Weight loss drugs not linked to suicidal thoughts FDA

CR Popular weight loss drugs from Novo Nordisk ( NVO ) and Eli Lilly ( NYSE: LLY ) do not cause suicidal thoughts or actions, according to a preliminary evaluation from the U.S. FDA. The drugs, such as Novo's ( NVO ) Wegovy (semaglutide) and Lilly's ( LLY ) Zepbound (tirzepatide), belong to a class of medicines called glucagon like peptide 1 receptor agonists.

GLP 1s are also used as treatment for type 2 diabetes. The agency noted that over the past several months, it has received reports of suicidal thoughts and actions in individuals on GLP 1s. "Because the information provided was often limited and because these events can be influenced by other potential factors, we determined that the information in these reports did not demonstrate a clear relationship with the use of GLP 1 RAs," the FDA said in a Drug Safety Communication .

"Similarly, our reviews of the clinical trials, including large outcome studies and observational studies, did not find an association between use of GLP 1 RAs and the occurrence of suicidal thoughts or actions." However, the agency noted that because it "cannot definitively rule out that a small risk may exist," it is continuing to look into the matter.

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