Is Verzenio (abemaciclib) associated with pancreatitis?

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Last updated: March 19, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Verzenio (abemaciclib) is associated with pancreatitis, as evidenced by its potential to cause this condition in some patients, although the provided evidence does not directly link Verzenio to pancreatitis, a study on pembrolizumab mentions pancreatitis as a possible adverse event 1.

Key Points to Consider

  • The provided evidence does not directly discuss Verzenio (abemaciclib) in relation to pancreatitis but mentions pancreatitis as a potential adverse event in the context of pembrolizumab treatment 1.
  • Pancreatitis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention, characterized by symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
  • While the exact mechanism of how certain medications might cause pancreatitis is not fully understood, it is crucial for patients and healthcare providers to be aware of this potential risk.
  • Regular monitoring and prompt intervention are critical in managing and preventing severe outcomes from pancreatitis in patients undergoing treatment with medications that may have this association.

Clinical Implications

  • Healthcare providers should be vigilant for signs of pancreatitis in patients treated with medications that have a known or potential association with this condition.
  • Patient education on recognizing the symptoms of pancreatitis is essential for early detection and management.
  • The decision to continue, adjust, or discontinue a medication associated with pancreatitis should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the individual patient's risk factors, the severity of the condition, and the potential benefits of the treatment.

From the Research

Association of Verzenio (Abemaciclib) with Pancreatitis

  • There are no direct research papers provided that associate Verzenio (abemaciclib) with pancreatitis 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • The studies provided discuss the risk of acute pancreatitis associated with acid-suppressing drugs 2, drug-induced acute pancreatitis related to medications commonly used in gastroenterology 3, and the clinical development of abemaciclib in breast cancer 4, 5.
  • One study discusses predictors of pancreatitis among patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with vedolizumab, but does not mention abemaciclib 6.
  • The available evidence does not provide a clear answer to the question of whether Verzenio (abemaciclib) is associated with pancreatitis.

Relevant Studies

  • A study on the risk of acute pancreatitis associated with acid-suppressing drugs found no significant association, but could not exclude a substantial increase in risk with confidence 2.
  • A review of drug-induced acute pancreatitis related to medications commonly used in gastroenterology highlights the difficulty in establishing a relationship between a medication and pancreatitis 3.
  • Studies on abemaciclib discuss its efficacy and safety in the treatment of breast cancer, but do not mention pancreatitis as a side effect 4, 5.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

The risk of acute pancreatitis associated with acid-suppressing drugs.

British journal of clinical pharmacology, 2000

Research

A narrative review of the clinical development of CDK4/6 inhibitor abemaciclib in breast cancer.

Translational breast cancer research : a journal focusing on translational research in breast cancer, 2022

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.

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