Ozempic and Pancreatitis: Does Ozempic Cause Pancreatitis?

Ozempic, a popular medication for type 2 diabetes and weight management, has garnered attention for its effectiveness as well as its potential side effects. Ozempic is a prescription medication that should only be used under medical supervision, as it is prescribed to treat conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity. Among these concerns is the risk of pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas. As Ozempic use becomes more widespread, questions have emerged about whether the drug may trigger or worsen this condition.

If you take Ozempic or are considering starting it but are concerned about the risk of pancreatic inflammation, here is everything you need to know about taking Ozempic and pancreatitis.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a weekly injectable prescription medication used for type 2 diabetes management and weight loss. It belongs to the class of glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, also known as incretin based therapies. The active ingredient is semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) that mimics natural GLP-1s your body creates on its own.

GLP-1 receptor agonists, or receptor agonists, act on the like peptide 1 receptor to stimulate insulin secretion and control blood sugar levels. Ozempic and similar weight loss drugs are used to treat diabetes and for chronic weight management, with many patients treated in clinical trials showing improved glycemic control and promoting weight loss.

Ozempic plays four key roles in assisting with type 2 diabetes management and weight loss:

1. It stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas to lower blood sugar.
2. It suppresses glucagon secretion from the pancreas, which is a hormone that raises blood sugar.
3. It slows gastric emptying by slowing the absorption of food, helping prevent blood sugar spikes.
4. It promotes satiety by signalling to the brain that you’re full, reducing appetite.

Ozempic Side Effects

Like any medication, you may encounter possible side effects while taking Ozempic. The most common side effects include

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Vomiting

Serious side effects are uncommon when taking Ozempic, but there are several to be aware of. In rare cases, these adverse effects may occur:

• Gastroparesis (stomach paralysis): When the stomach empties too slowly or stops emptying completely. Symptoms include severe nausea, vomiting of undigested food, abdominal pain, and feeling full despite eating very little.
• Acute Pancreatitis: Severe inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms include persistent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and rapid heartbeat. This is a rare case but requires immediate attention.
• Gallbladder disease and gallbladder problems: Symptoms include severe pain in the upper abdomen, fever, jaundice, or clay-colored stool.
• Hair loss
• Allodynia: A nerve condition that causes severe pain from non-painful stimuli, ex. wearing clothes.
• Fatigue
• Allergic reaction: Seek urgent care if you experience swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash.
• Kidney complications, including acute kidney injury and kidney injury: These possible side effects may be related to dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea. Monitoring for normal levels of kidney function is recommended, especially in those with pre-existing kidney problems.
• Diabetic retinopathy (vision loss)

Side effects may be more likely after a dose increase or at higher doses. Ozempic may also affect digestive and kidney diseases, so monitoring kidney function is important during treatment.

If you encounter any of these side effects, contact your doctor and seek immediate medical attention.

Limiting Side Effects While Taking Ozempic

Taking Ozempic can potentially lead to gastrointestinal side effects like abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea. However, you can take steps to help reduce the side effects you encounter while taking Ozempic.

It is also important to schedule a follow up visit with your healthcare provider to discuss any side effects and adjust your treatment as needed. Seeing a dietitian to address your pancreatitis concerns can help you create a treatment plan to manage your symptoms.

Eat Smaller Meals Slowly

Eating too much food too quickly can cause or worsen nausea and bloating, and eating smaller portions more frequently throughout the day can help prevent this. It can also be helpful to drink less fluid during meals to help prevent you from feeling too full too quickly.

Avoid High-Fat and Greasy Food

Fatty and fried foods are more difficult for the stomach to digest, which can increase the risk of stomach discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. Eating meals that incorporate lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains can help you stay comfortable after eating.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol can irritate the digestive tract and can potentially increase the risk of pancreatitis. Other risk factors, such as high triglycerides or genetic predispositions, can further increase the risk of pancreatitis when combined with alcohol use and medications like Ozempic. If you drink while using Ozempic, do so in moderation, and always avoid binge drinking.

Participate in Light Exercise

Staying active and doing light exercise, such as taking a walk after meals, can help stimulate digestion and reduce the odds of constipation. Regular physical activity can also enhance weight loss, improving the effectiveness of your Ozempic.

What is Pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed, resulting in swelling and irritation. The pancreas is an organ behind the stomach that helps with digestion and controls blood sugar by making insulin. When it’s inflamed, it can’t work properly, and this can cause serious pain in the upper belly, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes fever.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, common causes of pancreatitis (both acute and chronic) include heavy alcohol use, gallstones, certain medications, genetic disorders of the pancreas, or high levels of fat in the blood. Certain risk factors, such as high triglycerides and heavy alcohol use, increase the risks of developing pancreatitis. If pancreatitis is not treated, it can lead to complications like infections, diabetes, or problems with digestion. Treatment for acute pancreatitis usually involves resting the pancreas by not eating solid food for a while, drinking fluids and using pain relievers, and addressing the underlying cause.

