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Conditions

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, usually causing severe upper belly pain that may spread to the back, often with vomiting.

Clinician review pending Updated Conditions
DefinitionPancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, usually causing severe upper belly pain that may spread to the back, often with vomiting.

What it means

Acute pancreatitis has been reported in people taking GLP-1 medicines, and every label in the class carries a warning about it. Gallstones and heavy alcohol use are also common causes, and rapid weight loss can raise gallstone risk.

The labels tell patients to stop the medicine and get medical care right away if they have severe abdominal pain that does not go away, with or without vomiting. Pain that spreads from the belly to the back is a classic sign.

If you have had pancreatitis before, your prescriber will weigh that history before starting a GLP-1.

Pancreatitis is diagnosed with blood tests for pancreatic enzymes and sometimes imaging. If it is confirmed while on a GLP-1, the labels say not to restart the medicine.

Why it matters

It is the main red flag that separates ordinary stomach upset from an emergency on these drugs.

Related terms

Boxed warningPrescribing informationGastroparesisStomach pain on GLP-1 medicinesWegovy warnings

Clinician review pending. Drafted from primary sources and waiting for sign-off by a licensed clinician (MD, DO or PharmD) before launch. Every number is checked against its source. Drug facts are re-checked quarterly, prices monthly and whenever a label changes. How we review · Report an error