The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently delving into potential side effects associated with semaglutide, the active component found in both the weight loss medication Wegovy and the diabetes drug Ozempic. CNN has reported that there is an ongoing investigation into whether the use of semaglutide might be linked to occurrences of hair loss and suicidal thoughts.
Semaglutide is classified under a group of drugs that function by emulating the actions of the GLP-1 hormone within the gastrointestinal tract. This emulation has an impact on the secretion of insulin and influences the movement of food through the stomach. Recent updates from the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting Systems (FAERS) have disclosed instances of patients experiencing a specific type of hair loss referred to as alopecia. Additionally, reports include instances of suicidal ideation and situations where food and liquids inadvertently enter the lungs. The FDA has stated that, as of December 12, they are “evaluating the need for regulatory action.” It is crucial to note that being listed in the FAERS report does not imply that the FDA has definitively established a causal relationship between the drug and the mentioned risks.
Wegovy, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, has gained recognition for its remarkable ability to curb appetite and has been regarded as a “miracle” in the realm of weight loss since receiving approval in 2021. Alongside its counterpart Ozempic, primarily designed for diabetes treatment but frequently prescribed off-label for weight loss, these drugs have substantially transformed weight loss approaches. However, a notable caveat is that Wegovy is notably expensive and currently not covered by insurance.
Officially, some of the recognized side effects of semaglutide drugs like Wegovy include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Despite their popularity, more concerning side effects purportedly linked to semaglutide drugs have surfaced over time. These include the somewhat satirically termed “Ozempic face,” an alleged consequence of facial aging. More severe allegations involve the drugs causing stomach paralysis and severe bowel blockage. European regulators have already been investigating the potential risk of suicidal ideation associated with semaglutide and other GLP-1 drugs since the previous year.
The extent of the prevalence of these more severe complications remains uncertain, but the reported cases have evidently garnered significant attention, prompting an in-depth investigation. In response to the ongoing inquiry, the FDA has mentioned that if new safety signals emerge, they will determine the appropriateness of actions after thoroughly reviewing the available data. Possible courses of action could range from requiring updates to the drug labels to more substantial measures or potentially no action at all. The situation is dynamic, and the specific actions the FDA may take are yet to be determined.
