Type 2 Diabetes Drugs Linked to Pancreatitis in New Research
By Kimberly Mirando
Type 2 diabetes patients taking Januvia, Byetta and other similar drugs are at an increased risk for developing pancreatitis and certain types of cancer, according to new research announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and researchers at Johns Hopkins University.
On March 14, 2013, the FDA alerted type 2 diabetes patients that the agency is evaluating research suggesting that drugs like Januvia, Byetta and Bydureon increase the risk of pancreatitis and pre-cancerous cellular changes in diabetic users. The FDA announcement came two weeks after Johns Hopkins researchers published a study in JAMA Internal Medicine that states patients treated with these drugs doubled their risk of developing acute pancreatitis.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, affecting millions of Americans. It’s a chronic condition that can be life-threatening if the patient cannot control his or her blood sugar levels. The FDA has approved a number of medications to help patients improve their glucose control. Januvia (manufactured by Merck & Co.) and Byetta (manufactured by Bristol-Meyers Squibb Co.) are two of the most popular type 2 diabetes drugs on the market.
Januvia is a once-daily prescription pill that helps adults with type 2 diabetes lower their blood sugar levels. Byetta is an injectable prescription medication that may improve blood sugar (glucose) control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Both drugs have been linked to serious and even fatal side effects, including allergic reactions, kidney problems and gallbladder problems. The reports that these drugs may increase the risk of pancreatitis, pancreas cancer and thyroid cancer, however, have many concerned.
Although Merck and Bristol-Meyers Squibb included warnings of these potential side effects, some patients say the warnings were not strong enough and did not adequately explain how prevalent these risks actually are.
Pancreatitis Symptoms
Pancreatitis is inflammation in the pancreas, the long, flat gland that sits behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. Pancreatitis can occur suddenly and only last for a few days (acute) or may be long-term and occur over a number of years (chronic).
Mild cases of pancreatitis may go away without treatment, but severe cases can cause life-threatening complications.
Januvia and Byetta users who experience the following symptoms of pancreatitis and urged to contact their doctor right away:
- Upper abdominal pain
- Pain that radiates from the stomach to the back
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Oily, smelly stools (steatorrhea)
These symptoms may also be signs of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is extremely dangerous because the signs and symptoms of the disease often don’t occur until it is in its advanced stages.
Other symptoms of pancreatic cancer include bloating, blood clots, dark urine, itching and light-colored stools.
Signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer include:
- Lump or swelling in neck
- Neck/throat pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Frequent coughing
- Changes to your voice, including hoarseness
Legal Help is Available
If you or a loved one took Januvia, Byetta or another type 2 diabetes drug and were diagnosed with pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer to thyroid cancer, you may have a legal claim.
Visit the Januvia, Byetta & Other Type 2 Diabetes Drugs Class Action Lawsuit Investigation to learn more. While there, submit your information for a free legal review. You may have a case to seek compensation through a class action settlement or individual drug injury award.
Updated August 8th, 2013
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