Britt Jones
Doctors have come out to warn users of a strange side effect that can come from taking drugs that aid weight loss.
There have been many reported side effects from drugs that help people to shed pounds or are intended for treating type 2 diabetes but have been popularised for weight management, like Ozempic.
But this one isn’t PG.
Unlike this woman who found her need for sex increased like nobody’s business after taking weight loss jab Mounjaro, others have found a sadder impact.
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Semaglutide-based medications, like Wegovy and Ozempic, along with tirzepatide medications like Mounjaro, work by reducing insulin in your body by mimicking GLP-1 hormones.
This reduces your appetite and makes you feel fuller for longer, leading to a gradual weight loss. However, it can also cause issues in other areas of your body.
While the most common side effects of these drugs are reported by users and in clinical trials as being gastrointestinal-related and included nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, some people have also reported having erectile dysfunction, the inability to orgasm, an increased sex drive and premature ejaculation.
But why is this?
Well, according to a 2021 review, glucose-lowering medications could contribute to erectile dysfunction because of the effect on vascular smooth muscle and also your body’s blood flow. However, this looked at GLP-1 inhibitors and not semaglutide or tirzepatide specifically.
Regardless, with men reporting this concern, doctors have issued warnings about it.
“If losing a lot of weight improved a person’s blood pressure levels, for example, then they’ll probably see a boost in their ability to get and maintain an erection,” said Chris Szoke, NP, CDCES, a nurse practitioner to Everyday Health. “But some people might be more susceptible to the effects on smooth muscle function.”
According to a study which looked at people without diabetes, it found that 1.4 percent of men went on to report erectile dysfunction while taking semaglutide, while 0.14 per cent of men reported the same issue while not taking it.
Some data suggests GLP-1 receptors impact steady testosterone flow, leading to men suffering from this or a decreased sex drive. However, other research says the opposite.
A review published in 2022, found that GLP-1 receptor agonists improved diabetes and cardiovascular health, erectile dysfunction, and weight loss.
But it didn’t discuss semaglutide or tirzepatide specifically.
Another 2022 review also noted that GLP-1 receptor agonists could help reduce the risk of having erectile dysfunction, improve testosterone levels in those who are obese and also in those with type 2 diabetes.
So, if you’re going to take a weight loss drug, you might need to prepare for this effect - but research has reached different conclusions.
Statement from Eli Lilly
"Erectile dysfunction is not listed in ‘Possible side effects’ in the Mounjaro patient information leaflet. Patients should consult their doctor or other healthcare professional regarding any possible side effects they may be experiencing, including those not listed in the patient information leaflet, and can report them via the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme at http://www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard."
Novo Nordisk's response
"Patient safety is of the utmost importance to Novo Nordisk. We continuously collect safety data on our marketed GLP-1 RA medicines and work closely with the authorities to ensure patient safety. We recommend patients take these medications only for their approved indications and under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Treatment decisions should be made together with a healthcare provider who can evaluate the appropriateness of using a GLP-1 based on assessment of a patient’s individual medical profile.
We recommend that any UK patient experiencing side effects while taking GLP receptor agonists including Wegovy®▼, or Ozempic® report them to their healthcare provider and via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/."