Tens of thousands of people in the UK are taking popular weight loss and diabetes medications, but new data from the UK’s medicines regulator highlights a potential serious side effect: inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which has been linked to reports of death.
Figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) indicate an association between a group of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists – including well-known names like Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic – and hundreds of reported cases of pancreatitis and fatalities.
UK Regulator Data Reveals Link
Since these GLP-1 drugs were licensed, the MHRA has received reports via its Yellow Card system detailing instances of pancreatitis among users.
Reported Cases and Deaths:
Mounjaro (active ingredient: tirzepatide) has been linked to 181 reported cases of acute or chronic pancreatitis, including five deaths.
Wegovy and Ozempic (both containing semaglutide) are associated with 113 reports of pancreatitis and one death.
Other less commonly used GLP-1 drugs have also had cases and deaths reported in connection with the condition.
Across all GLP-1 medicines, official figures include 306 reports of acute pancreatitis and 68 reports of chronic pancreatitis, with a total of 10 reported deaths where pancreatitis was mentioned as a suspected side effect.
Important Caveat: Association, Not Proven Cause
Crucially, the MHRA data shows a link or association based on reported cases, but there is currently no definitive evidence that the drugs directly caused these deaths or instances of pancreatitis. The evidence is not considered strong enough by the regulator to restrict access to these medications. This cautious stance is partly because pancreatitis is a condition that occurs naturally in the general population (around 560 cases per one million people annually), most often triggered by factors like gallstones and alcohol.
Patient Experiences Highlight Severity
Despite the lack of proven direct causation in individual cases, personal accounts underscore the severity of the condition. Lorna Edgar, who used Saxenda (another GLP-1 drug), described her experience with acute pancreatitis as feeling “like someone had just stabbed me.” She suffered severe pain, fever, and nausea, leading to a five-day hospital stay and eventual gallbladder removal. Ms. Edgar now lives with chronic digestive problems she believes were caused by the medication, stating it has caused “long-term medical health problems, which is worse than being overweight or obese.”
Similarly, Julie Bishop reported developing acute pancreatitis less than two months after starting Mounjaro, which she purchased online. After successfully losing significant weight, she experienced severe stomach pain requiring multiple hospital visits. While doctors are investigating the link, they also suggested high cholesterol from rapid weight loss potentially causing gallstones as an alternative cause for her pancreatitis. Ms. Bishop voiced concern about the level of risk communication from online providers compared to accessing the drug via the NHS.
Understanding Pancreatitis: Symptoms and Risks
Pancreatitis involves inflammation of the pancreas, a vital organ involved in digestion. Key symptoms include:
Severe pain, typically in the centre of the abdominal area
Fever
Nausea and vomiting
Acute pancreatitis requires hospital treatment, usually involving fluids and oxygen, and most people recover within days. However, complications can arise, and tragically, around 5% of acute cases are fatal.
Investigating Genetic Links: The New Study
In response to these reports and to better understand adverse drug reactions, the MHRA is partnering with Genomics England to launch the Yellow Card Biobank project. This groundbreaking study will explore whether an individual’s genetic makeup might increase their risk of developing pancreatitis when taking GLP-1 drugs.
People who have reported pancreatitis while using these jabs via the Yellow Card scheme and were admitted to hospital may be invited to participate. This involves providing additional information and a saliva sample for genetic analysis.
Experts believe many adverse drug reactions could have a genetic basis. Dr. Alison Cave, MHRA’s chief safety officer, highlighted that genetic testing could potentially prevent almost a third of medicine side effects, saving the NHS an estimated £2.2 billion annually in related hospital stays. Professor Matt Brown, chief scientific officer at Genomics England, echoed this, stating the study aims to generate data for “safer and more effective treatment through more personalised approaches to prescription,” moving towards a prevention-focused healthcare system.
Balancing Risks and Benefits
The use of any medication involves weighing potential risks against expected benefits. For many, GLP-1 jabs offer significant advantages:
They effectively lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes.
They lead to substantial weight loss.
Studies have shown they can reduce deaths from cardiovascular disease by as much as 20% in certain populations.
For individuals with significant health issues like type 2 diabetes or obesity, the benefits often outweigh the acknowledged risks. However, the article serves as a “wake-up call” for people who are only slightly overweight and accessing these powerful medications privately for minor weight loss without close medical supervision. Pancreatitis is just one of many potential side effects, and these drugs impact various organs beyond appetite regulation.
It’s worth noting that access pathways differ: Mounjaro is now available via NHS GPs for eligible patients, while Ozempic and Wegovy typically require referral to specialist weight management services on the NHS.
Manufacturer Responses
Manufacturers emphasize patient safety as their top priority. Lilly, which makes Mounjaro, states that its patient information leaflet lists inflamed pancreas (acute pancreatitis) as an uncommon side effect (potentially affecting up to 1 in 100 people) and advises patients with a history of pancreatitis to consult their doctor.
Novo Nordisk, manufacturers of Wegovy, Saxenda, and Ozempic, similarly stated that side effects can occur and vary. They recommend taking these medications only for approved indications and under the strict supervision of a healthcare professional who can advise on potential side effects.
Patients are encouraged to report any suspected side effects to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme to help improve drug safety monitoring. While GLP-1 drugs offer significant benefits for many, understanding the potential risks, including pancreatitis, and ensuring appropriate medical oversight are crucial.
