Stopping Ozempic may raise heart attack and stroke risk

A large study suggests the cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound can disappear surprisingly quickly when treatment stops. After two years off the medications, patients had a 22% higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and death compared with those who stayed on them. Stopping Ozempic may raise heart attack and stroke risk.

Stopping Ozempic may raise heart attack and stroke risk Science News from research organizations Stopping Ozempic may raise heart attack and stroke risk Stopping GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound may have consequences that go well beyond regaining weight. Adults now use these medications, which are also known to provide cardiovascular benefits. But new research suggests that those heart benefits may fade quickly when treatment is stopped.

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Veterans with type 2 diabetes for three years. They found that interrupting or stopping GLP-1 treatment for as little as six months was associated with a meaningful increase in the risk of major cardiovascular events compared with remaining on the medication.