Health officials warn weight loss jabs can cause potentially fatal side effect as they reveal the symptoms to look out for
Health experts have issued warnings to people using GLP-1 medications, as well as their doctors, to look out for signs of a condition which could impact the pancreas and pave the way to potentially fatal results.
In a statement published on January 29, the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced that it had updated the product information for all Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists to draw attention to the potential risk of users developing severe acute pancreatitis.
The warning impacts both patients and doctors, with officials urging healthcare professionals to 'remain vigilant for signs and symptoms of acute pancreatitis in patients treated with GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists'.
Why are officials warning GLP-1 users about pancreatitis?
In its announcement, the MHRA reported that between 2007 and October 2025, it received 1,296 Yellow Card reports of pancreatitis associated with the medications, which are typically used to treat type 2 diabetes and manage weight.
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Of the reports, 19 were fatal and 24 were reported as necrotizing pancreatitis.
While the MHRA acknowledged that acute pancreatitis is a recognized side effect of the medications, it noted that some rare reports of the condition have been 'particularly severe, including necrotising and fatal pancreatitis'.
Since pancreatitis can be difficult to identify in its early stages, officials advised that the product information for GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists should better reflect the potential severity of the condition.
What is acute pancreatitis?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which can lead to swelling and pain, as well as changes in how the pancreas works.
The condition can lead to serious complications if left untreated, including kidney failure, breathing problems, infections, malnutrition, weakening of the bones, diabetes and pancreatic cancer.
Another complication of acute pancreatitis is necrotizing pancreatitis, which is when part of your pancreas dies.
To help raise awareness of the symptoms of pancreatitis, the MHRA urged both doctors and patients to be vigilant if they experience abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting.
Patients are also urged to speak to a doctor if they develop severe and persistent abdominal pain, which can be felt in the back and could be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Doctors have been warned to stop treating patients with GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists if pancreatitis is suspected.
What have experts said about the risks of pancreatitis with GLP-1 medications?
Dr Alison Cave, the MHRA's chief safety officer, stressed that 'for the vast majority of patients who are prescribed GLP-1s', the medications are 'safe and effective'.
However, per the BBC, Dr Cave continued: "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.
"If you, or someone you care for, is taking GLP-1s and you notice symptoms such as severe, persistent stomach pain that may radiate to the back and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, then we advise you speak to a healthcare professional and report it via our Yellow Card scheme, external."
In response to the MHRA's update, a spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, told LADbible Group: "Patient safety is of the utmost importance to Novo Nordisk. Like all medications, side effects can occur and vary from patient to patient. The known risks and benefits of GLP-1 medicines are described in the Summary of Product Characteristics."
Novo Nordisk's statement continues: "We recommend that patients take these medications only for their approved indications and under the strict supervision of a healthcare professional, who can also advise on potential side effects.
"Although the frequency of acute pancreatitis is uncommon, healthcare professionals should be aware that pancreatitis has been associated with GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists, and to stay alert to signs and symptoms in their patients.
"We continuously collect safety data on our marketed GLP-1 medicines and work closely with the authorities to ensure patient safety. The MHRA tracks reports of all adverse events registered against medicines, and in rare instances, pancreatitis has been associated with GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists in its database, stemming back to 2007, almost 20 years.
"The benefit-risk profile of our GLP-1 medicines remains positive, and we welcome any new research that will improve our understanding of treatments for people living with chronic diseases."
A statement from Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, said: "Patient safety is Lilly’s top priority. We take reports regarding patient safety seriously and actively monitor, evaluate, and report safety information for all our medicines.
"The Mounjaro (tirzepatide) Patient Information Leaflet warns that inflamed pancreas (acute pancreatitis) is an uncommon side effect (which may affect up to 1 in 100 people) and advises patients to talk to their doctor or other healthcare professional before using Mounjaro if they have ever had pancreatitis. We continue to work with the MHRA to ensure that appropriate safety information is available to prescribers.
"We encourage patients to consult their doctor or other healthcare professional regarding any side effects they may be experiencing and to ensure that they are getting genuine Lilly medicine."
Topics: Ozempic, Weight loss, Health
Emily Brown