Pancreatitis
Clinical reviewer: Jacob Moore, MD · Last checked September 24, 2026
What is pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, the organ that makes insulin and digestive enzymes. It happens when those enzymes damage the pancreas itself. It can be acute, a sudden, short-term condition, or chronic; either form is serious and can lead to complications. GLP-1 receptor agonist labels, including Wegovy's and Zepbound's, warn that acute pancreatitis has been observed in treated patients.
What causes pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, the organ that makes insulin and digestive enzymes [1]. It occurs when those enzymes damage the pancreas itself, which causes the inflammation [1]. Pancreatitis can be acute, which comes on suddenly and is a short-term condition, or chronic; either form is serious and can lead to complications [1].
Why do GLP-1 labels warn about pancreatitis?
Wegovy's and Zepbound's labels both state that acute pancreatitis, including fatal and non-fatal hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis, has been observed in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists [2][3]. The labels describe signs to watch for: persistent or severe abdominal pain, sometimes radiating to the back, which may or may not come with nausea or vomiting [2][3]. If pancreatitis is suspected, the labels direct that treatment be discontinued and appropriate management started [2][3].
Frequently asked questions
What symptoms of pancreatitis do the GLP-1 labels mention?+−
Persistent or severe abdominal pain, sometimes radiating to the back, that may or may not come with nausea or vomiting. The labels list these as the signs to watch for.
Is acute pancreatitis the same as chronic pancreatitis?+−
No. Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly and is a short-term condition, while chronic pancreatitis persists over time. Both forms are serious and can lead to complications.
Related terms
Sources
This entry is for education and is not medical advice. Talk with a licensed clinician about your own situation before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.
