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28th June 2025
02:41pm BST
The likes of Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy are being associated with an inflamed pancreas.
According to new figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), these weight-loss drugs could well be causing terrible side effects leading to death.
There have been 181 cases of acute/chronic pancreatitis and five deaths linked to Mounjaro, while Ozempic and Wegovy have one death and 113 pancreatitis reports attached to them (via Sky News).
Referred to as GLP-1 drugs, there's currently no direct evidence at play connecting them to these fatalities, which means the MHRA cannot impose restrictions.
Pancreatitis - symptoms include fever, nausea and severe stomach pain - also occurs in patients who aren't using GLP-1 products; approximately 560 in every 1,000,000.
Genomics England chief scientific officer Professor Matt Brown commented: "GLP-1 medicines like Ozempic and Wegovy have been making headlines, but like all medicines, there can be a risk of serious side effects.
"We believe there is real potential to minimise these, with many adverse reactions having a genetic cause. This next step in our partnership with the MHRA will generate data and evidence for safer and more effective treatment through more personalised approaches to prescription."
As these statistics hit the news, Mounjaro's UK manufacturer Lilly said its "top priority" is patient safety in a statement.
Mounjaro's accompanying leaflet states that "inflamed pancreas (acute pancreatitis) is an uncommon side effect (which may affect up to 1 in 100 people)."
Lily "advises patients to talk to their doctor or other healthcare professional before using Mounjaro if they have ever had pancreatitis."
Novo Nordisk UK, which manufactures Wegovy and Ozempic, added: "Like all medications, side effects can occur and vary from patient to patient. The known risks and benefits of GLP1 medicines are described in the Summary of Product Characteristics. We recommend that patients take these medications only for their approved indications and under the strict supervision of a healthcare professional, who can also advise on potential side effects."
