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Published on: June 28, 2021
Acute pancreatitis following orlistat therapy: report of two cases
Faheem Asem Ahmad1, Sajid Mahmud
1Department of General Surgery, Hairmyres Hospital, East Kilbride, G75 8RG, United Kingdom. faheem.ahmad@hotmail.co.uk
Context:
Orlistat is a pancreatic lipase inhibitor licensed for the treatment of obesity. As obesity rates increase and non-prescription dispensing of orlistat increases, an awareness of its adverse effects is of crucial importance as complications arise more frequently from increased use. Orlistat induced pancreatitis has been described only once previously, but without a diagnostic increase in serum amylase.
Case Report:
We report the case of two patients who developed severe acute abdominal pain and elevated pancreatic enzymes at 2 and 10 days after starting orlistat. In one case no alterative precipitant was identified. In the other, a predisposing history of pancreatic injury was present. In both cases all other contributory causes were excluded.
Conclusions:
Our reports suggest orlistat can trigger drug induced acute pancreatitis in certain patients. For patients presenting with abdominal pain soon after commencing orlistat, a diagnosis of pancreatitis must be considered. We also recommend cautious use of orlistat in patients at risk of pancreatic injury.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
