What is the incidence of acute pancreatitis in patients taking GLP1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) receptor agonists?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 8, 2025 • View editorial policy

There are no official guidelines to assist in answering this question. I will search for relevant research papers instead.

From the Research

Incidence of Acute Pancreatitis in Patients Taking GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

  • The incidence of acute pancreatitis in patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists has been studied in several research papers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
  • A study published in 2025 found that GLP-1RAs may be safely used in subjects with a history of acute pancreatitis, with a significantly lower risk of AP recurrence compared to SGLT2i and DPP-4i 1.
  • Another study published in 2017 found no evidence that treatment with GLP-1RA increases the risk of AP in patients with type 2 diabetes 2.
  • A review of the albiglutide HARMONY Phase III clinical program found that adjudicated cases of acute pancreatitis were uncommon, but the incidence of acute pancreatitis with albiglutide appears to be within the range described for other studies of GLP-1RAs 3.
  • A study published in 2010 found an association between GLP-1 agonist use and pancreatitis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, with 8 cases of acute pancreatitis reported during clinical development and 36 postmarketing reports 4.
  • A retrospective case control study published in 2025 found that the risk of developing pancreatitis increases with the administered dose of GLP-1 agonist, with a statistically significant odds ratio 5.

Risk Factors and Dose-Dependent Risk

  • The risk of acute pancreatitis associated with GLP-1 agonists may be dose-dependent, with higher cumulative doses associated with a higher risk of developing drug-induced pancreatitis 5.
  • The incidence of acute pancreatitis with GLP-1RAs may be lower compared to other treatments, such as SGLT2i and DPP-4i 1.
  • The risk of acute pancreatitis associated with GLP-1 agonists may be increased in patients with a history of acute pancreatitis 1.

Study Findings and Limitations

  • The studies found that the incidence of acute pancreatitis associated with GLP-1RAs is generally low, but may be increased in certain patient populations or with higher cumulative doses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
  • The studies had limitations, including retrospective design and potential biases, and further prospective studies are needed to confirm the findings 1, 2, 5.

References

Research

PANCREATIC SAFETY IN STUDIES OF THE GLUCAGON-LIKE PEPTIDE-1 RECEPTOR AGONIST ALBIGLUTIDE.

Endocrine practice : official journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, 2019

Research

Dose-dependent pancreatitis risk associated with GLP-1 agonists.

Journal of diabetes and metabolic disorders, 2025

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.