Weight Loss Jabs Pancreatitis Study Launched After Reports

UK Launches Study on Weight Loss Jabs Linked to Pancreatitis Risk

UK safety regulators have launched a major investigation into potential serious side effects of popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, following hundreds of reports linking them to pancreatitis.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Genomics England are urgently recruiting patients hospitalized with acute pancreatitis after using these GLP-1 drugs (also used for type 2 diabetes). Reports on the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme include hundreds of cases of acute and chronic pancreatitis, plus 10 patient deaths where pancreatitis was a factor – though a direct causal link isn't confirmed.

Key Details:

Study Focus: Identifying genetic factors that may increase pancreatitis risk.

Participants Sought: Adults (18+) hospitalized with pancreatitis after using weight loss jabs.

How to Join: Report via the Yellow Card website, then consent to provide detailed info and a saliva sample.

Goal: "Better predict those most at risk" using genetics, enabling safer prescribing (Dr. Alison Cave, MHRA).

Scale: MHRA estimates nearly 1/3 of drug side effects could be prevented with genetic testing, potentially saving the NHS £2.2 billion annually.

The study responds to growing safety concerns despite the drugs' potential in fighting obesity. Common side effects like nausea are well-known, but the pancreatitis link raises significant flags, especially with many users sourcing jabs via unregulated online channels.

"GLP-1 medicines have been making headlines, but like all medicines there can be a risk of serious side effects. We believe there is real potential to minimise these," stated Prof. Matt Brown of Genomics England, highlighting the aim for personalised, safer prescriptions.

Disclaimer: The health tips shared on this blog are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine. Content is based on publicly available sources and edited for clarity.