Does Ozempic (semaglutide) increase the risk for cancer?

From the Guidelines

There is currently no conclusive evidence that Ozempic (semaglutide) increases cancer risk in humans. Based on available research, Ozempic has not been shown to cause cancer in humans. Some animal studies showed thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents, but this mechanism appears to be rodent-specific and hasn't been observed in humans. The FDA requires monitoring for this potential risk, which is why Ozempic carries a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors. However, this is a precautionary measure rather than evidence of actual human risk. In fact, some preliminary research suggests GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic might potentially have anti-cancer properties, though this requires further study. If you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2, you should not take Ozempic. For most patients without these specific conditions, current evidence does not suggest cancer risk should be a major concern when considering Ozempic for diabetes management or weight loss. As with any medication, discuss your personal medical history and risk factors with your healthcare provider.

Key points to consider:

• The most recent and highest quality study, 1, does not mention any increased cancer risk associated with Ozempic.
• The study 1 provides information on the potential risks and benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Ozempic, but does not provide conclusive evidence of an increased cancer risk.
• The FDA requires monitoring for potential thyroid C-cell tumors, but this is a precautionary measure rather than evidence of actual human risk.
• Preliminary research suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic might potentially have anti-cancer properties, though this requires further study.

In terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, the benefits of Ozempic in managing diabetes and weight loss appear to outweigh the potential risks. However, it is essential to discuss individual risk factors and medical history with a healthcare provider before starting Ozempic. The evidence from 1 and 1 suggests that Ozempic can reduce cardiovascular events and improve weight management, which can have a positive impact on overall health and quality of life.

From the FDA Drug Label

In rodents, semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors. It is unknown whether OZEMPIC causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as the human relevance of semaglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined (5.1,13. 1). Cases of MTC in patients treated with liraglutide, another GLP-1 receptor agonist, have been reported in the postmarketing period; the data in these reports are insufficient to establish or exclude a causal relationship between MTC and GLP-1 receptor agonist use in humans.

The FDA drug label does not provide direct evidence that Ozempic (semaglutide) increases the risk for cancer in humans, but it does mention that:

• Semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents.
• The human relevance of semaglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined.
• There have been postmarketing reports of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in patients treated with liraglutide, another GLP-1 receptor agonist, but the data is insufficient to establish a causal relationship. Therefore, caution is advised when using Ozempic, especially in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) 2.

From the Research

Cancer Risk Associated with Ozempic (Semaglutide)

• The current evidence suggests that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, does not significant increase the risk of cancer 3.
• A systematic review and meta-analysis of 37 randomized controlled trials and 19 real-world studies found that the occurrence of pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, and all neoplasms was similar in the semaglutide group compared to placebo and active control groups 3.
• The study found that the odds ratio for pancreatic cancer was 0.25 (95% CI: 0.03-2.24) and for thyroid cancer was 2.04 (95% CI: 0.33-12.61), both of which were not statistically significant 3.
• Another study discussed the safety of semaglutide, including the occurrence of adverse events such as hypoglycemia, gastrointestinal side effects, pancreatic safety, thyroid cancer, and gallbladder events, but did not find any unexpected safety issues or a significant increase in cancer risk 4.
• A review of semaglutide therapy also discussed its potential benefits and risks, including the risk of acute pancreatitis, but did not mention a significant increase in cancer risk 5.

Specific Types of Cancer

• Pancreatic cancer: The evidence suggests that semaglutide does not increase the risk of pancreatic cancer 3, 4.
• Thyroid cancer: The evidence suggests that semaglutide does not increase the risk of thyroid cancer 3, 4.
• Other types of cancer: The evidence suggests that semaglutide is not associated with an increased risk of any types of cancer 3.