The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued updated advice for all glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists (dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide) to highlight the potential risk of severe acute pancreatitis, including rare reports of necrotising and fatal pancreatitis.
Advice for healthcare professionals
- Be alert to the risk of acute pancreatitis in patients receiving glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and dual GLP-1/ glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists.
- Advise patients to seek urgent medical attention if they develop severe and persistent abdominal pain that may radiate to the back and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting
- Privately prescribed GLP-1s and GLP-1/GIPs may not appear on the patient’s medical history so if a patient presents with these symptoms, enquire about GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP use
- If pancreatitis is suspected, discontinue treatment with the GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist immediately.
- Do not restart therapy if the diagnosis of pancreatitis is confirmed
- GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists should be used with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis.
Report suspected adverse drug reactions associated with this group of medications, including serious or fatal cases of pancreatitis, via the Yellow Card scheme.
Refer to the MHRA Drug Safety Update for full details and advice.
