Side effects

Gallbladder and pancreas warning signs

Gallbladder problems and pancreatitis are uncommon with GLP-1 medicines, but they are in every label's warnings because they can be serious. Here is what the labels and studies report, and the symptoms that mean acting right away.

Gallbladder: what the labels report

On Wegovy, gallstones were reported in 1.6% of adults versus 0.7% on placebo, and gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) in 0.6% versus 0.2%; the label says gallbladder disease was more common than on placebo even after accounting for how much weight was lost^[1]. On Zepbound, cholecystitis was 0.7% versus 0.2%^[2].

Gallbladder: what studies found

A meta-analysis of 76 randomized trials linked GLP-1 medicines with a higher risk of gallbladder and bile-duct disease, especially at higher doses, with longer use, and when used for weight loss^[3]. In a US insurance-claims study of people using these medicines for weight loss, the higher biliary risk versus another weight-loss medicine was not statistically significant^[4].

Pancreatitis: what the labels and studies report

In Wegovy's weight-management trials, acute pancreatitis was confirmed in 4 people on Wegovy and 1 on placebo^[1]; in Zepbound's pooled weight trials, 0.2% in both groups^[2]. The claims study above found a higher pancreatitis risk with GLP-1 medicines than with another weight-loss medicine, based on few events^[4]. Canada's Wegovy monograph says not to restart Wegovy if pancreatitis is confirmed^[5].

General information from product labels and published studies — not medical advice.