Distraught Wife Takes on Merck in Janumet Cancer Lawsuit
Delaware plaintiff Sandra Mitchell is suing Merck & Co. for the wrongful death of her husband, Randall Mitchell, who she says died of pancreatic cancer caused by Merck’s type-2 diabetes treatment Janumet.
The Janumet lawsuit states that since Merck is directly responsible for manufacturing, distributing and selling Janumet, the death of Mitchell’s husband is on their hands. Mr. Mitchell died after prolonged use of Janumet led to him to develop pancreatic cancer, which has turned out to be a well-known side effect of the drug. The plaintiff is holding Merck accountable for negligence because the Janumet warning label carried inadequate warnings about the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
The Risk of Janumet Cancer Exposed
Mitchell’s husband was prescribed Janumet in March 2008, and continued to use it at least through August 2011. After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Mr. Mitchell suffered severe physical, economic and emotional injuries, allegedly as a direct result of Janumet. Mr. Mitchell died on August 30, 2011 from pancreatic cancer. During and before his time of death, the Mitchells had not been aware or informed of the possibility of Janumet pancreatic cancer, according to the Janumet wrongful death lawsuit.
To Merck, Janumet is considered the successor of Januvia, another popular type-2 diabetes treatment drug that helps control glucose levels in the body. Both of these drugs use the same ingredient known as sitagliptin phosphate. The drugs made of this component are known for inhibiting the proteolytic activity of cells, which helps the body’s blood sugar levels. Despite the success of Janumet and Januvia, it has also been shown through injury reports and scientific studies that these drugs can cause pancreatic cancer. Janumet is one of Merck’s best sellers, with over $1.3 billion in sales in 2011.
Over the years, diabetes drug manufacturers have received criticism from consumers and medical experts alike for their lax warnings about pancreatic cancer linked to the drugs Byetta, Januvia, Janumet and Victoza.
On October 16, 2009, the FDA sent a letter to Merck stating that they needed to conduct post-market research on Janumet because of the high amount of injury reports of pancreatic cancer allegedly caused by the drug.
Janumet was approved by the FDA on March 30, 2007 to treat type-2 diabetes. According to court records, the defendants ignored the FDA’s order to conduct post-marketing studies and other warnings for more than two years.
At the time of Mr. Mitchell’s prescription, Merck made no effort to inform or warn the plaintiff or any other consumers in Janumet’s prescribing medical community about the risks of pancreatic cancer associated with Janumet.
Mrs. Mitchell is seeking medical, punitive and compensatory damages for the death of her husband, as well as additional rewards for her pain and suffering.
Get Free Legal Help Today
If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of pancreatic cancer caused by Janumet, Januvia, Victoza or Byetta, you have legal options. Please visit the Type-2 Diabetes Drugs Januvia, Byetta, Victoza Class Action Lawsuit Investigation . There, you can submit your claim for a free legal review and if it qualifies for legal action, a seasoned drug injury lawyer will contact you for a free, no-obligation consultation. You will be guided through the litigation process at no out-of-pocket expenses or hidden fees. The drug injury attorneys working this investigation do not get paid until you do.
Updated July 25th, 2013
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