OBJECTIVES: In recent years, new hypoglycaemic drugs that affect the incretin system have become increasingly popular in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM): glucagon-like receptor 1 agonists (GLP1RAs), dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4is) and the recently developed dual glucagon-like receptor 1 agonist and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (tirzepatide). Their main role of these drugs is to normalise blood glucose levels. In addition, GLP1RAs are approved for the treatment of excessive body weight. The efficacy of drugs affecting the incretin system is well described in the literature, however, there are still only few reports about their safety. This review aims to summarize the results of current research and meta-analyses on risk of acute pancreatitis (AP) during incretin-affecting drugs treatment.
METHODS: A narrative review was performed using present literature in an attempt to identify the relationship between AP and incretin-affecting drugs. The following keywords were used: acute pancreatitis, glucagon-like receptor 1 agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors and tirzepatide.
RESULTS: It was demonstrated that the use of DPP4is is safe for the majority of patients with T2DM, whereas a risk of AP should be noted in case of GLP1RAs therapy. To date, most studies found no significant association between tirzepatide therapy and the increased risk of AP.
CONCLUSION: The majority of studies have shown that DPP4is, GLP1RAs and tirzepatide are effective and safe in most T2DM patients. However, the follow-up time for patients treated with tirzepatide is short, therefore more studies are required to confirm the safety of this drug.