EMA Investigates Diabetes Drugs Ozempic and Saxenda Over Suicidal Thoughts Reports

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is investigating the diabetes and weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Saxenda after reports of patients experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Ozempic, which contains the ingredient semaglutide, is a popular weight-loss aid in addition to being a diabetes treatment.

Saxenda, produced by Novo Nordisk, contains liraglutide and is also an injection that suppresses appetite.

The FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System has received at least 60 reports of suicidal thoughts in patients on semaglutide since 2018 and 70 reports of suicidal thinking in liraglutide users since 2010, although the information has not been verified.

Novo Nordisk says it takes patient safety seriously and has not found a causal association between the drugs and suicidal thoughts.

The EMA is considering whether to extend its review to other medicines that regulate appetite by mimicking a gut hormone.