Why Ozempic suicide link has split experts

Researchers say a possible link between the viral weight loss drug and suicidal thoughts in already at-risk patients should be urgently investigated, amid rising off-label use.

A potential link between popular diabetes drug Ozempic and suicidal thoughts in already at-risk patients should be urgently investigated amid rising off-label use, researchers say.

New analysis of a global drug reaction database has suggested a small increase in suicidal ideation among Ozempic or Wegovy patients, who also take antidepressants.

Both drugs have the same active ingredient, semaglutide.

Ozempic was first sold as a diabetes treatment but quickly went viral for its weight-loss properties, triggering a spike in its off-label use.

An overseas study, published in JAMA on Wednesday, has now called for caution in both off label-use and patients with poor mental health.

It compared rare reports of semaglutide-suspected suicidal ideation with similar drugs and found the popular medication was a potential risk for some.

The popular diabetes drug has gone viral for its weight-loss properties.

The researchers, led by Zucker Hillside Hospital’s Dr Georgios Schoretsanitis, said the risk was not definitive but “warrants urgent clarification”, especially as clinical trials often exclude people with mood disorders.

They emphasised benefits would still outweigh risks for most patients on the drug for its intended use.

University of New South Wales Pharmacology Professor Margaret Morris said the study had a “number of limitations”, including a lack of information on dosing, time to report, substance misuse and off-label use.

Melbourne University’s psychological sciences senior research fellow Dr Trevor Steward said the results were a “wake-up call” on the importance of larger studies.

“The rise in off-label prescribing of these medications is concerning, and there is an urgent need for larger studies to understand any potential risks related to both the patient and the medication itself,” he said.

“Major factors to consider include the patient’s specific motivations for using the medication, any history of mental health issues, and sociodemographic issues.”

He said the findings raised “key questions” on whether “additional precautions” for patients with mental health issues were needed, or warnings on the medication’s labels were needed.

“The findings also suggest that people with diabetes or obesity who don’t have mental health conditions might not be at high risk … but more studies are needed to confirm this.”