Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) has issued an alert warning about the risk of acute pancreatitis associated with the misuse of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, popularly known as 'weight-loss injections'. The measure aims to ensure these pharmaceuticals are used only under prescription and medical supervision. According to Xinhua, there are at least six fatal cases of pancreatitis in Brazil currently under investigation. The agency states that these cases can include necrotizing and potentially fatal forms. The regulator noted in a statement that the indiscriminate and off-label use of these drugs, especially for weight loss without clinical need, significantly increases the risk of adverse effects and hinders the early diagnosis of serious complications like acute pancreatitis. Furthermore, they explained that while the risk of pancreatitis is already listed in the Brazilian-approved leaflets for substances such as dulaglutide, liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide, the increase in notifications nationally and internationally necessitates reinforcing safety guidelines.
