Semaglutide Compounding Safety Concerns: 10 Deaths Reported

SEMAGLUTIDE, a drug widely used for the management of type 2 diabetes and weight loss, has been linked to a concerning rise in fatalities, prompting a warning from the CEO of Novo Nordisk, the drug’s manufacturer. The compounding of semaglutide, often carried out outside licensed pharmacies, has been associated with at least 10 reported deaths in the United States.

Novo Nordisk’s CEO, Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, raised the alarm, underscoring the risks of compounded semaglutide preparations, which may not adhere to the same rigorous safety standards as commercially manufactured versions. Compounding pharmacies, which alter the form or dose of medications to meet individual patient needs, are increasingly offering semaglutide outside the established protocols set by the FDA.

The FDA-approved version of semaglutide has been subject to extensive clinical trials and regulatory oversight, ensuring its safety and efficacy. However, compounded versions are often created without oversight, leading to potential risks such as contamination, incorrect dosages, and improper storage.

This warning comes as the U.S. faces an increase in demand for weight-loss treatments and diabetic medications, leading some healthcare providers to seek alternatives to the high-cost commercial drugs. While compounded semaglutide may appear as a more affordable option, the safety concerns now raised by Novo Nordisk suggest that the risks may outweigh the benefits.

Healthcare professionals are urged to exercise caution when considering compounded versions of semaglutide and to prioritize FDA-approved treatments. Further investigations are underway to assess the full extent of the issue.

Reference: Compounded semaglutide associated with at least 10 deaths, Novo Nordisk CEO warns. CNN. November 6, 2024. Available at: https://whdh.com/news/compounded-semaglutide-associated-with-at-least-10-deaths-novo-nordisk-ceo-warns/. Last accessed: November 6, 2024.

Anaya Malik | AMJ