Diabetes Drug Linked to Cancer Risk: Warning Issued

Semaglutide, a drug primarily for diabetes and increasingly used for weight loss, is now linked to an increased risk of thyroid cancer. This risk is particularly significant for individuals with a personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2), who are strongly advised against its use.

Experts, including Dr. Anoop Misra, are alarmed by the rise in self-medication with both oral and injectable forms of semaglutide. His clinic has observed a significant increase in such cases, with patients presenting severe side effects like nausea, vomiting, and pancreatic pain. This trend is expected to grow as cheaper generic versions become more accessible in India.

Safe usage of these GLP-1 drugs necessitates careful patient selection by qualified medical professionals, such as diabetologists or endocrinologists. Contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding, a history of pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal diseases, and specific allergies. Rapid blood sugar improvements in diabetic retinopathy patients also require careful monitoring.

Dr. V. Mohan emphasizes the importance of correct dosage and slow escalation, stating the drug is intended for individuals with a BMI over 30 or those between 27-30 with obesity-related conditions. Improper dosing, as seen in a case of severe vomiting in Chennai, highlights the necessity of medical guidance. The drug's availability has also led to its misuse by unqualified individuals for aesthetic purposes.