Weight Loss Jab Linked to Pancreatitis, Users Say

Following a rise in acute pancreatitis cases, UK health officials have started research on the negative effects of weight-loss medications.

Health regulators have started an investigation into side effects after hundreds of people reported pancreatic issues connected to receiving injections for diabetes and weight reduction.

GLP-1 medications (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) have been implicated in some deadly episodes of pancreatitis.

MHRA Responds to Alarming Trends in Patient Reports

The action was taken in response to a rise in acute pancreatitis reports to the Yellow Card program of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which keeps track of any negative drug and device responses in the United Kingdom.

An abrupt inflammation of the pancreas, a digestive gland situated behind the stomach, is known as acute pancreatitis. It frequently necessitates hospitalization. Fever, nausea, and excruciating abdominal pain are among the symptoms.

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According to patient information leaflets for GLP-1 drugs, pancreatitis is an “uncommon” side effect that affects approximately one out of every 100 individuals. Thus far, the program has received more than 400 cases of acute pancreatitis from individuals who have taken Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic, and liraglutide; more than half (181) of these cases involved tripeptide (Mounjaro).

In 2025, more than 25% of these cases were reported. Since the beginning of the year, the Yellow Card initiative has received reports of acute pancreatitis in 101 cases after using tripeptide (Mounjaro) and 22 cases after using semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy).

“We have noticed a rise in the number of Yellow Card entries linking GLP-1 medications and acute pancreatitis, along with increased usage,” a representative for the MHRA said.

Genetic Research May Unlock Clues Behind Adverse Reactions

The MHRA stated that it wished to determine whether any genetic variables were involved because of the impact this devastating disease has on sufferers. Anyone hospitalized with acute pancreatitis suspected of being caused by taking these medications is urged to report it to the Yellow Card program. On behalf of their patients, medical practitioners are also encouraged to report to the program.

The MHRA will then invite those patients to take part in the Yellow Card Biobank project, which is being conducted by Genomics England. Participants will be asked for more details in addition to a saliva sample that will be analyzed by scientists.

Given the severe effects this illness has on individuals, the MHRA stated that it was interested in determining whether any genetic factors were involved. It has urged anyone hospitalized with acute pancreatitis who may be connected to using these medications to notify the Yellow Card program. Additionally, medical practitioners are encouraged to report to the program on behalf of their patients.

Those patients will subsequently receive an invitation from the MHRA to participate in Genomics England’s Yellow Card Biobank study. Additional information will be requested from participants, along with a saliva sample that researchers will examine.

“Sometimes genes can influence the negative reactions that that someone experiences when taking medication, so in the context of the growing popularity of these medicines and the cases of acute pancreatitis we have received, we are exploring this further,” the MHRA stated, even though there is no known genetic link that increases the chance of acute pancreatitis while taking GLP-1 medications.

Pharma Companies Respond to Growing Concerns

According to studies, one out of every six hospitalizations is due to drug side effects.

Dr. Alison Cave, chief safety officer for the MHRA, said: “There is evidence that genetic testing could prevent almost one-third of adverse drug reactions. The NHS is thought to lose over £2.2 billion a year as a result of hospital admissions brought on by adverse drug responses.

A spokesperson for Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, stated that “patient safety is Lilly’s top priority.”

“We actively monitor, assess, and report safety information for all of our medications because we take patient safety reports very seriously. Although pre-existing conditions may be the source of adverse events, they should be reported under the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.

Acute pancreatitis, or inflamed pancreas, is a rare adverse effect that can affect up to 1 in 100 persons, according to the Mounjaro (tripeptide) patient information leaflet. Additionally, if a patient has ever experienced pancreatitis, it is suggested that they consult their physician or other healthcare provider before using Mounjaro.

A representative for Novo Nordisk UK, the company that manufactures Wegovy and Ozempic, stated: “Novo Nordisk places the highest priority on patient safety. Side effects are possible with all drugs and can differ from patient to patient. The overview of product characteristics outlines the known dangers and advantages of GLP1 medications.

“We encourage patients to use these drugs only as prescribed by a physician, who can also provide advice on possible adverse effects, and under close supervision.

To guarantee patient safety, we closely collaborate with the authorities and gather safety data on our marketed GLP-1 medications on a regular basis. Our GLP-1 medications continue to have a favourable benefit-to-risk profile, and we are open to any new studies that advance our knowledge of how to treat patients with chronic illnesses.