I have enquired about the incidence of the above with Novartis and here is their answer:
...........Pancreatitis has been reported with Nilotinib in the clinical trials to date in both the chronic and accelerated phase however the discontinuation rate, as a result of this side effect, has occurred in less than 1% of patients.
It will be a side effect that will be listed on the Summary of Product Characteristics once Nilotinib is approved towards the end of this year. .........
So we can take it that it is by no means a common side effect.
Best wishes
Elizabeth