MHRA’s chief safety officer said patient safety is “top priority”
MHRA’s Chief Safety Officer said patient safety is “top priority”(Image: PA)
People using GLP-1 medications have been cautioned about an uncommon yet potentially serious side effect. Approximately 1.6 million people across the UK have used these injections over the past year to assist with weight loss.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a fresh alert for both patients and healthcare professionals regarding a possible side effect that could prove severe. It urged anyone taking GLP-1 medication, including Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, to seek urgent medical attention if they experience it.
The agency said people should watch out for severe pain in the abdomen and back that persists. This could indicate acute pancreatitis, a condition where the pancreas, a small organ located behind the stomach, becomes inflamed and swollen.
Most sufferers of the condition typically begin to improve within approximately a week and experience no further issues, though some may develop more serious complications, according to the NHS.
The MRHA announced on Friday it had updated the product information for healthcare professionals and patients, including those taking the medication to lose weight, to make sure they knew of the risk, reports Wales Online. Alison Cave, MHRA’s Chief Safety Officer said: “Patient safety is the MHRA’s top priority and we continually monitor the safety and efficacy of all licensed medicines.
“For the vast majority of patients who are prescribed GLP-1s, they are safe and effective medicines which deliver significant health benefits. The risk of developing these severe side effects is very small, but it is important that patients and healthcare professionals are aware and alert to the associated symptoms.
“If you, or someone you care for, is taking GLP-1s and you notice symptoms such as severe, persistent stomach pain that may radiate to the back and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, then we advise you speak to a healthcare professional and report it via our Yellow Card scheme.”
Wegovy and Mounjaro are both licensed to be prescribed for weight loss while Ozempic is licensed for treating diabetes as well as reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. In a statement the MHRA said: “GLP-1s are prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and, for some products, weight management, and cardiovascular risk reduction in individuals with established cardiovascular disease and a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or more.
“Research recently published by University College London estimates that 1.6 million adults in England, Wales and Scotland used GLP-1s, such as semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), between early 2024 and early 2025, to lose weight.
“While GLP-1s are generally considered safe and effective for their authorised uses, like all medications they are not without risk. Those taking GLP-1s should be aware of the symptoms of severe pancreatitis and seek urgent medical attention if they experience them.”
Symptoms of acute pancreatitis
According to the NHS the most common symptoms of acute pancreatitis include:
suddenly getting severe pain in the centre of your tummy (abdomen)feeling or being sicka high temperature of 38C or more (fever)When to get medical help
The NHS advises: “See a GP immediately if you suddenly develop severe abdominal pain. If this isn’t possible, contact NHS 111 for advice.”