safety warning regarding the possible risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors associated with Ozempic-style medications. Patients should inform their doctor if they notice any shifts in their mood or behavior while taking these drugs, according to the TGA.
According to a safety alert released on Monday, the TGA has updated product warnings for GLP-1 based drugs to "ensure consistent information regarding the potential risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviours." The agency stated that these updates are the result of investigations conducted by the TGA and other regulatory bodies worldwide.
The TGA emphasized that there is insufficient evidence to definitively conclude that the drugs cause these changes. However, they noted the complex interplay between mental illness and the conditions that GLP-1 drugs are used to treat. Furthermore, the TGA acknowledged the possibility that weight loss itself could be linked to suicidal thoughts.
The drugs currently affected in Australia include:
Separately, the TGA also issued a warning that the use of tirzepatide, a GLP-1-type drug known as Mounjaro, might reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. As a precaution, product warnings for tirzepatide have been updated to include additional guidance for patients using oral contraceptives.
The agency stated that their investigation into the possible reduction in the effectiveness of oral contraception when starting or increasing the dose of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) could not rule out such an association. Therefore, patients taking tirzepatide are advised to switch to a non-oral contraceptive method or add a barrier method for four weeks after starting the medication and for four weeks after each dosage increase.
The safety alert also noted that GLP-1-type medications should not be used during pregnancy.
GLP-1-based drugs represent a significant advancement in medication, mimicking a natural hormone to slow digestion and promote a feeling of fullness. Originally developed for treating type 2 diabetes, they have become increasingly popular for weight management.
Some international research has indicated a heightened risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among individuals with pre-existing anxiety or depression who take GLP-1 medications. Health tracking apps like Shotlee can help monitor mood and behavior changes while on these medications.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been reviewing reports of suicidal thoughts or actions in individuals using GLP-1-type medications. Their preliminary assessment indicated that they had "not found evidence that use of these medicines causes suicidal thoughts or actions."
However, the FDA stated that due to the limited number of suicidal thoughts or actions observed in both the GLP-1 RA users and control groups, they could not definitively rule out a potential small risk. Consequently, the FDA is continuing its investigation into this matter.
Various international studies have explored the potential connection between GLP-1 medications and psychiatric conditions, with varying outcomes. Some studies found no such link.
However, one study published last year in Scientific Reports indicated that these drugs were associated with notably higher risks of depression, anxiety, and suicidality. The researchers hypothesized that this could be due to the drugs' influence on the brain's dopamine balance.
The TGA reported receiving 72 reports of suicidal ideation, along with approximately a dozen reports of suicide, suicide attempts, and depression-related suicide.
Reports suggest that up to half a million Australians may be using these medications. The TGA conducted a comprehensive investigation, seeking advice from the Advisory Committee on Medicines (ACM). The ACM concluded that the available evidence was insufficient to establish a causal link between GLP-1-type drugs and suicidal or self-harming behaviors.
However, the ACM noted inconsistencies in product and consumer medicines information and recommended harmonization. The safety alert said that the ACM emphasized that updates should not imply a causal association, but should reflect a class-level awareness of the potential risks.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any medication or supplement.
Original content from Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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An affordable and readily accessible medication is gaining attention as a potential solution for curbing alcohol cravings, drawing comparisons to the way GLP-1 drugs manage food cravings. Naltrexone, by impacting dopamine-reward pathways, reduces the satisfying feeling associated with alcohol consumption, thus diminishing the desire for it. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest it could be a game-changer for many.
Mounjaro, a drug by Eli Lilly, is set to be included in China's state-run health insurance program for individuals with type 2 diabetes starting January 1. This inclusion aims to improve access to the medication, although increased sales may be balanced by reduced prices. The drug was introduced in China earlier this year.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided new guidance on using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy for obesity. The recommendations include considerations for adults and highlight the importance of lifestyle changes alongside medication.
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