THE SHORT VERSION
- Severe persistent tummy pain, sometimes spreading to the back, needs urgent help.
- A symptom list cannot diagnose pancreatitis.
- Tell the treating team about privately prescribed medicines too.
What warning should I act on?
The MHRA’s January 2026 safety update highlights severe, persistent abdominal pain that can reach the back, sometimes with nausea or vomiting. Seek urgent medical attention for this pattern. Sudden severe pain, collapse or feeling seriously unwell warrants emergency care; do not wait for a routine email reply.
What pancreatitis means
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. The MHRA strengthened warnings after reports including severe cases. This does not mean every episode of nausea or tummy discomfort is pancreatitis, and an online guide cannot rule it out. A clinician needs to assess the symptoms and decide what investigations are needed.
Help the clinician see the whole picture
Give the medicine name, dose, last injection or tablet date, when the pain began and any history of pancreatitis. Privately supplied treatment may not yet appear on your usual medical record. Take the pack or a list of medicines if you can do so without delaying care.
If pancreatitis is suspected, the MHRA advises clinicians to stop the medicine immediately. If confirmed, the medicine should not be restarted. Follow the treating team’s instructions and ask them to communicate the plan to your usual prescriber.
Sources you can check
Content updated . This is general information, not individual medical advice or a claim of independent clinical review. Read the linked source and the leaflet supplied with your medicine for the full context. Suggest a correction.