Serious adverse effects following use of liraglutide in individuals with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog liraglutide is extensively used for type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially in those with overweight and cardiovascular risk factors. The risk benefit ratio favors their use. The life-threatening complications such as cholecystitis and pancreatitis are infrequently reported. Here we report two patients who developed recurrent gallstone diseases with cholestatic jaundice and acute pancreatitis in a male patient and an asymptomatic large gallstone stone in a female kidney transplant patient with no previous evidence of gallstone disease. This highlights the importance of surveillance screening in patients on liraglutide to prevent the development of complications.

Keywords

• acute pancreatitis
• complications of liraglutide
• gallstone diseases
• need for surveillance
• type 2 diabetes mellitus