Centrum Pharmacy Blog

Acetaminophen—commonly known by the brand name Tylenol—is one of the most widely used pain and fever medications in the world. Yet despite its long history of safe use when taken correctly, it remains one of the leading causes of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and acute liver failure in North America.

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Recent announcements from U.S. regulators have brought important clarity to patients using — or considering — popular GLP-1 weight-loss medications such as Wegovy, Saxenda, and Zepbound.

On January 14, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) formally instructed drug manufacturers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly to remove label warnings related to potential suicidal thoughts or behaviors from their blockbuster obesity medications. This decision follows an extensive and comprehensive safety review by federal regulators.

What Did the FDA Find?

According to the FDA, a detailed analysis of available clinical trial data, post-marketing surveillance, and real-world evidence found no increased risk of suicide or suicidal behavior associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists used for weight management.

Earlier, in January 2024, regulators had reported no clear link but noted they could not fully exclude a small theoretical risk. The latest review has now put those concerns to rest.

Importantly, the FDA also highlighted that GLP-1 medications used for diabetes treatment have never carried suicide warnings, reinforcing the consistency of the new labeling decision.

“Today’s FDA action will ensure consistent messaging across the labeling for all FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist medications,” the agency stated.

What Does This Mean for Patients in Canada?

While this announcement comes from the United States, it is highly relevant for Canadian patients. Health Canada continues to monitor GLP-1 receptor agonists closely, and Canadian healthcare providers rely on international safety data when counseling patients.

At Centrum Pharmacy, we emphasize that medication safety is dynamic and evidence-based. Regulatory decisions evolve as higher-quality data becomes available — and this FDA update reflects growing confidence in the overall safety profile of GLP-1 therapies when appropriately prescribed and monitored.

The Role of Pharmacist-Led Counselling

GLP-1 medications are powerful tools — but they are not “one-size-fits-all” solutions.

At Centrum Pharmacy, our pharmacists provide structured, individualized counselling for patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists, including:

• Reviewing mental health history and current medications
• Monitoring for known side effects such as nausea, dehydration, and gastrointestinal symptoms
• Reinforcing realistic expectations around weight loss and metabolic health
• Coordinating care with family physicians at Orleans Family Health Clinic, ensuring patients receive connected, physician-led follow-up

This approach reflects our commitment to the 4 C’s of care:
Complete, Comprehensive, Caring, and Connected Care.

The Bottom Line

The FDA’s decision to remove suicide warnings from GLP-1 weight-loss medications is reassuring for patients and providers alike. It underscores the importance of evidence-based regulation, ongoing surveillance, and — most importantly — professional guidance.

If you are using or considering a GLP-1 medication for weight management or diabetes, speak with a pharmacist at Centrum Pharmacy. We are here to ensure your treatment is safe, appropriate, and fully supported within a broader healthcare team.

Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.

As Canadians, we spend a significant portion of the year without sufficient sunlight to naturally produce vitamin D. Health Canada estimates that one in five Canadians does not get enough vitamin D, a deficiency that becomes even more pronounced during the winter months. In response, new federal food fortification rules came into effect at the end of 2025, requiring higher levels of vitamin D in commonly consumed foods such as milk and margarine.

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Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the most feared and life-altering diagnoses for patients and families alike. For decades, treatment options have been limited to symptom management rather than meaningful disease modification. That landscape has now begun to change.

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In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become an inevitable part of our daily lives. While a certain amount of stress can be motivating and even beneficial, chronic stress can have serious consequences on both our physical and mental health. Understanding how stress affects your body and finding ways to manage it is essential for maintaining overall well-being.

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For centuries, rosemary has been linked to remembrance and cognitive clarity. From ancient herbal practices to Shakespeare’s Ophelia saying, “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance,” this fragrant herb has had a long-standing reputation in traditional healing. But does science back up the claim?

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January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to increase understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, support individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease, and highlight steps we can all take to protect our brain health.

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Cold and flu season is in full swing! Protect yourself and your loved ones this winter by washing your hands frequently, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, keeping essential medications stocked, getting enough sleep, and dressing warmly. Your health matters to us at Centrum Pharmacy—we’re here to help you stay well all season.

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GLP-1 receptor agonists—such as Ozempic (semaglutide) and tirzepatide—represent a true therapeutic breakthrough in the fight against obesity and type 2 diabetes. Their benefits, including significant weight loss and protection against comorbidities like cardiovascular disease, are well-documented. However, as independent data from studies in the US and Canada shows, the biggest challenge lies not in the drug’s effectiveness, but in patient adherence.

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In Parts 1–3 of our series, we explored:

1. What patient steering is and how insurers use PPNs to direct prescriptions.
2. How it affects GLP-1 patients, delaying care and fragmenting treatment.
3. Why this is part of a wider pattern of insurer overreach threatening independent pharmacy care.

Now, it’s time to talk about action — what patients, providers, and policymakers can do to protect your right to choose your pharmacy.

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