An increasing number of patients in Australia are reporting serious health concerns after using popular weight-loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. These drugs, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, were originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes but have gained widespread attention for their effectiveness in supporting weight loss. However, dozens of users have now come forward with claims that these medications may have caused severe liver damage, including a condition called drug-induced hepatitis.

Australia’s medical regulatory body, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), is currently investigating the situation. According to their findings so far, three confirmed cases of substance-induced hepatitis have been directly linked to semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. Several other potential cases are under active review. The issue has become serious enough to prompt formal reporting to both national and international health authorities.

Symptoms described by those affected include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and an overall sense of illness—symptoms that, in some instances, were severe enough to require hospitalization. One woman reportedly became so ill after using Ozempic that she required intravenous treatment and medical supervision over a period of several days. She described feeling like she had the flu, only much worse.

The controversy arises at a time when these medications are being used off-label in large numbers for weight loss, even among people without diabetes. The drugs mimic a hormone called GLP-1 that helps regulate insulin and blood sugar, while also suppressing appetite. As a result, users often experience dramatic weight loss, but not without side effects. Some of these, like nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort, are well known. Others, like the potential for liver injury, are far more alarming and much less understood.

Dr. Emily Tucker, a clinical pharmacologist, explained that drug-induced liver damage can be difficult to diagnose since the symptoms are often nonspecific. However, she emphasized that with the rising popularity of these medications, doctors need to be vigilant. “If patients present with signs of liver dysfunction and are taking semaglutide or related drugs, clinicians should consider the possibility of drug-induced hepatitis,” she said.

Adding to the concern is the fact that semaglutide is not traditionally associated with liver damage in the broader medical literature. This has led some experts to speculate that rare or previously underreported reactions might be surfacing as more people begin using the medication, especially outside of its intended use. The scale of usage for weight loss has grown rapidly in recent years, particularly due to social media promotion and celebrity endorsements.

Despite the reports, the TGA has not issued any restrictions on the use of these medications. Instead, they are urging both healthcare professionals and patients to report any adverse events linked to GLP-1 drugs. As part of its safety monitoring, the agency is working closely with international bodies to assess the risk and decide whether regulatory changes are necessary.

Pharmaceutical companies involved, such as Novo Nordisk (maker of Ozempic and Wegovy) and Eli Lilly (maker of Mounjaro), have stated that patient safety is a top priority and that they are cooperating fully with health authorities. Both companies have noted that the benefits of their drugs outweigh the risks when used as directed, but they also acknowledge the importance of ongoing safety evaluations.

For now, patients are encouraged to speak to their doctors before starting or stopping any medication. Regular liver function testing may be advisable, especially for long-term users or those who begin to notice unusual symptoms.

As the investigation continues, the medical community remains alert to the evolving data. What began as isolated complaints has become a matter of international interest, highlighting the need for ongoing research into the long-term safety of these widely used weight-loss treatments.