It adds that the drugs should only be prescribed by a registered healthcare professional.
When appropriately used, in line with the product licence, the benefits of these medications outweigh the risks for patients, says the regulator.
But this benefit-risk balance is positive only for those patients within the approved indications for weight management or type 2 diabetes, as described in the product information.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, said all medicines carry a risk of potential side-effects: “We encourage healthcare professionals to ensure patients being treated with these medicines are aware of the common side-effects and how to minimise risk.”
The most common side-effects include feeling sick, vomiting, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea.
