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Case Reports
. 2025 Mar 19;17(3):e80832.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.80832. eCollection 2025 Mar.

Exploring Acute Pancreatitis After Orlistat Use: A Case Report

Abeer Qasim  1 , Abhilasha Jyala  1 , Ornela Thartori  1 , Haider Ghazanfar  1 , Sarah Moore  2 , Elona Shehi  3
Affiliations
Case Reports

Exploring Acute Pancreatitis After Orlistat Use: A Case Report

Abeer Qasim et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Orlistat is an FDA-approved medication for obesity management that functions as a pancreatic lipase inhibitor. This medication is accessible without a prescription in numerous developed nations. As its utilization rises, the likelihood of experiencing adverse events also increases. A thorough understanding of these events is crucial for making informed decisions and ensuring effective management. We describe the case of a 23-year-old female who presented with acute pancreatitis after she started orlistat. We reviewed the association between orlistat use and acute pancreatitis, analyzing clinical cases and potential risk factors. By examining available medical literature and case studies, our study aims to provide insights into the correlation between orlistat therapy and the manifestation of acute pancreatitis.

Keywords: calcium; drug-induced; etiology; orlistat; pancreatitis; risk factor; s: orlistat.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. CT abdomen showing fullness of the pancreas with moderate peripancreatic fat stranding and edema [as shown by arrow].
Figure 2
Figure 2. US abdomen: Questionable trace perihepatic ascites. Otherwise, unremarkable right upper quadrant sonogram.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Common etiologies of acute pancreatitis
image created by Dr Sarah Moore
Figure 4
Figure 4. Common drugs associated with drug-induced acute pancreatitis and their proposed mechanisms
image created by Dr Sarah Moore
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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