New Lawsuit Says Diabetes Drug Makers Downplayed Risks of Cancer
By Anne Bucher
On June 14, 2013, New York resident Robert Cataletto filed a Januvia lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Between 2009 and 2012, Cataletto received prescriptions for Januvia and Byetta to treat his type-2 diabetes. Both drugs are currently under regulatory investigation for the increasing the risk of pancreatic cancer in patients.
In his Januvia lawsuit, Cataletto alleges that the drug manufacturers were aware that these products increased a patient’s risk of developing Byetta or Januvia pancreatic cancer when compared to patients who were treated with older diabetes medications. Although the companies were aware of the risk, they took steps to conceal them from the public and physicians.
Cataletto is seeking damages for his pain, suffering and economic loss he sustained from Byetta and Januvia side effects. He is also seeking punitive damages because of the companies’ disregard for patient health and safety. He believes that the companies purposely downplayed the health risks posed by their products.
Byetta and Januvia Pancreatic Cancer Risk
Byetta, manufactured by Merck, has been on the market since 2005. Januvia, manufactured by Amylin Pharmaceuticals, has been on the market since 2007. Both Januvia and Byetta belong to a class called incretin mimetics, which help to lower the blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. These drugs prompt the pancreas to release insulin and prevent the pancreas from releasing too much glucagon in order to manage blood sugar levels.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) received reports of 88 cases of pancreatitis in patients who took Januvia. In 2009, the Januvia label was updated to warn patients about the potential risk. In 2011, a study published in Gastroenterology found that patients who took Januvia were up to six times more likely to develop pancreatitis. The same study also indicated an increased Januvia pancreatic cancer risk. Other studies indicate that Januvia can cause precancerous changes in the pancreas, increasing the risk of Januvia pancreatic cancer. The FDA may recommend a clinical trial of Januvia and Byetta to show patterns of adverse pancreatic events.
An increasing number of patients have complained that they developed pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer or thyroid cancer after taking Januvia or Byetta. Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer because there is currently no effective method of treatment.
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Jaundice
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating
- Blood clots
- Depression
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stools
- Nausea and vomiting
- Itching
- Enlarged lymph nodes on the neck
Seek Legal Assistance
If you or someone you love has suffered from Byetta or Januvia pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis, visit our Type 2 Diabetes Drugs Januvia, Byetta Class Action Lawsuit Investigation to learn more about your legal options. When you submit information about your injuries, a Januvia lawyer will conduct a free case evaluation to determine whether you may qualify to join a Byetta or Januvia lawsuit. If you win your Januvia lawsuit, you could receive compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and other losses you experienced.
Updated June 20th, 2013
All medical device, dangerous drug and medical class action and lawsuit news updates are listed in the Drug and Medical Device section of Top Class Actions.
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