UK Regulator Warns of Small Risk of Severe Acute Pancreatitis with Weight-Loss Jabs
The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a warning about the small risk of developing severe acute pancreatitis associated with weight-loss jabs, particularly those containing GLP-1 medication. According to recent research, approximately 1.6 million adults in England, Wales, and Scotland have used these medications between early 2024 and early 2025.
Acute pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas, a gland behind the stomach, becomes suddenly inflamed, leading to severe abdominal pain, nausea, and fever. While the risk of pancreatitis is considered rare, there has been an increase in reports of this condition among patients taking semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), with 1,143 cases reported to date.
The MHRA has updated its guidance following an uptick in these adverse reactions. The regulator emphasizes that while the risk is small, it's essential for patients to be aware of the associated symptoms. If symptoms such as severe stomach pain radiating to the back and accompanied by nausea and vomiting are noticed, patients should consult a healthcare professional immediately.
Regulatory agencies Novo Nordisk, which manufactures Wegovy and Ozempic, and Eli Lilly, which makes Mounjaro, have issued statements assuring patients of their commitment to patient safety. These companies recommend that patients take these medications only for approved indications under strict medical supervision and emphasize the importance of reporting any potential side effects.
A separate study is underway to investigate whether an individual's genes may influence the risk of pancreatitis associated with GLP-1 medication, with the goal of predicting which patients are most at risk and prescribing the safest medicines accordingly.
The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a warning about the small risk of developing severe acute pancreatitis associated with weight-loss jabs, particularly those containing GLP-1 medication. According to recent research, approximately 1.6 million adults in England, Wales, and Scotland have used these medications between early 2024 and early 2025.
Acute pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas, a gland behind the stomach, becomes suddenly inflamed, leading to severe abdominal pain, nausea, and fever. While the risk of pancreatitis is considered rare, there has been an increase in reports of this condition among patients taking semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), with 1,143 cases reported to date.
The MHRA has updated its guidance following an uptick in these adverse reactions. The regulator emphasizes that while the risk is small, it's essential for patients to be aware of the associated symptoms. If symptoms such as severe stomach pain radiating to the back and accompanied by nausea and vomiting are noticed, patients should consult a healthcare professional immediately.
Regulatory agencies Novo Nordisk, which manufactures Wegovy and Ozempic, and Eli Lilly, which makes Mounjaro, have issued statements assuring patients of their commitment to patient safety. These companies recommend that patients take these medications only for approved indications under strict medical supervision and emphasize the importance of reporting any potential side effects.
A separate study is underway to investigate whether an individual's genes may influence the risk of pancreatitis associated with GLP-1 medication, with the goal of predicting which patients are most at risk and prescribing the safest medicines accordingly.
So I'm thinking...the fact that there's a small risk of developing severe acute pancreatitis with weight-loss jabs is kinda worrying 
, but let's put it into perspective - we're talking about a risk that's still tiny compared to other medical conditions out there 
. Like, for example, the risk of heart problems from statins or breast cancer from certain medications is way higher than this 
.
. If they can find a way to predict who's most at risk, it could lead to some personalized medicine breakthroughs 
. And I'm glad to see the manufacturers and regulatory agencies taking patient safety seriously - it's all about being proactive and transparent when it comes to new medications 
.
. Still, I think it's a good sign that the UK regulator is keeping an eye on things and making sure patients know what to expect 
i've heard about these weight loss jabs but didnt think they could be bad for you...1.6 million people in england alone taking them? that's crazy! and 1143 cases of severe pancreatitis? i feel like we need more research on the genes thing too 
, cant have patients getting messed up just because their body is a little different 
anyway, gotta make sure everyone knows about this risk and gets checked out by a doc ASAP 
. But now I know there might be something more serious going on? Like, what if I have pancreatitis?! 
I feel bad for those 1k+ people who've already reported this, hope they're all okay! Shouldn't the meds companies do more to warn us about these risks though? 
. The fact that 1,143 cases have been reported is still crazy low compared to how many people take these meds, but it's better to be safe than sorry, right? 
It's all about being proactive and checking in with our health, you know? 
THAT SOUNDS SO PAINFUL!!! WHAT IF YOU GET SEVERE STOMACH PAIN THAT RADIATES TO YOUR BACK?! 
AND THEN YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL AND WORRY ABOUT FINDING OUT YOU'VE GOT PANCREatitis... IT'S LIKE, OKAY, I GET IT, WEIGHT LOSS IS IMPORTANT, BUT IS IT REALLY WORTH THE RISK OF KILLING YOURSELF WITH THESE SHOTS?!