Weight-loss jabs Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy linked to hundreds of pancreatitis cases and six deaths

Weight loss jabs have been linked to hundreds of people fall ill with a deadly illness and 10 deaths, the United Kingdom drug warned the regulator.

THE Drugs And the Regulatory Agency for Health Products (MHRA) survey after 294 people suffered from acute and chronic pancreatitis after taking the shooting, the Mounjaro ingredient and the semaglutide, used in Ozempic And Wegovy.

Although none is proven directly by GLP-1 drugs, which are also used to treat diabetes, there are fears that we do not know enough about links, which encourages health officials to launch a new study on harmful side effects.

It comes a few days after Mounjaro was rendered During surgeries of general practitioners across England, while Ozempic and Wegovy can be obtained on the NHS by a weight management reference; However, Mounjaro and Wegovy can be purchased online in private.

It is believed that around 1.5 million people are currently taking weight loss – 4% of households in the United Kingdom – with Their popularity is soaring And the best doctor in the NHS, Sir Stephen Powis, saying that they Could soon Become the most commonly used medication.

But the experts expressed caution.

Dr Simon Cork, lecturer in physiology Anglia Ruskin Universitysaid: “The percentages of pancreatitis observed in clinical trials were low, but we know that many people are now buying these drugs in private. Small percentages in large numbers mean a growing number of people developing these conditions, although they remain rare.”

However, Dr. Cork said it was important to recognize that the risks associated with obesity prevailed over those who were attached to the taking of medication.

He added: “For the vast majority of people, these drugs will contribute to weight loss and are extremely safe. For a small number of people, important side effects will occur and it is important to ensure that people are watched by their health professionals.”

Among those who could have undergone a side effect of Mounjaro is Julie Bishop, 55, who received a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis after having gained the medication to lose weight. Although it has not been proven that the drug caused the condition, it called on users to understand the risks involved.

She said The independent: “I know many people who take it, so I was not initially anxious to use it. I think it would help if it was explained to people how their organs, like the pancreasare to the body, and the damage that a side effect can really cause.

“I would be tempted to come back on it, but only through the NHS. I think these drugs should really come to the public only by the NHS, potentially paying it, due to the risks involved. ”

The MHRA results come from medical reports of unfavorable incidents after patients took GLP-1 medication. Although the use of weight loss blows may have been a coincidence for an illness or death rather than responsible for this, the voluntary process of files could also mean that the problem is under-declared.

The figures also revealed that there were 116 cases reported in acute and chronic pancreatitis linked to the Liraglutide, one of which was fatal, and 101 cases reported cases related to the exenatide, including three fatals. Five deaths were linked to shooting and one to the semaglutide.

There were also 52 reported cases of acute and chronic pancreatitis linked to the dulaglutide and 11 to the lixisenatide. This means that a total of 10 deaths have been linked to GLP-1 drugs.

Consequently, the MHRA launches a study of those who suffer from pancreatitis linked to GLP-1 drugs, to find out if it can be influenced by genetic composition. He calls on people to point out all side effects thanks to a biobanque project of yellow cards, to run alongside Genomics England.

Dr. Alison Cave, MHRA security director, said: “Evidence shows that almost a third of side effects to drugs could be avoided with the introduction of genetic tests. It is predicted that undesirable reactions for drugs could cost the NHS more than 2.2 billion pounds sterling per year in the hospital stays.

“Information from the Biobank Yellow Card will help us to better predict the most risk of adverse reactions – allowing patients in the United Kingdom to receive the safest medicine for them, according to their genetic composition.”

Last year, a research team from the University of British Columbia in Canada find The fact that those who use weight loss could increase the risk of “serious gastrointestinal problems”, including inflammation of the pancreas.

Author Mohit Sodhi said that although events are rare, unwanted side effects “should be taken into account by patients who plan to use them for weight loss.”

The National Institute of Health and Excellence of Care Lists pancreatitis as a possible side effect of Mounjaro, which it recommends the use of NHS to manage obesity in patients who also follow a reduced calorie diet in parallel with increased physical activity.

A spokesperson for Lilly, who makes Mounjaro, said The independent who Patient safety was her absolute priority and said that she was actively monitoring the safety information about her drugs.

They said unfavorable incidents after taking medication could be caused by other factors, including pre -existing conditions.

They added: “The information leaflet on the Mounjaro patient warns that the fiery pancreas (acute pancreatitis) is a rare side effect (which can affect up to 1 in 100 people). He also advises patients to speak to their doctor or other healthcare professional before using Mounjaro if they have already had pancreatitis.

“We encourage patients to consult their doctor or other healthcare professional concerning the side effects they can live and to ensure that they get real Lilly drugs.”