Summary
People using certain weight loss injections like Wegovy should be aware of a rare but severe side effect called acute pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms include severe stomach and back pain that doesn't go away. The UK health agency advises that anyone experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor immediately.
Key Facts
- The weight loss drugs in question include Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic.
- The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued a warning about the rare risk of acute pancreatitis.
- Acute pancreatitis involves severe inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that helps with digestion.
- Symptoms of acute pancreatitis include severe and persistent stomach and back pain, possibly with nausea and vomiting.
- An estimated 1.6 million adults in England, Wales, and Scotland have used these medications recently.
- The MHRA stresses that the risk of these side effects is small but advises users to be aware of the symptoms.
- People should only use GLP-1 medicines if prescribed by a healthcare professional and discuss any benefits and risks with them.
