GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have become widely popular for helping people lose weight and manage type 2 diabetes. While these medications have been praised for their life-changing effects, experts are now raising concerns about some rare but serious side effects.
In the UK, health regulators have received nearly 400 reports of serious pancreas issues, including a painful condition called acute pancreatitis, among people using GLP-1 drugs. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which collects and monitors drug safety through its “Yellow Card” system, is now urging caution and calling for further research.
What is acute pancreatitis?
Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas, a gland behind the stomach that helps with digestion and blood sugar control. The condition can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and fever, and often requires hospital treatment.
In most cases, patients recover with medical care, but it can turn serious or even fatal if complications arise. According to UK health officials, at least ten deaths have been linked to this condition among users of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro.
Drug pamphlets mention that pancreatitis is rare, affecting about 1 in 100 users, but the new findings have led to increased attention on the need for monitoring and early warning signs.
“Sometimes genes can influence the side effects an individual experiences when taking a medicine,” said a spokesperson from MHRA, suggesting that genetic screening in the future might help identify people at higher risk.
What do the drug makers say?
Pharmaceutical companies involved in making GLP-1 drugs say they are taking the issue seriously.
“Patient safety is our top priority,” said Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro.
“We recommend that patients take these medications only under the supervision of a healthcare professional,” said Novo Nordisk, which produces Ozempic and Wegovy.
Both companies say they are closely monitoring safety data and working with regulators to ensure risks remain low.
Is this problem only in the UK?
No. Though US regulators like the FDA have not yet started a formal investigation, they do require warning labels on all GLP-1 drugs about the risk of acute pancreatitis. They are also keeping a close watch on reports of side effects.
In the US, a 36-year-old woman reportedly developed pancreatitis just five weeks after starting semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic). A 2024 analysis showed 6,751 global cases of acute pancreatitis linked to GLP-1 drugs between 2005 and 2023.
One study even found that patients using these medications were twice as likely to develop the condition if they had taken the drug in the previous 30 days.
While the benefits of GLP-1 drugs are still considered to outweigh the risks for many people, experts advise using them only under medical supervision. If you are on Ozempic or a similar medication and experience symptoms like severe stomach pain or nausea, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
Doctors and patients alike are now being urged to watch for warning signs and make informed choices about these powerful drugs.