Australia’s medicines regulator has issued a safety warning over the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour linked to drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Ozempic.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) also warned that a link between GLP-1 receptor agonist medication Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and reduced effectiveness of oral contraception could not be ruled out.
Elly Lilly GLP1 medicine Mounjaro will come with new product warning for patientsCredit: Bloomberg
The TGA’s safety alert published on Monday said it had updated the product warnings for the class of high-profile drugs formally used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity in Australia following investigations by international regulators.
The drugs affected are:
- Ozempic (semaglutide)
- Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Saxenda (liraglutide)
- Trulicity (dulaglutide)
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
“Patients taking these medicines should tell their health professional if they experience new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or any unusual changes in mood or behaviour,” the alert read.
“Our investigation into the potential for reduced effectiveness of oral contraception when first taking or increasing the dose of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has found that this association could not be ruled out,” the TGA said.
As a precaution, Mounjaro’s product warning will advise patients to switch to non-oral contraception or use a barrier method (such as condoms) for contraception for four weeks after first taking the medication and for four weeks after increasing the dose.
“None of the GLP-1 RAs should be used during pregnancy and individuals of childbearing potential are advised to use effective contraception during treatment with a GLP-1 RA,” the alert read.
Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.
Most Viewed in National
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au
