Ozempic, Mounjaro urgent health warning alert issued by Therapeutic Goods Administration
The national drug and medicine watchdog has issued an urgent warning about weight loss drugs including Ozempic and Mounjaro, over the potential for users to develop suicidal thoughts.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued the caution over drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists and their links to suicidal thoughts and reduced effectiveness of oral contraception.
The Federal Government body issued the alert on Monday afternoon, disclosing the areas of concern regarding psychiatric behaviour.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Product warnings for the drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity included the following products:
- Ozempic (semaglutide)
- Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Saxenda (liraglutide)
- Trulicity (dulaglutide)
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
“Product warnings across the GLP-1 RA class of medicines have been aligned to ensure consistent information regarding the potential risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviours,” the statement said.
“The updates follow investigations by TGA and other international regulators.
“Patients taking any of these medicines should tell their health professional if they experience new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or any unusual changes in mood or behaviour.”
In the case of Mounjaro the TGA said there is potential for side effects regarding contraception.
“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 statement continued.
“As a precautionary measure, the product warnings for tirzepatide have been updated to include further advice for patients using oral contraceptives.
“Patients taking tirzepatide are advised to switch to a non-oral contraceptive or add a barrier method of contraception for 4 weeks after first taking the medicine and for 4 weeks after each increase in 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 added.
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