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FDA Investigates Safety of Ozempic and Wegovy

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/10 .. a-investigates-safety-of-ozempic-and-wegovy.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 23:57 GMT by WSB-TV
      Locales: Maryland, Georgia, UNITED STATES

ATLANTA - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced today, Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, that it is undertaking a comprehensive reassessment of the safety profiles of popular glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, including Ozempic and Wegovy. While initially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, a surge in reports of adverse effects has prompted the agency to launch a more detailed investigation.

Dr. John Farley, Director of the Office of New Drugs at the FDA, revealed the expanded review in a press conference earlier today. He emphasized that this isn't an indication the drugs are being pulled from the market, but a proactive measure to thoroughly evaluate emerging safety signals. "We've received a growing number of reports detailing serious gastrointestinal issues, ranging from persistent nausea and vomiting to more severe complications like bowel obstructions," Dr. Farley stated. "Perhaps more concerning are the reports suggesting a potential link - although not definitively proven - between these medications and the emergence of suicidal ideation in some patients."

The initial approval of Ozempic (semaglutide) and Wegovy (also semaglutide, but at a higher dosage) was heralded as a breakthrough in the fight against obesity and a significant advancement in diabetes management. Both drugs work by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone, GLP-1, which regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. They've demonstrated remarkable efficacy in clinical trials, leading to significant weight loss and improved glycemic control. However, the increasing real-world usage, often off-label for cosmetic weight loss, has dramatically expanded the patient population and, consequently, the scope of reported side effects.

The FDA's periodic review process involves a continuous monitoring of drugs after they are approved and made available to the public. Dr. Farley clarified that this current reassessment isn't necessarily an anomaly. "This is part of our standard post-market surveillance. We are constantly analyzing data to ensure the medications Americans rely on remain safe and effective." However, the volume and severity of the recent reports have triggered the more in-depth investigation. The agency is now collaborating with pharmaceutical companies Novo Nordisk (the manufacturer of both Ozempic and Wegovy) to analyze data from clinical trials, post-market surveillance systems, and adverse event reporting databases like FAERS (FDA Adverse Event Reporting System).

The potential link to suicidal thoughts is being treated with particular urgency. While causality hasn't been established, the FDA is carefully examining individual case reports and conducting statistical analysis to determine if there's a statistically significant association. Mental health professionals are being consulted to understand the potential mechanisms by which these drugs might influence mood and mental wellbeing. It's important to note that many patients taking these drugs may also be struggling with underlying mental health conditions or other factors that could contribute to suicidal ideation.

What can patients and healthcare providers expect? The FDA anticipates that the review, which is expected to last several months, may result in updated prescribing information and stricter warnings. This could include recommendations for closer monitoring of patients for gastrointestinal symptoms and mental health changes, as well as contraindications for specific patient populations. Dr. Farley stressed that the FDA still believes the benefits of these medications generally outweigh the risks. "We remain confident in the efficacy of Ozempic and Wegovy for their approved indications. However, patient safety is our top priority, and we want to ensure both healthcare professionals and patients are fully informed of potential risks."

Experts suggest that individuals currently taking Ozempic or Wegovy should not stop their medication without consulting with their doctor. Any concerning symptoms, particularly persistent gastrointestinal issues or changes in mood or behavior, should be reported immediately. The FDA encourages healthcare providers to report any suspected adverse events to the FAERS database. The agency will provide updates on the progress of the review as it becomes available, aiming for transparency and open communication throughout the process. This situation highlights the ongoing need for robust post-market drug surveillance and the importance of reporting all adverse events to ensure the safety of prescription medications.