Acute pancreatitis begins as a sudden onset of sharp pain in the mid- and upper abdomen.

CNN: What could be causing my pancreatitis?

In 2007, Byetta was linked to a higher risk of acute pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas.

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Some people do have an immune reaction causing chronic (long-term) pancreatitis, which is very different from painful acute pancreatitis.

CNN: What could be causing my pancreatitis?

Some folks with cystic fibrosis, high serum triglycerides and other familial syndromes are at increased risk of acute pancreatitis.

CNN: What could be causing my pancreatitis?

That means 19 out of 20 people who have acute pancreatitis for unknown reasons will never have it again.

CNN: What could be causing my pancreatitis?

One analyst also noted there were statistically significant and meaningful imbalances favoring patients in the control group in several characteristics that are known to be important risk factors for acute pancreatitis, particularly alcohol and gallstones.

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In October 2007, the FDA weighed in on the issue, saying it had analyzed 30 reports of acute pancreatitis in diabetes patients who were taking Byetta, and warning physicians to watch out for pancreatitis cases and to stop Byetta immediately if they occurred.

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Ashcroft entered the hospital last Thursday night with acute gallstone pancreatitis.

CNN: Ashcroft remains in intensive care

The condition also produces severe abdominal cramping and acute inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) caused by clumps of fats particles blocking capillary flow.

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