If you have developed pancreas issues after taking a diabetes drug such as Januvia or Byetta, you may be able to sue the drug manufacturer for your illness. Januvia and Byetta are called incretin mimetics, which means that they mimic incretin hormones. Research has shown that Januvia and Byetta may be responsible for an increased risk of pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis in patients.
Incretin mimetics help diabetics with Type 2 diabetes regulate their blood sugar. They do this by increasing incretin hormones that the body normally produces once a meal is eaten to stimulate the production of insulin. However, research has shown that Januvia and Byetta may increase the risk of pancreas issues in patients by up to six times.
The FDA approved Byetta in 2005, but by 2007 had already issued an alert about the drug because of the high numbers of patients taking the drug who developed pancreatitis. The FDA issued an alert about Januvia in 2009. The FDA issued another alert in 2013 about the drugs and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer and thyroid cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. It is very aggressive and even if it is caught early, the prognosis for the patient is usually bad. Pancreatitis is a painful condition that involves inflammation of the pancreas and can reduce life expectancy by 10 or 15 years.
Because pancreas issues such as pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis are so serious, many patients who have taken Januvia or Byetta, or are currently taking them are very concerned. There have been lawsuits filed already for victims who have taken the drugs and developed pancreas or thyroid issues.
If you have taken Januvia or Byetta and are experiencing issues with your pancreas or thyroid, you should speak with an attorney. You may be entitled to compensation. Call me, Conal Doyle, California personal injury attorney at 310-385-0567. I can help. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation.