Every year, side effects from medicines are reported to the Norwegian Medicines Agency. In 2023, a record number of reports of suspected side effects against a specific substance used in medication for ADHD were reported. The side effects that have been reported have included poisoning and self-injurious behaviour.
Another substance that has received frequent reports of side effects is found in diabetes medicine and medicines for weight loss.
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Substance in adhd medicine on the list among the most notified
The most reported substance in 2023 was the RNA-based vaccine taken against the coronavirus. It received 229 notifications of side effects from the healthcare system.
Close behind on 222 reports from the health care and 59 from private individuals comes the substance lisdexamfetamine, which is used in the treatment of ADHD, which has not been on the list before. The drugs include Elvanse and Dexatin.
“The 222 reports on lisdexamfetamine from the healthcare system concern intentional poisoning with drugs, 145, intentional destructive action, 137, but also depression and dry mouth,” writes Aftonbladet
Eva Vikström Jonssonsenior physician and associate professor in clinical pharmacology at Karolinska University Hospital who Aftonbladet interviewed says that all drugs that have an effect also have side effects.
“It is very rarely possible to establish a connection in spontaneously reported side effects, but it is important to investigate side effects and also to collaborate globally on safety signals,” she says.
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Side effects from diabetes medication
Similarly, many side effects were reported against medicines with the substance semaglutide. A substance found in the diabetes medication Ozempic and in Wegovy used for weight loss. Mainly stomach problems have been reported there as a side effect, something that can happen with increased dosage. Then it is usually about side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation or other stomach problems.
– The most common side effect is that you feel sick, says Ylva Trolle Lagerrossenior physician at the Center for Obesity and also a researcher in the field, to Aftonbladet.
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So many are considered serious side effects
A total of 9,124 adverse drug reactions were reported in 2023. Of these, 3,268 were assessed as serious side effects, of which poisoning and self-injurious behavior are some examples. It writes The evening paper.
– It is roughly the same as previous years with the exception of 2021 and 2022 when an increased number of reports came in linked to vaccines against covid-19, says Karin Vengemyr at the Medical Products Agency.
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