By Colin Kenny, GP, County Down
The increased risk of pancreatitis in people receiving glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes has been known for several years and is reflected in current summaries of product characteristics. The possible risk of pancreatic cancer discussed in the Channel 4 documentary and the BMJ article was based on pancreatic-duct metaplasia seen in donor organs but not replicated in clinical trials.
The PCDS Committee advised that healthcare professionals make no changes to their current practice in relation to these agents. The European Medicines Agency (EMA), the US Food and Drug Administration and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency have made similar recommendations (referenced in the statement linked below). The Committee reflected that the potential link between these therapies and pancreatitis has been known for several years. Current EMA advice is that these drugs remain available as treatments to patients within the NHS.
