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Diabetes Drugs Linked to Deadly Pancreatitis
30 Jan
Summary
- GLP-1 medications carry a small risk of severe, potentially fatal pancreatitis.
- Symptoms include extreme stomach and back pain, fever, and vomiting.
- MHRA updated warnings for Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro.
Health authorities have updated product information for GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro to highlight a small risk of severe acute pancreatitis. This condition, characterized by intense abdominal and back pain, fever, and vomiting, can be life-threatening. The pancreas, crucial for producing digestive enzymes and insulin, can become severely inflamed.
While most patients recover within a week, some can develop serious complications such as tissue necrosis, leading to infection, sepsis, and organ failure. Tragically, Susan McGowan, 58, from North Lanarkshire, died in September 2024 from multiple organ failure and septic shock, with acute pancreatitis listed as a cause, and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) noted as a contributing factor.
Despite this risk, the MHRA emphasizes that for the vast majority of patients, these drugs are safe and effective for their licensed indications, with benefits outweighing potential risks. Approximately 1.6 million people in England, Wales, and Scotland have used these medications in the past year. Patients and healthcare professionals are urged to remain alert to symptoms and report any concerns.
