K T Kvande1, S Madsen. 1. Medisinsk avdeling Statens legemiddelverk Sven Oftedalsvei 6 0950 Oslo. kristin.kvande@slk.no
Abstract
BACKGROUND: About 2% of all cases of pancreatitis are drug-induced. Several drugs cause pancreatitis, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two Norwegian adverse drug event reports and a review of the international WHO adverse drug reactions database form the basis for this discussion. We found a total of 160 cases of pancreatitis associated with SSRIs. RESULTS: Our findings support the notion that SSRIs may trigger pancreatitis in rare cases. The course of the disease may be severe and even fatal. INTERPRETATION: Physicians should be aware of the possibility that SSRIs may trigger pancreatitis. Patients taking SSRIs should be evaluated for pancreatitis if they report abdominal pain of unknown cause.
BACKGROUND: About 2% of all cases of pancreatitis are drug-induced. Several drugs cause pancreatitis, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two Norwegian adverse drug event reports and a review of the international WHO adverse drug reactions database form the basis for this discussion. We found a total of 160 cases of pancreatitis associated with SSRIs. RESULTS: Our findings support the notion that SSRIs may trigger pancreatitis in rare cases. The course of the disease may be severe and even fatal. INTERPRETATION: Physicians should be aware of the possibility that SSRIs may trigger pancreatitis. Patients taking SSRIs should be evaluated for pancreatitis if they report abdominal pain of unknown cause.