Adverse Side Effects: Empagliflozin-Related Acute Pancreatitis Case Report

Abstract

Acute pancreatitis is an acute inflammatory process of the pancreas that is associated with multiple etiologies. The two most common causes are gallstones and acute alcohol intoxication. However, medications are often overlooked when determining the cause. Empagliflozin is a type of sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Given that this medication is new, the adverse effects have not been fully reported in the literature. Currently, the most commonly reported side effects are genitourinary infections such as cystitis or yeast infection although acute pancreatitis as a result of empagliflozin is very rare. Here, we discuss a case of a 64-year-old female who presented with severe pancreatitis after recently initiating the use of empagliflozin. Based on the timing of her presentation and her hospital workup to rule out many of the common etiologies, it was concluded that empagliflozin was the likely cause of her acute pancreatitis. With SGLT-2 inhibitors such as empagliflozin, becoming popular as first-line in the management of diabetes, this case may hope to raise awareness of the possible adverse effects related to it. Additionally, this case also emphasizes the importance of identifying iatrogenic related pancreatitis.