“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.”
While both Wegovy and Mounjaro are licensed for weight loss prescriptions, Ozempic is approved for diabetes treatment as well as reducing heart attack and stroke risk. The MHRA stated: “GLP-1s are prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and, for some products, weight management, and cardiovascular risk reduction in individuals with established cardiovascular disease and a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or more.
“Research recently published by University College London estimates that 1.6 million adults in England, Wales and Scotland used GLP-1s, such as semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), between early 2024 and early 2025, to lose weight.
“While GLP-1s are generally considered safe and effective for their authorised uses, like all medications they are not without risk. Those taking GLP-1s should be aware of the symptoms of severe pancreatitis and seek urgent medical attention if they experience them.”
Symptoms of acute pancreatitis
According to the NHS the most common symptoms of acute pancreatitis include:
- suddenly getting severe pain in the centre of your tummy (abdomen)
- feeling or being sick
- a high temperature of 38C or more (fever)
When to get medical help
The NHS advises: “See a GP immediately if you suddenly develop severe abdominal pain. If this isn’t possible, contact NHS 111 for advice.”
