FDA Continues Investigation Into Januvia Pancreatic Cancer

Soon after the FDA’s statement was released, the Institute for Safe Medicine Practices (ISMP) revealed that the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting database had received reports of the following side effects from Januvia:

• 77 cases of pancreatitis
• 18 cases of pancreatic cancer
• 1 case of thyroid cancer

These were found in patients who were prescribed Januvia for one year and ended their prescription on June 2012.

Januvia and other incretin mimetics have been found by one study to be 25 times more likely to cause pancreatic cancer compared to other diabetes treatment drugs.

Merck Criticized for Downplaying Januvia Side Effects

Januvia is a type-2 diabetes treatment drug manufactured by Merck & Co., and is prescribed to adult patients for insulin management in the body. It works by enacting certain functions in the body’s metabolism, which allow the body to manage its insulin at a healthy level. Ideally, with a healthy diet and exercise, Januvia would help the patient live reasonably in their normal routine. While renowned for its success, Januvia has come under fire from the recent medical discoveries about its link to pancreatic cancer.

Merck has been criticized by patients, the medical community, and the FDA for allegedly withholding this information about Januvia side effects, and is facing negligence charges from hundreds of plaintiffs across the country.

Multidistrict litigation (MDL) status is currently being considered for a number of Januvia cancer lawsuits Merck is facing (In Re: Incretin Mimetics Products Liability Litigation, MDL 2452, United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation). The first hearing to discuss this proposed MDL was held July 25, 2013.

At the hearing, more than 50 product liability lawsuits involving Januvia and pancreatic injuries that have been filed in federal courts around the country were discussed. Product liability lawyers representing plaintiffs argue that the cases should be consolidated into an MDL to avoid repetitive trials, duplicate discovery, and inconsistent court rulings across a large number of similar lawsuits.

At this time, the FDA is currently still in the process of investigating the possible link between Januvia and pancreatic cancer. They will release a statement about their investigation when results are found.

Take Legal Action Today

If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of a Januvia pancreatic cancer injury, you have legal options. Please visit the Type-2 Diabetes Drugs Januvia, Byetta, and 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 Januvia 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 Januvia lawsuit lawyers working this investigation do not get paid until you do.