Pancreatitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the pancreas.
Ozempic (Semaglutide) can cause pancreatitis in rare cases.
While the popularity of medications like Ozempic is rising, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with drug-induced pancreatitis.
Proper management of Ozempic pancreatitis is essential to prevent potential complications.
Therefore, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of Ozempic-induced pancreatitis and effective ways to manage this condition.
Symptoms of Pancreatitis from Ozempic
Recognizing symptoms associated with pancreatitis from Ozempic is important.
Abdominal pain and discomfort
If you experience persistent or recurring pain in your abdomen while using Ozempic, it could be a sign of pancreatitis.
The pain caused by pancreatitis is usually felt in the upper belly and typically radiates to the sides or back. It may occur with nausea and vomiting.
Tenderness
Tenderness when touching the upper part of the belly can be a symptom of pancreatitis in patients using Ozempic.
You can check for tenderness by touching or applying gentle pressure over the upper part of the abdomen.
Fever
Sudden high fever with chills can occur due to acute inflammation of the pancreas. The intensity of this symptom often correlates with the severity of inflammation.
High fever is often accompanied by rapid pulse and breathing.
However, patients with chronic pancreatitis usually do not have a fever or may have a low-grade fever.
Upset stomach
Acute pancreatitis can cause symptoms of stomach upsets, such as nausea and vomiting. Patients also complain of a lack of appetite, indigestion, bloating, or extreme weakness.
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How Does Ozempic Cause Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis can happen when taking Ozempic when the enzymes produced in the pancreas, such as lipase and amylase, begin to attack and digest the tissues of the organ.
Lipase and amylase are digestive enzymes secreted in the acinar cells of the pancreas and released in the duodenum.
Amylase helps in the breakdown of carbohydrates to release simple sugars, while lipase plays a role in the digestion of fats to release fatty acids.
Ozempic may lead to a modest increase in the secretion of lipase and amylase.
The increase in the secretion of these two enzymes following the use of Ozempic causes them to attack and digest the tissues of the pancreas.
This triggers the inflammatory processes, resulting in the development of pancreatitis.
How Common is Pancreatitis from Semaglutide?
Pancreatitis from Semaglutide is very rare. Research suggests that the incidence of pancreatitis in patients using the oral form of semaglutide is 4.6 per 1000 person-years.
Certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of pancreatitis in Semaglutide users, such as a history of pancreatitis, high alcohol intake, high triglycerides, and genetic predisposition to pancreatitis.
Managing Ozempic-Induced Pancreatitis
The treatment for Ozempic-induced pancreatitis includes fluid replacement to replenish the loss of fluid through vomiting. You might also need antibiotics to prevent infections and analgesics to reduce pain and inflammation in the pancreas.
Also, you will be advised not to restart the treatment with Ozempic. Your doctor will recommend an alternative medication for the management of diabetes or obesity.
Possible Complications Of Semaglutide-Related Pancreatitis
It is estimated that 4 out of 5 patients with acute pancreatitis improve within a few days and do not develop any serious complications.
However, 1 in 5 cases develop life-threatening complications, including multiple organ failure.
The risk of these complications can be avoided by watching out for the symptoms of Ozempic pancreatitis and seeking timely medical interventions in case you develop any symptoms.
If you develop any signs of pancreatitis, you must contact your doctor right away. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and order some tests to confirm or rule out the diagnosis of pancreatitis.
If the diagnosis of pancreatitis is confirmed, your doctor will recommend discontinuing Ozempic to prevent further damage to the pancreas.
In addition, you will need conservative treatments to lower inflammation in the pancreas.
Can Ozempic Cause Pancreatic Cancer?
Research indicates a low risk of pancreatic cancer in Ozempic users. One research published in Frontiers in Endocrinology has reported that the association between Ozempic and pancreatic cancer is inconsistent and insignificant.
However, although incidences of pancreatic cancer are very rare in Ozempic users, it is still important to contact your doctor in case you develop any symptoms.
Some common symptoms of pancreatic cancer you need to watch out for while using Ozempic include:
- Persistent or recurrent abdominal pain that spreads to the back or sides.
- Loss of appetite
- Unusual weight loss.
- Itching.
- Yellowish discoloration of the nails, whites of the eyes, and skin.
- Dark-colored urine.
- Floating or light-colored stools.
Conclusion
The side effects of Ozempic, such as pancreatitis, can affect the functions of the pancreas, putting you at risk of serious complications.
Although the incidence of pancreatitis with Ozempic is low, it is important to be aware of the early symptoms of this side effect.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of Ozempic-induced pancreatitis, such as abdominal pain, stomach upsets, vomiting, and nausea, is vital for the timely diagnosis and prevention of complications.
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