Acute pancreatitis following orlistat therapy: report of two cases

Ahmad, F. A. and Mahmud, S. (2010) Acute pancreatitis following orlistat therapy: report of two cases. Journal of the Pancreas, 11(1), pp. 61-63. (PMID:20065556)

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Publisher's URL: https://pancreas.imedpub.com/acute-pancreatitis-following-orlistat-therapy-report-of-two-cases.php?aid=1965

Abstract

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.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ahmad, Dr Faheem
Authors: Ahmad, F. A., and Mahmud, S.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
Journal Name:Journal of the Pancreas
Publisher:iMedPub Ltd.
ISSN:1590-8577
ISSN (Online):1590-8577

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