The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is investigating Novo Nordisk’s diabetes drug Ozempic and the weight-loss drug Saxenda after the Icelandic health authority reported three cases of patients having thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
Shares of the Danish drugmaker fell 1% on Monday following the news.
An EMA safety committee is looking into adverse events raised by the Icelandic Medicines Agency, including two cases of suicidal thoughts in those who have used Ozempic, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, and Saxenda, the agency said regulatory.
Another patient taking Saxenda, Novo Nordisk’s previous and less effective weight-loss drug, which contains the active ingredient liraglutide, reported thoughts of self-harm, the agency said.
Iceland’s drug regulator did not immediately respond to requests for details.
Novo Nordisk has stated that patient safety is its top priority and that it takes all reports of adverse events very seriously. So far, its safety monitoring has found no “causal association” between the counterproductive thoughts and the medications, as stated in a statement.
EMA’s investigation focuses on medicines that contain semaglutide or liraglutide.
Suicidal thoughts are not listed as a side effect in the European Union product information for any of the medicines.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
