Study highlights pancreatitis risk with GLP-1 drugs sitagliptin and exenatide

摘要

SITAGLIPTIN and exenatide use is linked with an increased risk of hospital admission for acute pancreatitis, a US database analysis suggests {JAMA Internal Medicine, online 25 February 2013). The trial adds weight to concerns about glucagon-like peptide 1-based medicines and acute pancreatitis, said specialist diabetes pharmacist Victoria Ruszala from North Bristol NHS Trust. But she advised: "Until further studies prove the risk is too great, we should not avoid such a useful class of medication, especially given the benefits seen in weight control."