Weight loss drugs are all the rage these days. From Hollywood movies to Instagram reels, the so-called Ozempic face is everywhere. Millions of people around the world are currently on these drugs.
However, health authorities in the UK are now warning that those taking weight loss jabs could develop severe acute pancreatitis.
But what is pancreatitis? What do we know about the condition? How could taking weight loss jabs potentially cause it?
Let’s take a closer look.
What is pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is essentially inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ that is behind the stomach. It releases enzymes into your small intestine to aid digestion. The pancreas also secretes hormones such as insulin and glucagon, which help the body regulate blood-sugar levels.
Acute pancreatitis is different from chronic pancreatitis. The former occurs over a shorter period of time, while the latter results in the pancreas becoming permanently damaged.
The symptoms of acute pancreatitis include pain, nausea and vomiting. This usually occurs in the upper and middle abdomen. It can
result in fever and low blood pressure and manifest itself as weakness or dizziness.
The condition can also cause shortness of breath and decreased urination. Acute pancreatitis can also lead to lung injury or kidney failure. Clammy skin and jaundice can be a side effect.
Chronic pancreatitis can also cause pain, nausea and vomiting. However, it can result in long-term issues with the pancreas, including the ability to digest food and regulate blood sugar. Those suffering from chronic pancreatitis lose weight and have oily or very light-coloured stools.
What causes it? How can it be caught?
Pancreatitis can be caused by several issues. This includes gallstones – which form in the gallbladder – heavy use of alcohol and high levels of triglycerides.
But that isn’t all. Certain medications are also known to cause pancreatitis. The human body can develop pancreatitis as a result of infection, traumatic injuries and autoimmune conditions. Pancreatitis is also a genetic disease. In many cases, the cause of pancreatitis remains unknown.
Pancreatitis can be determined via:
What do we know about the study?
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK has warned patients taking GLP-1 medication, such as semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), that they may be at risk of developing pancreatitis.
These drugs were initially developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. However, they have exploded in popularity after it was found that they help people lose weight, mainly by suppressing the appetite.
The MHRA noted that the risk, though small, remains and that patients and doctors should be aware. It said it has received over 1,000 reports of patients developing an inflamed pancreas while taking such drugs. It noted that this includes 19 deaths and 24 cases of necrotising pancreatitis, wherein tissue in the pancreas dies.
Around 1.6 million adults in England, Scotland and Wales are thought to be on these weight-loss jabs. These drugs are known to induce mild side effects, including nausea, constipation or diarrhoea, in many users.
The Guardian quoted Dr Alison Cave, the MHRA’s chief safety officer, as saying, “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.”
The companies have responded to the MHRA’s announcement.
Novo Nordisk, which makes Wegovy and Ozempic, said in a statement, “Patient safety is of the utmost importance to Novo Nordisk. We recommend that patients take these medications only for their approved indications and under the strict supervision of a healthcare professional, who can also advise on potential side effects.
“We continuously collect safety data on our marketed GLP-1 medicines and work closely with the authorities to ensure patient safety.”
Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, added, “Patient safety is Lilly’s top priority. We take reports regarding patient safety seriously and actively monitor, evaluate and report safety information for all our medicines.
“The Mounjaro (tirzepatide) patient information leaflet warns that an inflamed pancreas (acute pancreatitis) is an uncommon side effect (which may affect up to 1 in 100 people) and advises patients to talk to their doctor or other healthcare professional before using Mounjaro if they have ever had pancreatitis. We continue to work with the MHRA to ensure that appropriate safety information is available to prescribers.
“We encourage patients to consult their doctor or other healthcare professional regarding any side effects they may be experiencing and to ensure that they are getting genuine Lilly medicine.”
With inputs from agencies
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