Can Mounjaro cause pancreatitis?

Is there a link between Mounjaro and pancreatitis?

Right now, it's not clear whether Mounjaro directly causes acute pancreatitis. But it's considered enough of a risk that Mounjaro's manufacturer, Elli Lilly, lists it as a 'serious side effect' on its website.¹

Serious side effects like this are rare. Pancreatitis, for instance, is thought to affect around one in 500 Mounjaro patients, or 0.2%.

But you can't be too careful when making decisions that affect your health. It always pays to be cautious and consider the potential side effects of a medication – even if those side effects are very unlikely to occur.

That's also why SemaPen will not prescribe Mounjaro medication to patients who have a history of pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer.

Your safety and well-being are our top priorities. When you take our online consultation, we'll ask detailed questions about your medical history to make sure Mounjaro is right for you. As far as we're concerned, any potential risk is a risk too far.

Note: if you experience any symptoms of pancreatitis while taking Mounjaro, stop using the medication immediately and seek medical attention.

What is pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis is when the pancreas suddenly becomes inflamed (swollen).

This is different to chronic pancreatitis, where the pancreas has become permanently damaged from inflammation over many years.

The pancreas is a fist-sized organ that sits just behind the stomach. It helps with digestion by producing insulin – a hormone that allows our bodies to use glucose (sugar) for energy. It also makes enzymes that help the digestive system break down fats and starches. 

In pancreatitis, these enzymes are found in higher amounts than usual.

For most people, acute pancreatitis is temporary. They will often fully recover within a few days with no further problems.

But with severe acute pancreatitis, serious complications can develop. The condition can even be deadly. That's why it's vital to seek medical attention as soon as symptoms start.

What are the symptoms of pancreatitis?

The main symptom of acute pancreatitis is a sharp, persistent in the centre of your belly. This can become a strong aching pain that gets steadily worse and can travel along your back.

Other symptoms include:

• Feeling sick
• Vomiting
• Severe indigestion
• A high temperature (38ºC or more)
• Tenderness and/or swelling of the tummy
• A fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
• Rapid breathing

You may find that eating or drinking makes you feel worse very quickly, especially when eating fatty foods.

Lying flat on your back may seem to make the pain worse – however, leaning forward or curling up can make it feel less pronounced.

What should I do if I have these symptoms?

Anybody experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you are taking Mounjaro, you must also stop taking the medication immediately.

What is the treatment for pancreatitis?

There is no specific medication used to treat acute pancreatitis. People who develop the condition are treated in hospital, where they're assessed by a doctor and given specialised care to help manage their symptoms.

This care can include:

• Fluids: these are given through a tube into a vein (intravenously) to prevent dehydration.
• Pain relief: painkillers are given for the severe stomach pain.
• Oxygen: oxygen may be pumped through tubes in the nose to help patients breathe properly.
• Nutritional support: patients may need to avoid solid food for a few days. They can be given a special liquid food mixture with the nutrients they need. This might be through a tube in their belly (enteral feeding).

For more information, visit the NHS website.

Sources

1. https://www.lilly.com/news/media/media-kits/mounjaro