Can Ozempic® Cause Pancreatitis? A Closer Look at the Side Effects

Ozempic, a medication primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes, has seen a surge in popularity due to its effectiveness in lowering blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss (1,2). However, with its increased use, questions regarding its safety and side effects have become more prominent. One such concern is whether Ozempic® can cause pancreatitis, a severe condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas.

Does Ozempic® Increase Risk of Pancreatitis?

Studies and user reports have raised concern around the link between pancreatitis and glucagon-like peptide-1  (GLP-1) receptor agonists, the class of drugs to which Ozempic® (3,4). While there certainly seems to be an association, current data in support of a direct link is conflicting (5). 

Although cases are relatively rare, it is essential for patients and healthcare professionals to be aware of the signs and symptoms of pancreatitis. 

• Symptoms to Watch For: Symptoms of pancreatitis include severe abdominal pain that usually radiates to the back that’s usually worse with eating, nausea, vomiting, and/or rapid pulse. Users experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.

Why Might Ozempic® Cause Pancreatitis?

The exact mechanism by which Ozempic® could lead to pancreatitis is not entirely understood. Overall, the risk for pancreatitis is higher in individuals with type 2 diabetes than in the general population (6). As many people who are on Ozempic® for weight loss also have a diagnosis of diabetes, this could explain the increase in cases.

We also know that GLP-1 receptors exist in the pancreas, specifically, the pancreatic islet and exocrine duct cells, and that stimulation of these receptors may lead to overgrowth and, eventually, inflammation, leading to pancreatitis (7,8). 

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Do Other Weight Loss Medications Also Pose a Pancreatitis Risk?

Ozempic® is not the only medication that has been linked to pancreatitis. Other weight loss medications may also pose a similar risk. 

Patients taking any form of the following medications may also be at increased risk for pancreatitis:

• Sitagliptin: Inhibitor of the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) and main ingredient in Januvia (8).
• Semaglutide: GLP-1 receptor agonist and the main ingredient in Ozempic® Rybelsus and Wegovy® (9)
• Liraglutide: Another GLP-1 receptor agonist and the main ingredient in Victoza (9).

Choosing which medication to take should be based on an individual's unique history, risk factors, and treatment goals. As individual health conditions and lifestyle choices can influence the risk, it’s extremely important for patients to discuss their options thoroughly with a healthcare provider.

Explore other medications here: https://joinmochi.com/medications

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In conclusion, while Ozempic® has proven benefits in managing type 2 diabetes and aiding in weight loss, there is a potential risk of pancreatitis. It’s crucial to consider the risks and benefits of all medications within the context of individual health profiles and treatment objectives. Through open communication with healthcare providers, users can take proactive steps to stay on top of their health.

Finding Support on Your Ozempic® Journey

Navigating the complexities of medications like Ozempic® can be daunting, especially when considering potential side effects like pancreatitis. It's important to have reliable support and guidance throughout this journey. At Mochi Health, our experienced providers are dedicated to helping you understand any side effects you may experience and determine whether they warrant concern. With tailored advice and management strategies, we can assist you in optimizing your treatment while prioritizing your health and well-being. Get started today for personalized support on your Ozempic® journey—your health is our priority.

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This post was written by our team of health writers for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your health. Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, and Zepbound® and their delivery device are registered trademarks. Mochi Health is a telehealth clinic that offers prescriptions for these products by medical necessity only as determined by a licensed health provider.

Sources

1. Wilding, J. P. H., Batterham, R. L., Calanna, S., Davies, M., Van Gaal, L. F., Lingvay, I., McGowan, B. M., Rosenstock, J., Tran, M. T. D., Wadden, T. A., Wharton, S., Yokote, K., Zeuthen, N., Kushner, R. F., & STEP 1 Study Group (2021). Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. The New England journal of medicine, 384(11), 989–1002. https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed
2. Clinical Review Report: Semaglutide (Ozempic): (Novo Nordisk Canada Inc.): Indication: For the treatment of adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve glycemic control, in combination with metformin (second-line treatment), and in combination with metformin and sulfonylurea (third-line treatment) [Internet]. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2019 Jun. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544016/
3. Elashoff, M., Matveyenko, A. V., Gier, B., Elashoff, R., & Butler, P. C. (2011). Pancreatitis, pancreatic, and thyroid cancer with glucagon-like peptide-1-based therapies. Gastroenterology, 141(1), 150–156. https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(11)00172-7/fulltext?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2F
4. Chis, B. A., & Fodor, D. (2018). Acute pancreatitis during GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment. A case report. Clujul medical (1957), 91(1), 117–119. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/29440961/
5. Consoli A., Formoso G. Potential side effects to GLP-1 agonists: understanding their safety and tolerability Expert Opin Drug Saf, 14 (2015), pp. 207-218. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1517/14740338.2015.987122
6. Lai S.W., Muo C.H., Liao K.F., SungF.C., Chen P.C. Risk of acute pancreatitis in type 2 diabetes and risk reduction on anti-diabetic drugs: a population-based cohort study in Taiwan Am J Gastroenterol, 106 (2011), pp. 1697-1704. https://journals.lww.com/ajg/abstract/2011/09000/risk_of_acute_pancreatitis_in_type_2_diabetes_and.21.aspx
7. Brady, Sean, et al. “GLP-1 Agonist Use in a Patient with an Explainable Cause of Pancreatitis.” AACE Clinical Case Reports, Elsevier, 28 Dec. 2020. https://www.aaceclinicalcasereports.com/article/S2376-0605(20)30288-1/fulltext
8. Matveyenko, A. V., Dry, S., Cox, H. I., Moshtaghian, A., Gurlo, T., Galasso, R., Butler, A. E., & Butler, P. C. (2009). Beneficial endocrine but adverse exocrine effects of sitagliptin in the human islet amyloid polypeptide transgenic rat model of type 2 diabetes: interactions with metformin. Diabetes, 58(7), 1604–1615. https://doi.org/10.2337/db09-0058
9. Mahase, Elisabeth. “GLP-1 Agonists Linked to Adverse Gastrointestinal Events in Weight Loss Patients.” BMJ, 9 Oct. 2023, doi:10.1136/bmj.p2330. https://www.bmj.com/content/383/bmj.p2330.long