The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a warning for anyone taking Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, or Mounjaro
Howard Lloyd Regional content editor
15:58, 03 Nov 2025Updated 15:59, 03 Nov 2025
A person using a Mounjaro injection(Image: PA)
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a warning for anyone taking Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, or Mounjaro. The health body made the appeal on social media for anyone suffering from a ‘severe reaction’ to GLP-1 medicine.
According to the Government website, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) are medications that help people feel more satisfied by copying a natural hormone released following meals. The MHRA explained that individuals experiencing adverse effects – especially acute pancreatitis – can report these incidents to assist researchers in gaining better insight into them and eventually achieve ‘safer prescribing in future’.
The complete message stated: “Has someone you care for had a severe reaction to a GLP-1 medicine? Help identify people at risk. Has someone you care for had acute pancreatitis while taking a GLP-1 medicine (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Mounjaro)?
“You can report it to Yellow Card on their behalf and agree to be contacted. They may be invited to join the Yellow Card Biobank (MHRA and Genomics England) to help researchers study how genetics may influence side effects – leading to safer prescribing in the future.”
The Yellow Card Biobank represents a collaboration between the MHRA and Genomics England, aiming to gain deeper insights into how an individual’s genetic composition might increase their susceptibility to adverse drug reactions, reports the Mirror.
Healthcare practitioners will utilise findings from this study to help shield patients from detrimental side effects by ensuring they receive the most appropriate treatment based on their genetic profile.
Within the UK, numerous authorised GLP-1 medications are available, including semaglutide marketed under the brand names Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus, tirzepatide (Mounjaro), and liraglutide (available under various brand names).
“Licensed” indicates they have undergone thorough evaluation by the UK’s medicines regulator, the MHRA, and received approval as safe and effective for particular applications.
The MHRA has not evaluated the safety and efficacy of these treatments when utilised beyond their authorised applications.
GLP-1s are medications authorised to address specific medical conditions and should exclusively be employed if you are overweight or diabetic, rather than for weight reduction for aesthetic or cosmetic reasons.
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