A warning has been issued over the so-called ‘miracle’ fat-busting jabs Ozempic and Wegovy after they caused 3,000 Brits to fall ill this year so far.
The most common symptom was stomach problems, but some also experienced blurred vision, depression, and dizziness. Four deaths have also been linked to the drugs.
Around 30 side effect complaints were sent to The Medicines and Healthcare Agency every week during 2023.
Over the first 20 weeks of this year, the agency’s Yellow Card program—which allows patients and medical professionals to report adverse medication reactions—has seen a significant increase in side effect concerns.
The agency has received 2,780 complaints since the year started, figures obtained by The Sun reveal.
The increase is ascribed to the medications’ rising appeal as weight-loss aids and their ease of online purchase.
Model and half-sister to Kate Moss, Lottie Moss, 26, had a seizure from taking a high dose and Stephen Fry, 67, had to stop taking the drug due to vomiting.
Other stars have rejected the idea of the drug, including chef Nigella Lawson, who told The New York Times: ‘I read something once where someone said, “I was on Ozempic and it was the first time I didn’t think about food all the time,” and I thought, I can’t imagine anything worse than that. I take great pleasure in thinking about food all of the time.’
Semaglutide, an amino acid included in the medications, reduces appetite by imitating a hormone that alerts the brain when a person is full.
The NHS authorised the injections last year, and those who are overweight and want to reduce weight can have them under the brand name Wegovy. For those with type 2 diabetes, it’s known as Ozempic.
Tam Fry, of the National Obesity Forum, told The Sun: ‘For some, the benefits of semaglutide may well outweigh its risks but the drug has side effects.
‘It’s why doctors and GPs should always monitor anyone taking it for weight loss and the jabs should never be taken without a prescription.
‘An inclination to suicide is a potential risk; that should stop anyone thinking of using the drug off-licence.’
Manufacturer of the drugs, Novo Nordisk, said: ‘We recommend patients take these medications for approved indications and under the supervision of a healthcare professional.’
It follows the revelation last month of fresh data demonstrating that semaglutide can reduce the risk of fatalities from all causes by up to 25%.
US researchers at Harvard Medical School found that in the three years that followed, semaglutide-treated obese and overweight patients had a 23 percent decreased overall risk of dying.
Some people try every diet under the sun and they can’t lose weight. Their appetite is out of control, but it seems that taking Wegovy is their last resort, and they do lose weight on it. It’s not a quick fix, but it is a helping hand.
However, all medication like this should only be given out by their doctor and should not be allowed to be sold online because medications need to be monitored, especially if it’s a medication that’s been taken for a long time. The other thing with Ozempec is that because it’s being sold online, there is not a shortage of it for people who really need it, like diabetics.
I’m glad it’s helpful, but perhaps don’t push it too far.
THE MONTHLY MOSQUITO 