Some side effects require immediate medical attention
The BHF warned that a serious side effect of weight loss jabs could affect one in 100 people(Image: Getty)
People using weight loss jabs have been warned to “call 111” should they experience a potentially harmful symptom. This could signal a serious side effect that affects approximately one in 100 patients.
Weight loss drugs, also known as GLP-1 inhibitors, function by replicating GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a hormone naturally occurring in the gut that plays a crucial part in controlling blood sugar levels and curbing appetite. GLP-1 inhibitors have experienced a sharp rise in popularity recently, largely owing to their demonstrated effectiveness in managing blood sugar in diabetic patients and supporting weight loss. Administered by injection, certain variants of these medications can be prescribed on the NHS to those who qualify.
However, as with any prescribed drug, it’s vital to understand the potential side effects linked to these injections. On its website, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) highlighted that acute pancreatitis is one significant potential hazard.
Acute pancreatitis is a severe condition in which the pancreas suddenly becomes inflamed and painful. Patient data indicates that as many as one in 100 people using these injections could develop this condition.
“Speak to a GP or call 111 if you notice any symptoms, such as a sudden severe pain in the middle of your abdomen,” advised the BHF. The NHS states that the primary symptom of acute pancreatitis is abdominal pain. You might also develop a high temperature and experience nausea or vomiting.
The abdominal pain may:
- Start suddenly and not go away
- Be severe, sharp or knife-like
- Affect the upper part of your tummy (between your ribs), one side of your tummy or your whole tummy
- Spread to your sides and back
- Feel worse after you eat, move around or lie down
- Feel better when you lean forward or bring your knees to your chest (fetal position)
Less serious side effects
The BHF points out that “not everyone” will inevitably suffer side effects from the treatment. Nevertheless, it is “very common” for people to encounter digestive issues, including nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach discomfort.
The BHF stated: “These side effects affect one in 10 people, according to the patient leaflets that come with Mounjaro and Wegovy. The injections can also cause tiredness or dizziness, hair loss, low blood sugar and a fast heart rate in some people.
“Speak to your doctor if you’re experiencing any side effects, as you may need to take a lower dose or stop taking them.”
Vision problems
Sight loss is another worry. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has cautioned that “very rarely” people taking semaglutide (the generic name for Wegovy) may suffer a “sudden deterioration” in their vision, resulting in complete or partial sight loss, which typically affects one eye at a time.
The BHF stated: “If you experience this issue you need to seek urgent medical care and be referred to a specialist eye doctor.”
Poor nutrition
Inadequate nutrition presents another potential drawback due to the manner in which these drugs function, most likely causing reduced food intake. The BHF warned that this could lead to nutritional deficiencies.
The charity added: “And rapid weight loss may lead to reduced muscle and bone mass too. That’s why eating a healthy balanced diet is still important.
“Small, regular meals containing enough lean protein, calcium and vitamin D, and regular exercise can help to protect your muscle and bone health.”
Contraceptive pill
The MHRA has further warned that Mounjaro could reduce the reliability of the contraceptive pill. It continued: “It recommends using another non-oral form of contraception, like a condom, instead.
“And the MHRA also says you should not use weight-loss injections if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding.”
Should you experience any unwanted side effects from your medication, you are strongly advised to get in touch with your GP without delay.
