Weight loss drugs reviewed by European authorities after reports of suicidal thoughts

Weight loss drugs reviewed by European authorities after reports of suicidal thoughts

The European Medicines Agency is investigating Novo Nordisk’s diabetes drug Ozempic and weight-loss treatment Saxenda after reports involving three patients on the drugs thinking about suicide or self-harm, Reuters reported.

The European Medicines Agency safety committee is looking at any connections after questions were raised by Icelandic Medicines Agency. The investigation centers on medicines that contain the active ingredients semaglutide or liraglutide and could possibly expand to include other medicines in the same class, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists.

READ MORE: Popular weight loss drug gets new warning

In a statement to CNBC, Novo Nordisk said it takes “all reports about adverse events from use of our medicines very seriously.”

“GLP-1 receptor agonists have been used to treat type 2 diabetes for more than 15 years and for treatment of obesity for 8 years, including Novo Nordisk products such as semaglutide and liraglutide that have been on the market for more than 10 years,” the company said.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, reach out to the 24–hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255; contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741; or chat with someone online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours.