Fact Check: "Acute pancreatitis cases linked to tirzepatide Mounjaro surged to 101 this year."
What We Know
The claim that acute pancreatitis cases linked to tirzepatide (Mounjaro) surged to 101 in 2025 is supported by reports from various sources. According to a report from The Guardian, there have been 101 reports of acute pancreatitis associated with tirzepatide in the UK, alongside 22 reports linked to semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy). This data was collected through the Yellow Card scheme, which monitors adverse drug reactions in the UK.
Additionally, a report from The Irish Times corroborates this figure, stating that since the beginning of 2025, there have been 101 cases of acute pancreatitis reported after the use of tirzepatide. This aligns with the general understanding that while GLP-1 receptor agonists, including tirzepatide, are effective for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity, they carry risks of rare but serious side effects, including acute pancreatitis.
Analysis
While the reported figure of 101 cases is consistent across multiple credible sources, it is important to assess the reliability of these reports. The Yellow Card scheme is a well-established system for reporting adverse drug reactions in the UK, which lends credibility to the reported numbers. However, the nature of such reporting systems can lead to underreporting or overreporting, as they rely on voluntary submissions from healthcare professionals and patients.
The sources discussing the adverse effects of tirzepatide, including the PMC article and the fatal pancreatitis case report, indicate that acute pancreatitis is a rare side effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists, with an estimated incidence of approximately 0.39% for tirzepatide. The PMC article emphasizes that while gastrointestinal side effects are common, acute pancreatitis remains a significant but rare complication. This suggests that while the reported cases may be alarming, they should be interpreted in the context of the overall usage and the known incidence rates of such adverse effects.
Moreover, the rise in reported cases could be influenced by increased awareness and monitoring of drug side effects, particularly as more patients are prescribed tirzepatide for weight loss and diabetes management. This context is crucial in evaluating whether the surge in reported cases represents a true increase in incidence or simply reflects better reporting practices.
Conclusion
Verdict: Needs Research
The claim that acute pancreatitis cases linked to tirzepatide Mounjaro surged to 101 this year is supported by multiple reports, particularly from the Yellow Card scheme. However, the context of these reports, including the potential for underreporting or overreporting and the known incidence rates of acute pancreatitis associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, necessitates further research. Comprehensive studies are needed to clarify the relationship between tirzepatide use and the incidence of acute pancreatitis, as well as to assess the overall safety profile of this medication.
