Doctors focus on safety issues related to popular weight loss drugs

The demand for highly sought-after weight loss drugs is increasing. However, as more patients accept this method, doctors warn them of possible side effects.

Anti-obesity drugs “have strong effects on the whole body, especially the gastrointestinal system,” according to gastroenterologist and obesity specialist Dr. Christopher McGowan.

Because of these effects, close monitoring, care and medical attention “are essential for all patients,” McGowan told FOX Business.

The rise of weight-loss drugs, known as GLP-1 drugs, represents a revolution in obesity management. But, they should not be taken lightly or carelessly, McGowan said. In fact, these strong effects are the reason why the products warn patients about nausea, vomiting, gastroparesis and intestinal obstruction, which was highlighted in a recent case.

A Pennsylvania woman, who underwent emergency surgery and lost her colon after taking Wegovy and Ozempic, is suing Novo Nordisk, saying the drugs did not adequately warn patients about side effects. which may be dangerous.

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Novo Nordisk told FOX Business that the lawsuit’s allegations are “without merit,” and it intends to “vigorously defend itself against these allegations.”

Although McGowan believes there are adequate warnings for such drugs, he said, like all drugs, GLP-1 drugs come with risks that patients should be aware of.

With millions of Americans now on these drugs, McGown expects that “a lot of serious side effects are likely to occur,” which “should at least be a warning to anyone starting a GLP- 1.”

“There is a misconception that these drugs are universally effective and universally safe. That is not true,” McGowan said, adding that although clinical trials show a good level of safety, patients are still they need to be informed of the potential risks.

“Patients end up in the hospital. They need surgery for gallbladder disease and have had dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities and even kidney failure,” according to McGowan.

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Aspiration, which is when food, drink or other substances are accidentally inhaled into the lungs, pneumonia and systemic complications have also occurred in patients with these drugs “due to retention of gastric contents during anesthesia,” he said so.

“Although very rare, these represent serious adverse events,” McGowan said. He added that there are also “emerging concerns about potentially suicidal ideation, which have not yet been proven but highlight the complexity of treating obesity and taking medications with side effects.” inside the brain.”

Novo told FOX Business that these types of GLP-1 drugs have been used to treat Type 2 diabetes for about two decades, and for the treatment of obesity for about 10. This includes semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, and liraglutide, the active ingredient in Saxenda and Victoza.

The company said it “stands behind the safety and efficacy of all of our GLP-1 medications when used as directed and when taken under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.” “

Novo said that semaglutide, for example, “has been extensively evaluated in intensive clinical development programs, large world evidence studies and has more than 9.5 million years of clinical experience.”

The known risks and benefits of its drugs are described in FDA-approved product labels, Novo said.

Ozempic was approved by the FDA in 2017 for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, improving blood sugar, along with diet and exercise. Weight loss is a common side effect, but the drug is not approved for chronic weight management.

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In 2021, the FDA approved Wegovy for chronic weight management in overweight or obese adults with at least one weight-related condition. Earlier this year, Wegovy was re-approved for use as a heart attack prevention drug after a study showed that the drug reduced the risk of heart attack. serious heart problems by 20%.

Although they both contain semaglutide, they are different products with different indications, doses and descriptive information. The products are also irreversible and should not be used outside of their approved indications, Novo said.