The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued updated guidance for healthcare professionals and patients regarding the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) and dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists. Announced today, January 29, 2026, the update highlights a small but significant risk of severe acute pancreatitis associated with these medications.
Acute pancreatitis, while a known side effect, remains infrequent among users of GLP-1s. However, in extremely rare cases, the complications can become particularly severe. The MHRA urges clinicians and patients to remain vigilant for initial symptoms, such as severe, persistent stomach pain that may radiate to the back, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Understanding GLP-1s and Their Uses
GLP-1s are primarily prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In addition, certain products are approved for weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction in individuals with established cardiovascular disease and a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m2 or more. Recent research from University College London estimates that between early 2024 and early 2025, approximately 1.6 million adults in England, Wales, and Scotland used GLP-1s, such as semaglutide (marketed as Wegovy and Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), for weight loss.
While these medications are generally considered safe and effective, they are not without risks. Patients are advised to be aware of the symptoms of severe pancreatitis and to seek urgent medical attention if they experience them.
Expert Insights and Safety Measures
Alison Cave, MHRA’s Chief Safety Officer, emphasized the agency’s commitment to patient safety.
“Patient safety is the MHRA’s top priority, and we continually monitor the safety and efficacy of all licensed medicines. For the vast majority of patients who are prescribed GLP-1s, they are safe and effective medicines which deliver significant health benefits,”
she stated.
Cave also noted the importance of awareness among patients and healthcare professionals.
“The risk of developing these severe side effects is very small, but it is important that patients and healthcare professionals are aware and alert to the associated symptoms. If you, or someone you care for, is taking GLP-1s and you notice symptoms such as severe, persistent stomach pain that may radiate to the back and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, then we advise you speak to a healthcare professional and report it via our Yellow Card scheme.”
Research and Future Directions
The Yellow Card Biobank, a collaboration between the MHRA and Genomics England, is actively recruiting patients taking GLP-1s to investigate whether genetic factors may influence the risk of developing an inflamed pancreas. This research aims to predict which patients might be most susceptible to adverse reactions, thereby enabling more personalized and safer prescribing practices in the future.
Guidance on the potential side effects of GLP-1s, as well as advice on their safe and effective use, continues to evolve as more data becomes available. The MHRA’s proactive approach underscores the importance of ongoing research and vigilance in the use of these medications.
Looking Ahead
As the healthcare community continues to balance the benefits and risks of GLP-1s, the MHRA’s updated guidance serves as a crucial reminder of the need for informed patient care. The agency’s efforts to integrate genetic research into safety assessments could pave the way for more tailored and effective treatments in the future.
For now, the MHRA advises all healthcare providers and patients to remain informed and proactive in monitoring for potential side effects, ensuring that the benefits of GLP-1s can be maximized while minimizing risks.
