400 Pancreas Problems: Weight Loss Drugs Under Investigation

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Mounjaro users reported 181 cases of pancreatitis with five deaths, while Ozempic and Wegovy were linked to 113 cases and one death, according to MHRA data.

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These GLP-1 drugs work by mimicking natural hormones that stimulate insulin production, but this mechanism might trigger dangerous pancreas inflammation in some users.

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"The medications stimulate the pancreas to make insulin, so in an already inflamed organ, this might tip someone over the edge," explains Dr. Rekha Kumar, Cornell medicine professor.

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Severe abdominal pain radiating to the back, nausea, vomiting, and fever are key warning signs of pancreatitis that require immediate medical attention.

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Research shows certain groups face higher risks: those with type 2 diabetes, tobacco users, and people with advanced kidney disease.

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Surprisingly, having a higher BMI (over 36) appears to provide some protection against developing pancreatitis with these medications.

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Julie Bishop, 55, lost two-and-a-half stone in eight weeks on Mounjaro before being hospitalized with acute pancreatitis and told to stop the medication.

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The MHRA is now studying whether genetic factors influence who develops this serious side effect, encouraging affected patients to provide DNA samples.

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Despite the risks, manufacturers note that patient information already lists pancreatitis as an "uncommon" side effect, potentially affecting up to 1 in 100 people.

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