Weight loss jabs linked to potentially ‘fatal’ side effects as 10 deaths reported

At least 10 people have now died following side-effects allegedly caused by GLP-1 weight loss jabs.

Over a million people across the UK have been known to use forms of this weight loss medication, suggested to have “organ-destroying” effects. 

Experts from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have warned people that there may be a link with the GLP-1 drugs and inflammation of the pancreas.

So far, there have been 181 cases of pancreatitis reported to be linked to Mounjaro, along with five deaths, while 113 cases have been supposedly been linked to Wegovy and Ozempic, along with one death.

via Unsplash

Less popular GLP-1 drugs have also been reported to allegedly have caused deaths, reaching a total of 10 linked to the drugs.

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas, often requiring hospital admission. Symptoms include severe pain in the abdomen, nausea and fever.

Currently, there is no clear evidence of a causal link between the GLP-1 drugs and the deaths, meaning there is not enough information for the MHRA to restrict access of the drug to the public. 

However, UK health officials have launched a study investigating the side-effects of this medicine, looking into a potential genetic trait which may put individuals at a higher risk of developing pancreatitis if they take the GLP-1 drugs.

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The MHRA has requested that people who have experienced pancreatitis while using the jabs should report it to their “yellow card” system, and will be asked to provide a saliva sample and their genes tested to be further analysed.

Professor Matt Brown from Genomics England, said: “GLP-1 medicines like Ozempic and Wegovy 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, with many adverse reactions having a genetic cause.

“This next step in our partnership with the MHRA will generate data and evidence for safer and more effective treatment through more personalised approaches to prescription.”

Lilly, the UK manufacturer of Mounjaro, told Sky News that patient safety is its “top priority”.

The weight loss jab’s patient information leaflet “warns that inflamed pancreas (acute pancreatitis) is an uncommon side effect (which may affect up to one in 100 people),” the statement added.

The medical company “also advises patients to talk to their doctor or other healthcare professional before using Mounjaro if they have ever had pancreatitis,” it added.

Novo Nordisk UK, which manufactures Wegovy and Ozempic, also provided a statement, saying: “Patient safety is of the utmost importance to Novo Nordisk.

“Like all medications, side effects can occur and vary from patient to patient. The known risks and benefits of GLP-1 medicines are described in the Summary of Product Characteristics.

“We recommend that patients take these medications only for their approved indications and under the strict supervision of a healthcare professional, who can also advise on potential side effects.”

Featured image via Unsplash