What is the risk associated with GLP-1 medications like Ozempic?

GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, carry a small risk of severe acute pancreatitis, a potentially fatal inflammation of the pancreas.

What are the symptoms of pancreatitis?

Symptoms of pancreatitis include extreme pain in the stomach and back that does not subside, along with fever and vomiting.

Are GLP-1 medications safe for most patients?

Yes, health officials state that for the vast majority of patients prescribed GLP-1s, they are safe and effective medicines delivering significant health benefits.

Home / Health / Diabetes Drugs Linked to Deadly Pancreatitis

Diabetes Drugs Linked to Deadly Pancreatitis

30 Jan

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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.

Diabetes Drugs Linked to Deadly Pancreatitis

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.