Recent reports have surfaced linking several deaths to the use of weight loss injections, including the widely prescribed Ozempic. While the deaths have garnered attention, questions remain regarding whether these medications were the direct cause. Here’s a closer look at the available data and expert opinions.
The Facts Behind the Death Reports
Weight loss medications, such as Mounjaro, Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy, and Victoza, are gaining popularity as part of weight management treatments. These drugs, particularly those classified as GLP-1 receptor agonists, are monitored for safety through the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Yellow Card scheme. This voluntary reporting system allows healthcare professionals and patients to report adverse drug reactions, including potentially fatal outcomes.
As of January 2025, the MHRA has received 18 reports of fatal adverse drug reactions related to Mounjaro, with 10 linked to weight management. Similarly, there have been 29 fatal reports associated with semaglutide-based drugs (Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy), including four related to weight management, and 35 fatalities tied to liraglutide (Victoza), with eight connected to weight loss usage. Notably, Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Victoza, announced the discontinuation of the 6mg/mL pre-filled injection pens in October 2024, citing a portfolio consolidation effort.
Do the Drugs Cause the Deaths?
While these deaths were reported through the MHRA Yellow Card system, it’s important to note that such reports do not automatically indicate a direct cause-and-effect relationship with the medications. The Yellow Card scheme merely captures suspected adverse reactions and relies on voluntary reporting from both the public and healthcare professionals. The reported symptoms following medication use do not confirm that the drugs caused the fatalities; underlying health conditions or coincidental events may also play a role.
Moreover, as the use of these weight loss medications increases, so does the number of adverse event reports. However, factors such as the drug’s popularity, publicity, and ease of recognizing side effects may influence the frequency of these reports.
Should We Be Concerned?
Despite the reports of deaths, a direct causal link between weight loss injections and fatalities has not been established. Dr. Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the MHRA, emphasized that patient safety is a top priority and that no medication is approved without meeting stringent safety standards. She also reassured that new medications, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, undergo intensive monitoring to identify and address any emerging safety issues promptly.
Dr. Cave urged healthcare professionals and patients to continue reporting any suspected side effects via the Yellow Card Scheme, noting that when safety concerns are validated, appropriate steps are taken to mitigate risks.
Dr. Martin Michaelis, a professor of molecular medicine at the University of Kent, acknowledged that all medications come with inherent risks, including severe side effects in rare cases. He stressed that weight loss drugs, like any other medication, should be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, who can weigh the potential benefits and risks.
What the Manufacturers Say
Both Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, and Eli Lilly, which produces Mounjaro, have expressed a commitment to patient safety. They continue to monitor safety data and work closely with regulatory bodies like the MHRA to ensure the ongoing safety of their drugs. Both companies advise patients to report any adverse reactions to their healthcare provider and via the Yellow Card system.
Conclusion
While fatalities have been reported in connection with weight loss injections, there is no conclusive evidence linking these deaths directly to the medications. Health professionals and patients are urged to remain vigilant, report any side effects, and make informed decisions in consultation with medical experts. As the use of these drugs continues to rise, ongoing monitoring and safety measures remain a priority for both regulators and manufacturers.
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