Acute pancreatitis due to different semaglutide regimens: An updated meta-analysis

Abstract

Objectives

Some concerns persist regarding the safety of semaglutide. The objective of this updated meta-analysis is to assess the risk of acute pancreatitis with the use of semaglutide, assessing the results according to the different administration regimens.

Methods

We performed an updated meta-analysis of randomised, placebo-controlled studies of semaglutide therapy that report acute pancreatitis. This meta-analysis was performed in line with PRISMA guidelines. A global and stratified analysis according to the therapeutic scheme used was performed using the fixed-effects model.

Results

Twenty-one eligible trials of semaglutide, including 34,721 patients, were identified and considered eligible for the analyses. Globally, semaglutide therapy was not associated with an increased risk of acute pancreatitis (OR 0.7; 95% CI 0.5–1.2, I² 0%). When we analysed the studies according to the different schemes used, the results were similar (group with oral semaglutide: OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.10–1.60, I² 0%; group with low subcutaneous doses of semaglutide: OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.40–1.90, I² 0%; group with high subcutaneous doses of semaglutide: OR 0.70; 95% CI 0.50–1.20, I² 0%; interaction p-value = 0.689).

Conclusion

This updated meta-analysis demonstrates that the use of semaglutide is not associated with an increased risk of acute pancreatitis compared to placebo. In the stratified analysis, the results were similar with the different semaglutide regimens analysed.