Lipase
A pancreatic enzyme that breaks down fats. Elevated blood lipase is a more specific indicator of pancreatitis than amylase. Lipase levels may be monitored during GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy, and significant elevations warrant clinical assessment for pancreatitis.
Technical Context
Serum lipase: produced almost exclusively by the pancreas (more specific than amylase for pancreatic disease). In acute pancreatitis: lipase rises within 4-8 hours of onset, peaks at 24 hours, and remains elevated for 8-14 days (longer than amylase). Lipase >3× ULN has approximately 95% sensitivity and specificity for acute pancreatitis. Elevated without pancreatitis: renal failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, bowel obstruction, and some medications. For GLP-1 RA safety: the pancreatitis safety signal is monitored through both clinical reporting (symptoms) and biochemical surveillance (lipase/amylase in some trials). Isolated lipase elevation without symptoms (incidental finding during monitoring) is common with GLP-1 RAs and does not necessarily indicate pancreatitis — clinical context is essential. Guidelines recommend discontinuing GLP-1 RA if acute pancreatitis is confirmed (not merely for asymptomatic enzyme elevation).