Health authorities are urging people using GLP-1 medications, such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic, for weight loss to be aware of a rare but serious risk: acute pancreatitis, a severe inflammation of the pancreas.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has updated its guidance for both patients and healthcare professionals, highlighting the symptoms to watch for, including persistent, severe stomach and back pain that does not subside. The agency advises users experiencing these symptoms to seek medical attention immediately.
While hundreds of reports of acute and chronic pancreatitis have been made by users of GLP-1 drugs, there is currently no confirmed evidence directly linking the medications to these cases. Nevertheless, an estimated 1.6 million adults in England, Wales, and Scotland have used drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro in the past year.
Dr Alison Cave, the MHRA’s chief safety officer, emphasized that these medicines are generally safe and effective for most patients. “The risk of developing these severe side effects is very small, but it is important that patients and healthcare professionals are aware and alert to the associated symptoms,” she said.
Dr Cave advised that anyone taking GLP-1 medications who experiences severe, persistent stomach pain—potentially radiating to the back and accompanied by nausea or vomiting—should contact a healthcare professional immediately and report their symptoms via the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.
The pancreas, a small organ located behind the stomach, plays a key role in digestion. While most people with acute pancreatitis recover within a week without long-term complications, severe cases can lead to serious health issues.
The MHRA reiterated that GLP-1 drugs should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Patients are encouraged to discuss the potential benefits and risks of these medications before starting treatment or switching to a different brand.
