ABC News (10/17, Shareef) reports, “A new study suggests that GLP-1 agonist medications like Ozempic [semaglutide], which are used for diabetes management and weight loss, may help reduce the risk of overdose and alcohol intoxication in people with substance use disorders.” The study “analyzed the health records of 1.3 million people from 136 U.S. hospitals for nearly nine years,” including “the records of 500,000 people with opioid use and more than 800,000 with alcohol use disorder.” Researchers found that “those who took Ozempic or a similar drug had a 40% lower chance of overdosing on opioids and a 50% lower chance of getting drunk compared to those who didn’t take the medication.” The findings were published in Addiction.
Healio (10/17, Viguers ) reports one researcher said “this broader therapeutic application could help reduce cravings and the risk of severe outcomes, including overdose and intoxication, which are critical issues in” the management of substance use disorders.
Also reporting is CBS News (10/17, Moniuszko ).
Related Links:
— “Weight loss drugs like Ozempic may help reduce overdose risks: Study,” Dr. Faizah Shareef, ABC News, October 17, 2024