Study Flags 15 Wernicke Cases Tied to GLP-1 Drugs as Millions Use Ozempic, Wegovy
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 13
Study Flags 15 Wernicke Cases Tied to GLP-1 Drugs as Millions Use Ozempic, Wegovy
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 13
Summary
Fifteen reported cases of Wernicke encephalopathy were identified in people taking GLP-1 receptor agonists, according to a new Clinical Nutrition study drawing on FDA reports, medical literature and one medical center.
Most cases involved semaglutide or tirzepatide, and patients often had vomiting, appetite loss, rapid weight loss or malnutrition—factors that can drive severe vitamin B1 deficiency.
Researchers said reports appeared more often among GLP-1 users than among people taking other drugs, but stressed the study cannot prove the medicines caused the neurological disorder.
Experts said the risk remains rare relative to the millions using these drugs, but warned persistent nausea, vomiting or very low food intake can become dangerous, especially for higher-risk patients.
Patients were urged not to stop prescribed GLP-1 treatment based on the findings alone, while researchers called for more study and clinicians emphasized nutrition and hydration during therapy.