SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Over the Counter Medications:readily Available but Not Risk Free: A Case of Calcium Carbonate Induced Pancreatitis.

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This case report describes a 39-year-old woman with recurrent acute pancreatitis caused by excessive calcium carbonate use. She presented to the emergency department with severe epigastric pain radiating to her back and had a history of GERD, tobacco use, sleeve gastrectomy, and prior cholecystectomy. Over the previous eight months, she had experienced two episodes of pancreatitis.<br /><br />Her home medications included ibuprofen and Tums, and she admitted taking up to 12 Tums tablets daily for several months to relieve heartburn. Laboratory studies showed marked hypercalcemia (calcium 14.7 mg/dL), elevated lipase greater than 3000 U/L, metabolic alkalosis, and acute kidney injury with creatinine rising to 1.53 mg/dL from a baseline of 0.8 mg/dL. Parathyroid hormone and vitamin D levels were low, while bilirubin, liver enzymes, and lipid panel were normal. CT imaging demonstrated pancreatic and peripancreatic edema, confirming acute pancreatitis.<br /><br />The report emphasizes that while acute pancreatitis is commonly caused by gallstones, alcohol use, and hypertriglyceridemia, hypercalcemia and medication-induced pancreatitis are less frequent but important causes. Calcium-containing products are a known though rare contributor to hypercalcemia-related pancreatitis. This case highlights that over-the-counter medications, often perceived as safe, can cause serious and even life-threatening complications when misused.<br /><br />The authors stress the importance of careful medication reconciliation, including over-the-counter products, especially as more patients self-treat due to limited access to primary care.

Asset Subtitle

Yusuf Buxamusa

Meta Tag

Author List Alexis Ferguson, Graciela M. Luna, Yusuf Buxamusa

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Calcium Carbonate

Concept Hypercalcemia

Concept Acute Pancreatitis

Concept Medication Reconciliation

Concept Over-the-Counter Medication

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Lakeland Regional Health

Presenting Author Yusuf Buxamusa

Track Adult

Keywords

acute pancreatitis

hypercalcemia

calcium carbonate

Tums

medication-induced pancreatitis

recurrent pancreatitis

metabolic alkalosis

acute kidney injury

over-the-counter medications

medication reconciliation

Calcium Carbonate

Hypercalcemia

Acute Pancreatitis

Medication Reconciliation

Over-the-Counter Medication