What is the new guidance from the MHRA regarding weight-loss jabs?

The MHRA updated its guidance to inform patients and healthcare professionals about the small risk of severe acute pancreatitis associated with GLP-1 weight-loss medications.

How many people have reported pancreatitis from weight-loss drugs in the UK?

The MHRA's yellow card scheme has received 1,143 reports of acute and chronic pancreatitis from patients taking semaglutide and tirzepatide, with 17 reported fatalities.

What are the symptoms of pancreatitis that patients should watch for?

Patients should be alert for symptoms such as severe, persistent stomach pain that may radiate to the back, and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Home / Health / Weight-Loss Jabs Linked to Severe Pancreatitis Risk

Weight-Loss Jabs Linked to Severe Pancreatitis Risk

30 Jan

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Summary

UK regulators updated guidance due to increased pancreatitis reports.
Over 1.6 million adults used GLP-1 weight-loss jabs in England, Wales, Scotland.
MHRA identified 1,143 pancreatitis reports, including 17 fatalities.

Weight-Loss Jabs Linked to Severe Pancreatitis Risk

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK has updated its guidance concerning GLP-1 weight-loss medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide. This action follows an observed rise in reports of severe acute pancreatitis associated with these drugs.

Between early 2024 and early 2025, approximately 1.6 million adults across England, Wales, and Scotland utilized these GLP-1 medications for weight loss. Pancreatitis is listed as an "uncommon" side effect in patient information leaflets, affecting about one in 100 individuals.

As of the most recent data, the MHRA's yellow card scheme has logged 1,143 reports of acute and chronic pancreatitis among users of semaglutide and tirzepatide, with 17 reported fatalities. A significant majority of these reports, 973, were logged in 2025. This update emphasizes the importance of patient and healthcare professional awareness of potential symptoms like severe, persistent stomach pain.