Weight Loss Pens: Anvisa Investigates Pancreatitis Cases & 6 Deaths

Brazilian health authorities are investigating a potential link between “skinny pens” – medications used for weight management and diabetes – and a rise in reported cases of pancreatitis. The National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) has received 145 notifications of suspected pancreatitis associated with these medications between January 2020 and December 2025, with six resulting in suspected deaths.

Rising Concerns Over Pancreatitis and Weight Loss Drugs

The medications in question contain active ingredients such as semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and tirzepatide. When including data from clinical research, the total number of suspected cases rises to 225 over the same period. These reports are logged within Anvisa’s VigiMed system, which monitors adverse events related to medications.

Anvisa emphasizes that these are suspected cases, not confirmed diagnoses. The agency stated, “This proves important to highlight that the cases refer to suspicions reported to Anvisa. We cannot state that these are confirmed cases.” However, the increasing trend is prompting closer scrutiny.

Pancreatitis: A Known Risk

The possibility of pancreatitis as a side effect is already listed in the prescribing information for these medications, both in Brazil and internationally. The recent surge in cases coincides with a rapid increase in the use of these drugs in Brazil, fueled by off-label prescriptions and the presence of unregulated products.

The UK’s health regulator recently issued an alert regarding the risk of acute pancreatitis in users of obesity and diabetes medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy. While severe cases are rare, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) advises doctors and patients to be aware of the potential for serious complications.

Understanding Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an acute inflammatory process caused by self-digestion of the pancreas by its own enzymes. It can range in severity, with mild cases causing minimal systemic and local changes, and severe cases leading to organ failure, including hypotension, respiratory failure, kidney failure, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Complications can include necrosis, abscesses, and pseudocysts.

Symptoms typically begin with diffuse abdominal pain, starting mild in the upper abdomen and radiating to the back, quickly escalating in intensity. This pain is often unresponsive to analgesics and is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Other signs may include fever, dehydration, rapid heartbeat, abdominal tenderness, and even bruising around the navel or flanks.

While medications like chemotherapy and antivirals are known causes of pancreatitis, these “skinny pens” have now been added to the list, alongside hereditary pancreatitis, hyperparathyroidism, and other underlying conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary treatment for pancreatitis?

The primary treatment focuses on stabilizing the patient with hydration, pain management, and control of nausea and vomiting. More severe complications, such as infection or organ dysfunction, require additional treatment.

Are surgeries performed for pancreatitis?

Experts state that surgeries are performed in specific situations involving major complications of the organ.

What did Anvisa say about the reported cases?

Anvisa stated that the reports are notifications of suspicions, and they cannot confirm that these are actual cases of pancreatitis.

As investigations continue and more data becomes available, it remains to be seen what further steps health authorities may take to address these concerns and ensure patient safety.