GLP-1 Drugs: Pancreatitis Risk – MHRA Warning

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LONDON, May 16, 2024 – A familiar buzz surrounds the popular GLP-1 medications-Ozempic, Wegovy, and similar drugs-but now itS accompanied by a serious note of caution. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has updated safety information for GLP-1 receptor agonists, used for both weight loss and type 2 diabetes, after receiving reports of rare cases of necrotising and fatal pancreatitis.

Safety Alert Issued for Widely Used Medications

The MHRA’s update highlights potential risks associated with these increasingly popular drugs.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The MHRA has updated safety information for GLP-1 drugs.
• Reports involve rare cases of necrotising and fatal pancreatitis.
• Healthcare professionals are advised to assess patients for symptoms.
• Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience persistent abdominal pain.

What are GLP-1 drugs and why are they so popular? These medications, initially developed for managing type 2 diabetes, mimic a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite, leading to weight loss. Drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic,Wegovy) and liraglutide (Saxenda) have gained widespread attention for their effectiveness in helping people lose weight,even among those without diabetes.

Pancreatitis: A Serious Concern

The MHRA’s safety dialog, issued on May 15, 2024, details the reports of acute pancreatitis, some cases resulting in necrotising pancreatitis-a severe and potentially life-threatening form of the condition. While a causal link hasn’t been definitively established, the agency is advising healthcare professionals to be vigilant.

Did you know? Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

What Should Patients Do?

the MHRA advises healthcare professionals to assess patients for symptoms of pancreatitis before initiating GLP-1 treatment and to monitor them during therapy. Patients are urged to seek immediate medical attention if they experience persistent abdominal pain, potentially radiating to the back, accompanied by nausea or vomiting. The agency emphasized that the reported cases are rare,but the potential severity warrants caution.

As of May 15, 2024, the MHRA has not issued a recall for these medications, but continues to monitor the situation closely. The updated safety information serves as a reminder that even widely used and effective