Khaberni - Some common medications used to aid in weight loss, such as Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy), may be associated with pancreas issues.
These medications work by prolonging the feeling of fullness, thereby reducing a person's hunger and decreasing the likelihood of overeating.
Typically, these medications are taken as an injection once a week for an extended period.
According to "Soury Life", there have been reports of individuals using weight loss drugs similar to the glucagon-like peptide hormone GLP-1 who suffered from acute pancreatitis.
This can be a severe condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed over a short period.
Symptoms of Pancreatitis
Common symptoms of pancreatitis include:
• A high temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Sudden and severe pain in the middle of the abdomen.
Reports indicate that some individuals with pancreatitis may feel better within a week or a short period, but complications may persist for some, causing severe pancreatitis.
Genetic Testing
The UK health authorities have urged patients hospitalized due to pancreatitis from using weight loss injections to report through the "Yellow Card" program, which can determine how suitable these medications are for an individual's genes.
Dr. Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency of the UK, said: "Evidence suggests that about a third of medication side effects can be prevented through the introduction of genetic testing."
The guidelines of the British National Health Service indicate that these medications should only be used to control weight when individuals with obesity experience other health-related issues, like high blood pressure or cardiovascular diseases.
