Introduction
People who are prescribed semaglutide, which is the active ingredient in weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, may face a higher risk of developing rare but serious gastrointestinal conditions. These conditions include stomach paralysis. A recent analysis of the side effects associated with these weight loss medications has revealed this association.
New Class of Weight Loss Drugs
Ozempic and Wegovy belong to a new class of highly effective weight loss drugs. These drugs work by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which promotes a feeling of satiety after eating. Both Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide, a GLP-1 agonist, as their active ingredient. Similar drugs contain different GLP-1 agonists such as liraglutide. While these drugs have been used to treat type 2 diabetes for over a decade, they have only recently been approved for use in people with obesity. As a result, little is known about the long-term side effects of taking GLP-1 agonists for weight loss.
Research Study
To better understand the potential side effects, researchers at the University of British Columbia in Canada led by Mohit Sodhi conducted a study using a large health database. The database included information on 16 million people in the US and captured data on prescriptions and diagnoses between 2006 and 2020. The researchers identified 4757 participants with obesity who were prescribed either semaglutide or liraglutide for off-label use. They compared their medical histories to a group of 654 people with obesity who were prescribed a different weight loss medication called naltrexone/bupropion.
Findings
After adjusting for various factors, the research team found that people using semaglutide or liraglutide had a significantly higher risk of developing rare but serious gastrointestinal conditions compared to those using naltrexone/bupropion. Specifically, they had more than double the risk of gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) and triple the risk of an intestinal blockage. The risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) was also eight times higher for those using semaglutide or liraglutide.
Implications and Safety Measures
These findings suggest that GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy may increase the risk of serious gastrointestinal conditions. While these risks are rare, it is important to inform people about them, especially considering the widespread use of these drugs. Reshmi Srinath, a healthcare professional, highlights the need for a personalized approach with each patient, considering the significant benefits of these medications in terms of weight loss and reducing complications of obesity.
Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures some GLP-1 agonists, including Ozempic and Wegovy, prioritizes patient safety. The company works closely with regulatory authorities, like the US Food and Drug Administration, to monitor the safety profile of their medicines. Gastroparesis and pancreatitis are already listed as potential side effects of these drugs. It is worth noting that some of these products were not available until after the study period analyzed in the research.
