MHRA issues strengthened warnings on acute pancreatitis, including necrotising and fatal cases for GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists
The product information for all Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists has been further updated to highlight the potential risk of severe acute pancreatitis with these products, including rare reports of necrotising and fatal pancreatitis. (Published 29th January 2026)
Summary of the advice
The product information 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) 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 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.
In the UK between 2007 and October 2025, the MHRA has received 1,296 Yellow Card reports of pancreatitis (including acute, autoimmune, chronic, haemorrhagic, necrotising, subacute and obstructive forms of pancreatitis) associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists or dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists. Of these, 19 reports were fatal and 24 were reported as necrotising pancreatitis. For context, in the past 5 years, it is estimated that roughly 25.4 million packs of the GLP-1 receptor agonists have been dispensed.