There are two different types of pancreatitis: acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis.

Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis happens suddenly and causes the pancreas to become inflamed for a short period, and it’s often triggered by gallstones or heavy alcohol use. Common symptoms include severe upper belly pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Most people recover within a few days with hospital care, rest, fluids, and pain relief. In more serious cases, it can lead to complications like infection or organ damage, so quick medical attention is important.

Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is long-term inflammation that doesn’t fully heal and keeps coming back, and it’s often caused by long-term alcohol use, genetic conditions, or repeated acute attacks. Over time, the pancreas becomes scarred and can’t work properly. This can lead to problems digesting food, weight loss, and even diabetes. Symptoms may include ongoing stomach pain and greasy stools. Treatment focuses on managing pain, improving digestion, and stopping further damage.

Can Ozempic Cause Pancreatitis?

While it is uncommon, there have been reported cases where patients using Ozempic have developed pancreatitis. People who have a history of either type of pancreatitis or a family history of developing pancreatitis have a higher risk of developing it when taking Ozempic, as the drug (or similar medications) can be a trigger for some people. Some studies have suggested an increased risk of pancreatitis in certain patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, but overall evidence from clinical trials remains inconclusive.

Currently, it’s still unknown if Ozempic can actually cause pancreatitis. There is a list of medications that are known to cause pancreatitis, and Ozempic is not included on it as of yet. However, Ozempic has not been around as long as other drugs that are included on the list, so it could potentially be a matter of there simply not being enough research at this moment. Clinical trials evaluating Ozempic’s safety profile have monitored the incidence of pancreatitis and other serious side effects, such as pancreatic cancer, but a definitive causal relationship has not been established. While there have been reports of people developing pancreatitis while taking Ozempic, it is not currently known if Ozempic was the cause or simply a trigger caused by other underlying issues.

Early Signs of Pancreatitis to Know

If you’re concerned about developing pancreatitis while using Ozempic, being aware of the following symptoms can help put you at ease while taking it. The symptoms are different between acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis.

Warning signs of acute pancreatitis include the following symptoms:

• Pain in the upper abdomen and back
• Abdominal pain that worsens after eating, especially high-fat foods
• Abdomen hurts to touch
• Nausea and vomiting

Meanwhile, symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include:

• Pain in the upper abdomen
• Diarrheal and oily, foul-smelling stool
• Unintended weight loss

What to Do if You Develop Pancreatitis While Taking Ozempic

If you think you’ve developed pancreatitis while taking Ozempic, seek immediate medical attention from either an urgent care or an emergency room. The symptoms that are the most concerning for potential pancreatitis are severe pain in the abdomen and back, nausea and vomiting, fever, and the inability to keep food or drinks down. If you develop one or more of these symptoms, it could be a sign of pancreatitis.

If a healthcare provider has determined you have developed pancreatitis, they will likely recommend discontinuing using Ozempic. You may also be prescribed medications for pain as well as antibiotics if there is an infection.

What Else Can Cause Pancreatitis?

Pancreatic inflammation can come from many different causes. For example, obesity is a common cause of pancreatitis, and it’s one of the most common reasons people have for taking Ozempic, along with type 2 diabetes, which can also increase the risk of pancreatitis.

Causes and risk factors for pancreatitis include

• Obesity (not a direct cause, but sometimes can increase risk)
• High triglycerides
• Heavy alcohol use
• Viral or bacterial infections
• Gallbladder disease and gallstones
• High calcium levels in blood
• Pancreas cancer
• Trauma from injuries or surgery

Ozempic and Pancreatitis: The Bottom Line

While there have been cases of people taking Ozempic developing pancreatitis, there is currently no proof that Ozempic caused the pancreatitis. Becuase pancreatitis can be caused by other conditions that many people taking Ozempic can have, it is currently thought that Ozempic may be a trigger for the pancreatic inflammation, but it isn’t necessarily the root cause. While more research needs to be done to come to a definitive answer, the cases of people taking Ozempic and developing pancreatitis are also so rare that most people do not need to worry about it.

Ozempic & Pancreatitis FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Does Ozempic Cause Thyroid Tumors?

Currently, only animal studies have observed the growth of thyroid C-cell tumors after being injected with semaglutide. It is not yet known if these tumors also carry over to humans who are taking Ozempic or other semaglutide-based drugs. However, GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic are not recommended for patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Is Ozempic Safe if I’ve Previously Had Pancreatitis?

Currently, it is not yet known if Ozempic is safe for individuals who have had pancreatitis, as clinical data in this group is lacking. It’s important to discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before starting.

Can Ozempic Cause Thyroid Cancer?

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, has caused thyroid C-cell tumors during rodent studies, but it is currently unknown if this also extends to humans. The makers of Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications do not recommend taking these medications if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer for because they may be at a higher risk of developing it while under the effects of GLP-1 RAs.