The FDA has been evaluating reports of suicidal thoughts or actions in patients treated with a class of medicines called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs).
These medicines are used to treat people with type 2 diabetes or to help those with obesity or overweight to lose weight.
The FDA’s preliminary evaluation has not found evidence that use of these medicines causes suicidal thoughts or actions. Information reported to the FDA was often limited and potentially influenced by other factors, and a clear relationship was not demonstrated.
However, because of the small number of suicidal thoughts or actions observed in both people using GLP-1 RAs and in the comparative control groups, the FDA cannot definitively rule out that a small risk may exist; therefore, the FDA is continuing to look into this issue.
At this time, 13 GLP-1 RAs are FDA approved, with more currently in research and development.
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