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Q: I was recently diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. After a short hospital stay, my doctor took me off of my oral contraceptives. There seems to be so many factors that could cause pancreatitis, and mine is a bit of a mystery. After I remain off the pill for 2-3 months, do you think it would be okay if I start taking them again? (I have used them with no problems for about 6 years now. Could they suddenly start giving me pancreatitis?!)
A: A patient with pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) usually presents to the physician with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, sweating, weakness, etc. Based on its outcome, pancreatitis may be classified as acute (of sudden onset) or chronic (disease that persists or recurs). One of the most common causes of pancreatitis is the use of alcohol. However, in nonalcoholic patients, particulaly in females and in the elderly, gallstone disease is the most common antecedent of pancreatitis. The attack is usually of sudden onset (acute), and the clinical presentation of pancreatitis may mask the underlying gallstone disease. In general, there are numerous possible causes of pncreatitis. In addition to alcohol and gallstone disease, other possible causes include surgery, trauma, metabolic causes, infections, rheumatologic disorders, drug induced , and others. Possible drugs causing pancreatitis include, for example, water pills, steroids, certain antibiotics, oral contraceptives (pill), and many other agents.
It seems that, in your case, the precise cause of yor bout of pancreatitis was not definitely established. Of course, you should consult your physician to see what his/her opinion regarding the cause of your pancreatitis is. However, in absence of anothe more likely cause of your pancreatitis, it would probably be best if you use another method of contraception. Since the pill could have been the cause of pancreatitis in your case, it would probably be the best not to undergo the risk of dealing with another bout of pancreatitis if you again start taking the pill.
Updated: 05/17/99
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