GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Wegovy), are popular injectable medications prescribed to support weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. Typically administered once weekly over an extended period, these drugs can be effective for managing obesity, especially in people with associated health conditions like hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
According to NHS England guidelines, tirzepatide should only be used for weight management in eligible adults with obesity and additional weight-related health issues, while semaglutide is advised exclusively when prescribed through specialist weight management services.
Despite their benefits, GLP-1 medications are not without risks. While many users experience mild or no side effects, some may develop more serious issues—including acute pancreatitis, a potentially dangerous inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms of pancreatitis can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
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Acute pancreatitis may resolve quickly in some cases, but others can face severe complications such as pseudocysts on the pancreas, tissue necrosis, infections, or chronic pancreatitis, which can result in lasting pancreatic damage.
Earlier this year, the Yellow Card Biobank campaign urged individuals who have been hospitalized with acute pancreatitis while on GLP-1 therapies to report their experience. Dr. Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), emphasized the importance of genetic testing in preventing adverse drug reactions, noting that side effects cost the NHS over £2.2 billion annually in hospital stays.
Information collected through the Yellow Card scheme helps researchers identify those most vulnerable to severe side effects, enabling safer and more personalized medicine use. Individuals experiencing severe side effects or hospitalisation due to pancreatitis while taking GLP-1 medications are encouraged to report these cases, even if they don’t meet specific study criteria, as all patient safety data is valuable.