Pancreatitis Cases Linked to Exenatide Use

Some 30 postmarketing cases of acute pancreatitis have been reported in patients taking exenatide (Byetta; Amylin), the relatively new antidiabetic agent indicated for type 2 diabetes in adults. As a result, Amylin is adding information about acute pancreatitis in the precautions section of the product label. Physicians are advised to tell their patients who are using this medication to seek immediate medical care if they experience unexplained, persistent, severe abdominal pain, with or without vomiting.