Data from the medicines regulator shows that since the drugs were licensed there have been hundreds of cases of acute and chronic pancreatitis among people taking GLP-1 medicines, the group of drugs that includes Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Health officials are now launching a new study into potential side effects and are urging users who experience pancreas problems to take part.
According to figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), there have been 181 reported cases of acute and chronic pancreatitis linked to tirzepatide – the active ingredient for Mounjaro. Five people died.
Another 116 reported reactions of this kind linked to liraglutide, one of which was fatal.
Yellow Card Biobank project, a study launched by the MHRA and Genomics England, will see researchers examine whether cases of pancreatitis linked to GLP-1 drugs may be influenced by peoples genetic makeup.
When a Yellow Card report is received, the MHRA will contact patients to ask if they would be willing to take part in the study.
GLP-1 agonists can lower blood sugar levels in people living with type 2 diabetes and can also be prescribed to support some people with weight loss.
Most side effects linked to the jabs are gastrointestinal including nausea, constipation and diarrhoea.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA’s chief safety officer, said: “Evidence shows that almost a third of side effects to medicines could be prevented with the introduction of genetic testing, it is predicted that adverse drug reactions could cost the NHS more than £2.2 billion a year in hospital stays alone.
Professor Matt Brown, chief scientific officer of 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.
“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, supporting a shift towards an increasingly prevention-focused healthcare system.”
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