Ozempic’s FDA label warns that pancreatitis has been reported in scientific trials, and that anybody experiencing pancreatitis ought to completely discontinue utilizing the remedy.
However the skilled consensus is now that semaglutide and different GLP-1 medication don’t enhance the chance of pancreatitis, says Drucker.
There’s a second subject: GLP-1 medication can set off the discharge of enzymes which might be related to pancreatic issues.
When sufferers inform their docs that they’ve belly ache (a standard facet impact of GLP-1 medication), and a blood or urine check reveals elevated amylase or lipase ranges, “that’s two out of three standards for pancreatitis,” says Drucker. When a GLP-1 is the obvious trigger, nonetheless, an imaging scan of the pancreas isn’t wanted to verify a analysis, however could also be essential to rule out different causes.
“Now we’ve far more knowledge and we actually don’t see a rise in pancreatitis standing out with the GLP-1 medicines,” says Drucker.
Pancreatitis Signs
On the official Ozempic label, the FDA reviews that pancreatitis is characterised by “persistent extreme belly ache, generally radiating to the again and which can or might not be accompanied by vomiting.” Different potential signs of pancreatitis embody fever, elevated coronary heart price, and greasy or yellow stool.
Acute pancreatitis often comes on shortly, and usually lasts solely a handful of days. The illness might require an prolonged keep within the hospital. In a minority of circumstances it might result in extreme outcomes, together with dying.
Persistent pancreatitis, during which signs don’t enhance or maintain reoccurring, is mostly attributable to alcohol abuse.
