New reports have sounded the alarm on Mounjaro (tirzepatide). This drug, approved for weight-loss and diabetes management, has caused pancreatic issues in hundreds of patients. The Medication and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has launched a study to look into these side effects in more detail.
Novo Nordisk’s Mounjaro has been linked to acute pancreatitis. This condition, known as acute pancreatitis, is a dangerous and painful inflammation of the pancreas. As the patient information leaflet for Mounjaro clearly states, acute pancreatitis is a known side effect. While this is very rare, it can happen in as many as 1 in 100 users. New data from the UK’s Yellow Card scheme suggests a very different and disturbing trend growing in the number of reported cases.
As of the start of 2025, the Yellow Card scheme has logged 101 instances of acute pancreatitis associated with Mounjaro. That just under half of the 400 total reports received for acute pancreatitis are associated with Mounjaro. This counts all reports that they have received on other similar drugs in class including Wegovy, Ozempic, and liraglutide. Remarkably, over one-quarter of these cases have developed in only the first three months of this year, signalling that complications continue to thrive.
The MHRA recommends that anyone with a known history of pancreatitis should discuss with their healthcare professional before starting Mounjaro. While this added precaution highlights the importance of patient education and awareness of potential risks involved with the drug, many advocates believe this is insufficient.
Dr. Alison Cave, stressed that genetic testing should be standard practice. She thinks its most important function is preventing negative drug reactions.
“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 cost the NHS more than £2.2bn a year in hospital stays alone.” – Dr Alison Cave, MHRA’s chief safety officer
Perhaps the most powerful implications of these findings are those for the patients and the people who provide their healthcare. Adverse reactions to medications such as Mounjaro now account for one out of six hospital admissions. This disturbing statistic underscores the importance of careful prescribing and patient counseling.
The MHRA has already been looking into the side effects of weight loss and diabetes medicines. Ultimately, their hope is to get a better picture of the risks associated with these treatments. Industry stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and patients, will need to actively steer through this new stormy landscape. It’s important to track adverse events closely and research innovative approaches, such as genetic testing, to increase patient safety.
“Patient safety is of the utmost importance to Novo Nordisk. Like all medications, side effects can occur and vary from patient to patient.” – Novo Nordisk UK spokesperson
The MHRA’s ongoing investigation into the side effects of weight loss and diabetes medications aims to better understand the risks associated with these treatments. As healthcare professionals and patients navigate this landscape, it becomes crucial to monitor adverse events carefully and consider new methods, such as genetic testing, to enhance patient safety.