Brazil’s health surveillance system recorded six suspicious deaths related to pancreatitis in users of “slimming pens”. The data is from the period 2020 to 2025.
In addition to the deaths, 145 suspected cases of pancreas inflammation associated with the use of these medications were recorded in the same period. The data was reported to Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency).
The information is contained in VigiMed, the agency’s official system for monitoring adverse events.
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According to CNN Brasil, the agency emphasizes, however, that registration in the system does not confirm, in isolation, a proven causal relationship between the medicine and the event.
In the United Kingdom, for example, 1,296 reports of pancreatitis associated with the use of mounjaro weight loss pens were recorded between 2007 and October 2025. The country confirmed 19 deaths at the beginning of February.
Slimming pens: Anvisa increases strictness in inspectionPhoto: Senado/Disclosure/ND MoreMonitoring and geographic coverage
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The volume of notifications may be even greater if clinical research data is considered. According to the survey, when adding this information, the total number of recorded incidents could reach 225 cases.
The monitoring panel indicates that reports of health problems involving these medicines are not concentrated in a single region.
Records of affected patients were identified in states such as São Paulo, Paraná and Bahia, in addition to the Federal District. Geographic dispersion reinforces the need for national attention on the indiscriminate or unmonitored use of these substances.
Substances and mechanism of action of weight loss pens
Reports on VigiMed are associated with a specific class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists.
This hormone, naturally produced in the intestine after meals, acts to regulate glucose, stimulates insulin production and promotes the feeling of satiety.
Among the active ingredients mentioned in the reports are semaglutide, tirzepatide, dulaglutide, liraglutide and lixisenatide.
By consulting the agency’s panel, it is possible to identify associations with several popular commercial names on the market.
The list includes medicines such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Trulicity, Saxenda, Victoza, Rybelsus e Xultophywidely used for both diabetes treatment and weight loss.
Anvisa monitors suspicious deaths after using weight loss pens Photo: Freepik/Reproduction/ND MoreRegulation and safety alerts after using weight loss pens
Anvisa highlights that the risk of pancreatitis is already predicted and described in the leaflets of these medicines approved in Brazil.
Inflammation is considered a possible adverse reaction, although it varies in frequency.
Faced with increased use and reports of side effects, the regulatory body implemented stricter control measures.
Since April 2025, the country has been required to retain a prescription for the sale of weight-loss pens in pharmacies, aiming to curb self-medication and guarantee professional support.
Positioning of the slimming pen industry
Manufacturers of monitored medicines emphasize that they follow strict safety protocols. Eli Lilly, responsible for Mounjaro (tirzepatide), informed CNN Brasil, in a statement, that patient safety is its priority.
The company clarifies that the drug leaflet already warns that acute pancreatitis is an uncommon adverse reaction.
The pharmacist advises patients to talk to their doctors to identify symptoms and, if suspected, stop treatment immediately.
Pharmaceutical Eli Lilly is responsible for Mounjaro (tirzepatide)Photo: Disclosure/Freepik/NDOther companies responsible for the medicines mentioned in the panel also have open channels for expressing opinions about the reported cases.
“Patient safety is a top priority for Lilly. We take patient safety reporting seriously and actively monitor, evaluate and report safety information for all of our medicines.
The leaflet for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) warns that inflammation of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis) is an uncommon adverse reaction and advises patients to talk to their doctor for more information about the symptoms of pancreatitis and to inform their doctor and discontinue treatment if pancreatitis is suspected while taking Mounjaro.
Lilly continues to work to ensure adequate safety information is available to prescribers. We encourage patients to consult their doctor or other healthcare professional about any side effects they may be experiencing, as well as ensure they are taking genuine Lilly medications.”, he said in a note to CNN Brasil.
Seek professional healthcare guidance The information about health and well-being published in this content is for informational purposes only and does not replace diagnosis or treatment carried out by professionals. If you have symptoms or questions related to your physical or mental health, seek a doctor or qualified professional.
