Januvia & Byetta Linked to Pancreatic Cancer

Januvia, which is manufactured by Merck & Co., and Byetta, which is manufactured by Bristol Myers Squibb, are new type-2 diabetes medications that help sustain blood sugar levels in patients who cannot do it alone through diet and exercise. The FDA is currently investigating findings in a new study that suggests the type-2 diabetes medications increase the risk for developing pancreatic cancer. Their investigation is a result of both the recent study and older studies done over the past few years.

Study Reveals Increased Rate of Acute Pancreatitis

In February 2013, researchers published a study that found patients who used either Januvia or Byetta had double the rate of acute pancreatitis versus patients who were taking another medication. Comments have been reported around the globe from various doctors sharing their concerns about the new type-2 diabetes medications.

While there are mild side effects reported from taking Januvia and Byetta, such as headaches and diarrhea, the risk for acute pancreatitis, wherein the tissue surrounding the pancreas dies, has been reported in many studies. There may also be a link to the medication Byetta and thyroid cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009 issued a warning to doctors and their counterparts that it had received information regarding more than 80 cases of different types of pancreatitis reported.

Seriousness of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a serious disease that, if not recognized and treated early, can result in death. Symptoms can include upper abdominal pain along with back pain, loss of appetite, jaundice and blood clots. Patients who use Januvia or Byetta have a 2.9-fold increase in the number of cases reported containing pancreatic cancer than those patients who were under other treatments. The FDA is advising healthcare providers who currently have their patients on these medications to monitor their patients in an effort to detect symptoms early.

Help Available for Januvia or Byetta Side Effects

If you have suffered medical issues related to your pancreas or thyroid as a result of using Januvia or Byetta, you may be eligible for compensation. To learn more about the class action investigation, visit our Type 2 Diabetes Drugs Januvia, Byetta Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page. Here you can learn more about the side effects of Januvia and Byetta and also learn about the investigation that is ensuing.