The findings, published in JAMA, showed that the drugs, known as GLP-1 agonists, originally developed for the management of type-2 diabetes, including brands such as Vegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus and Saxenda, Which are associated with an increased risk of serious medical conditions. Stomach paralysis, pancreatitis and bowel obstruction.“Given the widespread use of these drugs, although these adverse events are rare, they are important for those thinking about using them for weight loss,” said first author Mohit Sodhi, an undergraduate in the experimental medicine program at the University of British Columbia (UBC). “Patients should consider these adverse events.” ,
He added, “The risk calculations depend on whether a patient is using these medications for diabetes, obesity, or just general weight loss. People who are otherwise healthy are more likely to experience these potentially serious adverse events.” May be less willing to accept.”
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The team examined the health insurance claims records of nearly 16 million US patients and people prescribed semaglutide or liraglutide, the two main GLP-1 agonists, between 2006 and 2020.
Compared with bupropion-naltrexone, another weight-loss drug, GLP-1 agonists were associated with a 9.09 times higher risk of pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause severe stomach pain and, in some cases, hospitalization. and requires surgery.
People using the drugs had a 4.22 times higher risk of bowel obstruction, which prevents food from passing through the small or large intestine, resulting in symptoms such as cramps, bloating, nausea and vomiting.
Surgery may be required depending on the severity.
The risk of gastroparesis or stomach paralysis was 3.67 times higher.
This condition restricts the passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine and results in symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain.
The study also found a higher incidence of gallstone disease, a group of conditions affecting the gallbladder, but the difference was not found to be statistically significant.
Researchers say that although such events are rare, with millions of people worldwide using the drugs, it could still lead to hundreds of thousands of people experiencing these conditions.
“These drugs are becoming increasingly accessible, and it is worrying that, in some cases, people may easily go online and order these types of drugs when they do not have a full understanding of what the potential What can happen formally? This is directly contrary to this mantra of informed consent,” Sodhi said.
In the meantime, researchers hope that regulatory agencies and drug manufacturers will consider updating warning labels for their products, which currently do not include the risk of gastroparesis.
“This is important information for patients to know so that they can seek timely medical help and avoid serious consequences,” Sodhi said.
–IANS
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