Weight-loss jabs, including Wegovy and Mounjaro, may carry a heightened risk of a possibly fatal pancreatic illness, health officials are warning.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which regulates drugs in the UK, announced on Thursday that using these medications increases the risk of developing acute pancreatitis-inflammation of the pancreas.
While a potential side effect, the MHRA now believes the risks associated with these drugs are more severe then previously understood.individuals using these medications should be vigilant for symptoms such as persistent, extreme pain in the stomach and back, potentially accompanied by nausea and vomiting, and seek immediate medical attention.
Product information for both healthcare professionals and patients has been updated to reflect these findings.
The MHRA has received over 1,000 reports of patients developing an inflamed pancreas while taking weight-loss medications. Even though serious cases remain rare, these reports include 19 deaths and 24 instances of necrotizing pancreatitis, a severe condition where pancreatic tissue dies.
Acute pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas, a vital organ located behind the stomach responsible for digestion, becomes swollen over a short period. The pancreas also plays a critical role in blood sugar control and insulin regulation, processes that can be affected by weight-loss drugs.
Treatment for pancreatitis typically requires hospitalization, where patients may receive fluids, oxygen, and antibiotics if an infection is present.Doctors generally focus on addressing the underlying cause, which is most often gallstones or excessive alcohol consumption. in cases linked to weight-loss drugs, discontinuation of the medication is likely necessary.
It’s notable to note that obesity itself is also a known risk factor for developing pancreatitis.
