The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a Drug Safety Alert regarding Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists.

The product information for all GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists (dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide) has been further updated to highlight the potential risk of severe acute pancreatitis with these products, including rare reports of necrotising and fatal pancreatitis. Healthcare professionals should remain vigilant for signs and symptoms of acute pancreatitis in patients treated with GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists.

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. There have been rare reports of necrotising and fatal pancreatitis associated with GLP-1 and GLP-1/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.

Advice for Healthcare Professionals to Provide to Patients

  • Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) is a possible side effect with GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GLP-1/ GIP receptor agonists. In rare reports this can have serious or fatal outcomes
  • Seek urgent medical attention if you experience severe, persistent abdominal pain, that may radiate to your back and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, as this may be a sign of pancreatitis
  • Do not restart GLP-1 receptor agonist or GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist treatment if pancreatitis is confirmed
  • Report suspected side effects through the Yellow Card scheme.

For further details, please view the full Drug Safety Update here.

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