Experienced acute pancreatitis while taking GLP-1 medicines like Ozempic or Mounjaro? About the study - the Yellow Card Biobank is a collaboration between the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Genomics England which aims to improve our understanding of how a patient’s genetic makeup may increase their risk of experiencing side effects of medications. Doctors and pharmacists will use the results of this research to help prevent patients from experiencing harmful side effects by ensuring patients are prescribed the safest medication for them, based on their genetic makeup. See our press release for more information. The Yellow Card Biobank has recruited people who have taken Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 medicines) to treat type 2 diabetes or for weight loss, and experienced acute pancreatitis. You may know these drugs by their brand names, such as Wegovy, Ozempic, Saxenda, MedicGLP Dietary Supplement Rybelsus and Mounjaro. Yellow Card Biobank participants are from across the UK aged 18 or over who were hospitalised with acute pancreatitis after taking a GLP-1 medicine.

What are GLP-1 medicines? GLP-1 medicines help people feel fuller by mimicking a natural hormone released after eating, and support weight loss and diabetes management. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is a dual receptor agonist for GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). These medicines have become better known recently because of their use in weight loss or management. However, it’s important to know that not all GLP-1 medicines are licensed for this purpose. To find out more read the MHRA guidance page. What is acute pancreatitis? Acute pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas, a small organ behind the stomach, becomes inflamed (swollen) over a short period of time. Most people feel better after around a week, but for some, serious complications can develop. More information on acute pancreatitis can be found here. Please seek immediate medical help if you are experiencing these symptoms. If you have experienced acute pancreatitis while taking GLP-1 medicines in the past, please consider reporting a Yellow Card.

The Yellow Card Biobank pilot study is for people who are likely to have experienced acute pancreatitis as a side effect of GLP-1 medicines. Acute pancreatitis caused by medicines is different from that caused by gallstones or bile duct stones when they block the tubes leading from the pancreas to the stomach. Gallstones can sometimes form in people who have lost weight quickly, because rapid weight loss can change the balance of bile (a digestive fluid made by the liver to help break down fats) and lead to gallstone formation. Where stones form in the gallbladder and move into a tube called the bile duct, they can also be named bile duct stones. If you had a diagnosis of gallstones or bile duct stones at the time of your acute pancreatitis, or treatment for this, then it is more likely that the stones were the cause. Diagnosis of gallstones or bile duct stones usually happens after doctors have examined any scans you have had. Treatment can include having your gallbladder removed or a procedure called ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography), which can be used to remove stones.

Science continues to prove that the old adage "you are what you eat" is profoundly true. This is because you have trillions of microorganisms living in your gut, which are directly responsible for nearly every aspect of your health. These microbes make up what’s called your "gut microbiota." They are especially influential in determining your likelihood of gaining excessive weight, becoming obese, and developing obesity-related diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and premature death. The gut microbiome (the expressed genes of your gut microbiota) plays a major role in your metabolism through energy production, storage, and expenditure. So, it’s no surprise that science has found a strong connection between gut microbiome imbalance and metabolic syndrome. Yikes! If you have the wrong mix of microbes, it could be making it tough dietary supplement for weight management you to get your health on track! Did you know: Scientists can actually look at your gut microbiome composition and tell with 90% accuracy if you are obese or lean. That’s pretty impressive, isn’t it?

1. Unable to lose weight and keep it off? 2. Struggling to fight cravings? 3. Sick of starving yourself for weight loss? 4. Baffled as to why no diet seems to really work for you? Depending on the composition of your gut microbiome, your microbes can either boost your health or weigh you down (figuratively and literally). The good news is this: You have control over these little guys with every bite you eat. Diet has the power to change the landscape of your gut microbiome. So, if you’ve tried multiple diets and can’t seem to get the results you want, it’s time to look into your gut microbiome.Will You Lose Weight Naturally on an Individualized Diet? If you’ve been struggling to lose weight and keep it off - it could be your gut microbiome. While Viome doesn’t guarantee weight loss, it has been an exciting result many of our customers have reported. "Fiona’s update day 37!