By Domenic Chindamo – Pharmacist, Lygon Everyday Chemist, Brunswick East

In recent days you may have read alarming headlines about popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, Trulicity and Mounjaro - all belonging to the GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) class. 

The national regulator, the TGA, has just updated safety warnings for this group of medicines.

Because many Lygon Everyday Chemist patients and community members ask us about these, we believe it’s important to cut through the hype - and explain clearly what’s changed, what’s still unknown, and how you can stay safe.

What’s Changed: The TGA’s Updated Warnings (and What Triggered Them)

Mental-health & suicidality label changed

• The TGA aligned product warnings across the entire GLP-1 RA class to highlight that “suicidal behaviour and ideation have been reported.”
• As of 23 September 2025, its adverse-event database (DAEN) recorded 72 reports of suicidal ideation, 6 reports of depressional suicide, 4 of suicide attempt, 2 completed suicides, and 1 self-injurious ideation.
• That said - the independent advisory body consulted by the TGA concluded the evidence is not sufficient to prove a causal link between GLP-1 RA use and suicide/self-harm.

The bottom line: this is a signal of possible risk - enough to warrant caution, but not a definitive “these drugs cause suicide” conclusion.

Contraception warning (for Mounjaro/tirzepatide)

• For users of Mounjaro, taking the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) now carries a caution: TGA says reduced effectiveness cannot be ruled out during the first 4 weeks of treatment — and for 4 weeks following any dose increase.
• As a precaution, patients are advised to switch to a non-oral contraceptive method or add a barrier method during these times.
• None of the GLP-1 RA drugs are recommended during pregnancy.

• Earlier this year the TGA flagged a risk of pulmonary aspiration (inhaling stomach contents) if a GLP-1 RA user undergoes general anaesthesia or deep sedation — because these drugs can delay stomach emptying.
• For anyone booked for surgery or sedation: patients should tell their healthcare or surgical team about the medication to adjust fasting or procedural protocols accordingly.

What the Media is Reporting - And Where They’re Sensationalising It

The recent press coverage (for example via national outlets) emphasises the “suicide risk” headline - citing the 72 ideation / suicidality reports, and calling out “new health warnings” for popular weight-loss drugs.

That’s not wrong - but the framing often lacks context that matters:

• The TGA itself explicitly says the evidence isn’t strong enough to prove causality.
• Many people taking these drugs will never experience mental-health issues — and some studies (both in Australia and overseas) have found no overall increase in suicidal behaviour among users.
• Rapid weight-loss or underlying chronic illness (both common in patients using GLP-1 RAs) are themselves well-recognised triggers for mood changes — which muddy the data.
• Media pieces often omit updated contraception or anaesthetic guidance, which are important but less “click-worthy.”

In short - media attention tends toward alarm. That can create fear or misunderstanding. Our community (patients, pharmacists, doctors) needs calm, balanced information - exactly the kind we aim to provide.

What This Means for Patients - And What You Can Do

If you or someone you care for is using Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro or another GLP-1 RA:

• Do not panic or stop medication suddenly - especially if the drug is prescribed for serious health issues such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk or obesity-related conditions. Stopping abruptly can worsen those underlying conditions, which themselves affect mental and physical health.

Be alert and stay connected:

• Monitor mood, mental health, changes in behaviour.
• If you notice new or worsening depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts or unusual mood changes, talk to a trusted health professional immediately (GP, pharmacist, mental-health service).
• Women using Mounjaro + oral contraceptive pill - consider additional/alternative contraception during the first 4 weeks of treatment or after any dose change.
• If you’re scheduled for surgery or sedation - tell your anaesthetist or surgeon about the medication (due to delayed gastric emptying).

Don’t forget the potential benefits: Many people prescribed GLP-1 RAs derive significant physical health improvements - better blood sugar control, weight management, cardiovascular and metabolic risk reduction.

For many, the benefits may outweigh the very small potential risk flagged by TGA.

What Lygon Everyday Chemist Can Do for You

At Lygon Everyday Chemist, we’re committed to supporting our community’s health - with education, personalised care, and calm, evidence-based advice:

• Medication reviews / MedChecks: we can help you or your GP assess whether GLP-1 therapy remains appropriate, considering your mental health history, other meds, and long-term goals.
• Contraception counselling: if you’re on Mounjaro and the pill — we can advise on barrier methods or alternative contraception, discuss timing, and liaise with your GP if needed.
• Mental-health monitoring & support: we can help you create a “check-in” plan — regular mood reviews, look out for warning signs, liaise with GP or mental-health services if needed.
• Pre-surgery guidance: if you’re booked for surgery — we’ll help ensure the surgical team know about your GLP-1 medication and advise on safe fasting/anaesthesia planning.
• Trusted communication: we’ll interpret media reports, guide you to credible official sources (like the TGA), and avoid hype — so you’re always making informed decisions.

Final Word

The new TGA warnings are not a cause for panic, but they are a wake-up call for awareness and vigilance. 

Like all powerful medicines, GLP-1 RAs offer important benefits - but no drug is risk-free. What matters is that patients get accurate information, honest counselling, and ongoing monitoring.

At Lygon Everyday Chemist, we believe in integrity, education and community care. If you - or someone you know - are on one of these medications and concerned, come in, talk with us, or book a MedCheck. We’re here to help you navigate safely and confidently.