Individuals with type 2 diabetes who have taken diabetic medications, such as Januvia or Byetta, may be at an increased risk for developing certain types of cancer, such as pancreatic or thyroid cancer. These drugs help control blood sugar levels and have been extremely successful in recent years because of the advantages they offer diabetics. Yet because they are new, these drugs may cause a slew of unknown side effects and complications.
In 2008 alone, the FDA received more than 30 reports of acute pancreatitis in Byetta patients. There were also 2 deaths and 4 hospitalizations due to pancreatic problems associated with the use of this diabetic drug. Patients who use Byetta or Januvia should pay close attention to signs of pancreatic problems, including:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Rapid heartbeat
- Swollen or tender abdomen
- Bowel changes
The drug manufacturers who make Byetta and Januvia continue to downplay the serious health risks associated with using their diabetic drugs, which include thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, liver cancer, and liver complications.
The Research against Byetta and Januvia
A recent study published in the journal Gastroenterology found that doctors reported 6x as many cases of pancreatitis in patients taking these two diabetes drugs. In addition, doctors reported 2.9 times as many cases of pancreatic cancer in patients taking Byetta and 2.7 times as many cases of pancreatic cancer in patients taking Januvia. Researchers also found an increase in reported cases of thyroid cancer in patients taking Byetta.
While these statistics are alarming, they are still preliminary and point to the need for further research and testing. Doctors should also avoid prescribing these medications for patients with a family history of pancreatic or thyroid cancer and carefully weigh the risks before prescribing these medications to individuals with a history of pancreatitis.
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Januvia and Byetta Lawsuit Attorneys
The dangerous drug attorneys at Phillips Law Firm represent individuals, across the United States, who have been injured due to a dangerous drug or defective medical product. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, or thyroid cancer after using the diabetic medications Januvia or Byetta it is important to retain the services of an experienced attorney immediately. Call Phillips Law Firm today at 1-800-708-6000. We can help you file a lawsuit against these giant pharmaceutical companies, call us today to discuss all of your legal options.
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