Acute pancreatitis in a patient receiving sitagliptin

Abstract

Describing a reported case of acute pancreatitis in a patient receiving sitagliptin. We present the biochemical and findings of a 60 year-old male who presented with severe abdominal pain and was found to have acute pancreatitis. This occurred one month after the commencement of sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor, for the treatment of uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. Results: Pancreatic enzymes were elevated ( i.e. amylase 204, lipase: 525.3) with a normal liver function test and a normal lipid profile. Ultrasound abdomen was unremarkable. In the absence of an identifiable cause for the patient’s pancreatitis, sitagliptin was considered a potential trigger and on ceasing this agent, the patient recovered from his condition. Conclusion: Incretin-based therapy is an effective line in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. FDA issued a warning letters to the drug company because of emerging reports of acute pancreatitis in patients receiving sitagliptin. This is unfortunately not the first reported case of acute pancreatitis in a patient receiving sitagliptin and it supports the possibility that acute pancreatitis may be the effect of incretin-based therapy.