'Miracle' Weight Loss Drug Ozempic Linked To Thyroid Cancer, Regulator Warns

In a recent revelation, the weight loss drug Ozempic has been linked to an increased risk of thyroid cancers, The Vaccine Reaction reports.

EMA Raises Safety Concerns

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) issued a safety signal last month, citing concerns about a possible link to thyroid cancer in people using glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, including semaglutide, which are sold under brand names like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro.

Increased Risk of Thyroid Cancers

A study in February 2023 found that people using GLP-1 receptor agonists for one to three years may have an increased risk of all types of thyroid cancers. Despite these concerns, the demand for Ozempic, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for the treatment of diabetes, continues to outrun supply.

See Also: Ozempic Expert Shares Her Ten Months Weight Loss Journey With Ozempic: “I Was Nervous”

Side Effects and Long-Term Impacts

While it's clear GLP medications like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro are "miracle" for weight loss, doctors warn side effects could lead to hospitalization, and that the long-term impacts of the drugs are still unknown. The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation and vomiting, with some patients experiencing such a suppressed appetite that they become malnourished.

Weight Loss Drugs: A New Cash Cow?

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla says their new weight-loss pill could yield a staggering $10 billion a year. However, the trials for the pill were halted after research participants showed signs of elevated liver enzymes that indicated potential liver damage. Meanwhile, Danish drugmaker and manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, Novo Nordisk, currently holds the top spot for the biggest year-over-year revenue growth in 2023.

Read Next: Health Expert Raves About Ozempic As A Game-Changer For PCOS, Says Just As Crucial As For Diabetes Patients

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