Stopping Ozempic-like drugs tied to doubled heart risk, study finds
People stopping GLP-1 drugs face roughly double the risk of heart attack, stroke or death, a study finds.
A new study of more than 80,000 Italians with type 2 diabetes found that stopping GLP-1 drugs was linked to worse heart outcomes. About four in every 100 people who stopped the medication had a heart attack, stroke or died.
About two in 100 who continued had these events. Australian health experts urge caution, saying the study cannot prove the drugs cause the protection or explain why people stopped.
The research suggests GLP-1 drugs may offer direct protection to the heart beyond their effects on weight and blood sugar. Doctors stress that anyone considering stopping these medications should talk to their doctor first.
More research is needed to understand the long-term effects and whether patients can safely reduce the dose or frequency.
Why it mattersFor people with type 2 diabetes using these widely prescribed drugs, the findings suggest staying on treatment long-term may protect their heart health.
AustraliaMany Australians use GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic for type 2 diabetes or Wegovy for weight loss, so this research affects treatment decisions here.
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